ORIGINAL: The Big Kahuna
Hi guys, now that the Velocity Stack question has been answered, here is my next one.
We all agree that some form of kill switch is a must have and the Opto Kill is probably as good as you can get.
Now, what about a POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM / Blue Box / which sends an amplified but measured signal to all survos? I do not use one with my DL50 planes. I simply go off the receiver like i do in Glo 40 size planes. I have had no problems yet but I sure would like to know if I am taking a gamble. My ignition system and my RX system are independant with seperate batteries for each. What are your thoughts on POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS???
more electronics = more troubles
Always look for the SPOF, Single Point of Failure. You can have a fancy distribution system, but since it's just one system, the chances are that you get in trouble sooner than just using a decent battery and mechanical switch setup.
The images show the setup I'm using for my 30% EF Extra. One 2-cell 2300mah A123, good for 5 15 minute flights. I used the Ultra Switch II from Electrodynamics and I can balance charge through the receptacle. ED now sells batteries and switches that match, the ED-nano series. Nice company to deal with and their ignition cut-off is great too.
If you want more than 5 flights, consider 2 A123 batteries and the Fromeco Wolverine switch with 2x 16AWG in and one 16AWG out. Solder a Deans to 2 servo wires that go into the receiver, good for 8 A continues w/o voltage drop, much more peak.
Only for 35% and up you need a distribution system. Most receivers can deal with peaks of 30 A.