Remote kill switch for magneto engines - options
10-24-2016, 06:58 PM
#1
Remote kill switch for magneto engines - options
I want to put a kill switch on my G-62 that can be operated from the transmitter. Current options, that I'm aware of are below.
Would welcome any experiences with these options or any other reliable solutions that you have
RCAT electronic switch for magneto engines.
Plugs directly into receiver- no servo or mechanical switch needed. Looks slick but always concerned about plugging something into my receiver that is connected to the ignition... Other than that I don't really have any concerns- in fact, I like it. http://www.rcatsystems.com/rc.php
Mechanical servo operated micro switch
Commonly available from Radio Shack - Great Planes has or had sold a variation at one time (below). Downside is that it requires a servo to push on the switch and I wonder if these hold up to vibration over time. Upside, not connected to the radio. Haven't found it on Tower site but found it here: http://www.brhobbies.com/products.asp?cat=153&pg=2 and https://www.radioshack.com/products/...nt=20332090693
Thanks in advance.
Dave
Would welcome any experiences with these options or any other reliable solutions that you have
RCAT electronic switch for magneto engines.
Plugs directly into receiver- no servo or mechanical switch needed. Looks slick but always concerned about plugging something into my receiver that is connected to the ignition... Other than that I don't really have any concerns- in fact, I like it. http://www.rcatsystems.com/rc.php
Mechanical servo operated micro switch
Commonly available from Radio Shack - Great Planes has or had sold a variation at one time (below). Downside is that it requires a servo to push on the switch and I wonder if these hold up to vibration over time. Upside, not connected to the radio. Haven't found it on Tower site but found it here: http://www.brhobbies.com/products.asp?cat=153&pg=2 and https://www.radioshack.com/products/...nt=20332090693
Thanks in advance.
Dave
10-25-2016, 06:23 AM
#2
I've used the second style - micro switch on both a Zenoah G62 and a Zenoah GT80 twin with no problems.
On the G62, the throttle pushrod actuated the switch. It was set to be activated at just below idle when flipping a switch on the transmitter. Didn't matter what the throttle setting. Activating the switch moved the servo to low throttle and the switch move the pushrod a tad further, killing the ignition.
Although it was a bit time consuming to set it up just so to ensure proper consistent operation. once done it was great.
The slide switch was wired parallel. That meant that both it and the transmitter switch were required to allow ignition. Either one would kill. That way, there was no chance of anyone just screwing around with the engine and starting it - like spectators can sometimes do.
With the GT 80, I got lazy and just ran it with its own servo, again with the slide switch wired parallel.
In both cases, never a failure.
On the G62, the throttle pushrod actuated the switch. It was set to be activated at just below idle when flipping a switch on the transmitter. Didn't matter what the throttle setting. Activating the switch moved the servo to low throttle and the switch move the pushrod a tad further, killing the ignition.
Although it was a bit time consuming to set it up just so to ensure proper consistent operation. once done it was great.
The slide switch was wired parallel. That meant that both it and the transmitter switch were required to allow ignition. Either one would kill. That way, there was no chance of anyone just screwing around with the engine and starting it - like spectators can sometimes do.
With the GT 80, I got lazy and just ran it with its own servo, again with the slide switch wired parallel.
In both cases, never a failure.
10-25-2016, 12:12 PM
#3
When I use a servo in a back up kill situation, I hook it up to the choke. Then no wiring, switch or other malfunctions could possibly interfere with me killing the engine from the transmitter. Plus, it's rather handy to flip a switch on the TX for choking rather than a sometimes fiddly hand operated choke.
AV8TOR
AV8TOR
Last edited by av8tor1977; 10-25-2016 at 12:16 PM.
