ORIGINAL: vanguard
Of the 4 RCAT RC100 switches that were being used at our field, 2 caused interference to the electronic ignition. The engines would run poorly and some servo glitching on other channels was noted. One was bad enough that the plane was almost lost. All 4 were removed, same day, and all the glitching and interference was gone. I did receive one of these that was dead on arrival. RCAT replaced it very quickly, but I am now afraid to try these inexpensive switches again. I would go optical instead. An interesting side note, I had one of these in a quarter scale Cub that was flown with a Spektrum 2.4ghz radio. No glitches what so ever. I switched this plane back to 72 mhz, to use the 2.4 in another plane, and immediately had glitching. I removed the RCAT switch and it was gone. The Spektrum masked the issue. RCAT did offer to inspect these and replace if anything was found.
Hi guys,
Thanks for the comments on the RCATS switches. In the history of the switches, we have had VERY few reports of issues with them. We do offer a fiberoptic version that allows one to totally isolate the TX/RX of the electronic switch.
To note, we do not advertise that the RC-100X,RC-100, or RC-110 are optically isolated. The small processor and the actual lines being switched are isolated in the fact that the system uses a relay. The trigger line does not connect to the relay lines.
As mentioned, the end points do matter on the current switches, as does the voltage to the switch. They are designed for 5V operation and not >6V packs.
Any time that one places high current and wires that have RF on them near another set of wires, there is a possibility of interference or coupling of noise. Signal strength falls off quickly with distance, so this is why people have said to separate radio equipment as far as possible from electronic ignition over the years. What is likely happening in your case is that your ignition is emitting some signal that is either close/on 72MHz or that causes interference with your receiver. It is then picked up by coupling to the lines on the switch, causing issues. The 2.4GHz obviously didn't see this because the noise wasn't anything that affects it.
Michael Luvara
RCATS