I have a dumb question...
 

I am building a new plane and plan to use the Futaba radio equipment from my crashed plane. However, the charge-on/off switched is trashed. Are these switches universal? Because I can not find one specifically for Futaba.

I assume they are probably universal but just need someone to confirm that before I order one.

Thanks guys,



Wings

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

OK, I found one for Futaba, but its damn expensive!

$18.00

I think I may just try to repair the connections on mine. I had no idea they cost this much!

What a rip off!


Wings

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

You are right about it being a rip off.TOWER HOBBIES sells a less expensive version, at least the last time I looked[:-] Repairing the connector might only give you something that works most of the time not all of the time. Vibration is what you have think about, will your repair hold up to it?

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

I use GWS generic switch's in Futaba with no problems.

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

I got the price from off Tower Hobbies.

I understand your question totally. I need to look at it close. Even though its a rip off, I'd rather spend the money then end up loosing control in air and loose the whole plane. But I think I am going to look at it really close.

I will repair it, then make my decison.

Thanks,

Wings

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

wings, in my opinion you are fixing to make a big mistake. the switch is normally the cheapest priced component on a plane, and it is usually the component that causes the most trouble. ie. failures why would you want to cut corners by using a switch that has already been damaged and no matter how good you are at electronics repairs will always be a question mark. Look around some and you should be able to find switches with built in charge ports for less than $18 Cermark and mpi both make good switches and can be bought direct from them for less than that. Good luck Oh before I forget all switches will be set up for a specific application so if you do decide to buy new make sure you specifiy what brand of radio equipment, Futaba J, JR, old style airtronics, or what ever you happen to be using

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

You can easily repair it from a Radio Shack component. Just keep the original connectors and solder them in the new switch. Its ridiculous to pay $18 for a $1 part. Two of my three radios have radio shack switches with no consequence whatsoever.....actually have lasted longer than the original ones.

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

HI CAPPIO777! I think hobby store switches are double pole gold plated contact jobs, and I wonder if the radio shack switches are built as well? $1 for a switch sounds pretty good though.

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

Sounds like a good idea Capio. But... my connectors are not in the greatest shape either. I reassessed the damage and my switch it pretty toast, connectors and all. Can you buy just the connectors? Is so, by the time I buy the connectors and the radio shack switch, will I be saving any money?


Thanks,

Wings

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

I've used switches from a variety of manufacturers. As long as the plugs fit, it's not a problem. Futaba switches are expensive. I have a super nice Robbe switch that I got in Germany. It was way expensive but for a switch, it sure has a lot of bells and whistles. LED's, charge jacks, the works. In fact, it would look pretty good on any instrument panel. :)

OK, I was about to make a point before I started bragging about my cool switch. Oh yeah... the point is there are options besides the futaba switch that will be compatible with your futaba equipment. I'm pretty sure Hitec switches and JR switches will work but I'm not positive. It's best if you go to your LHS and check it rather than mail order and having to send it back if it doesn't fit.

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

Well, the cheapest J type futaba connectors from hobbico are about $2.89 each. You will need two males and one female to make the swicth so better off getting it from tower hobbies already done. The mini switch lists for $8.99.
[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXH462&P=V]Futaba Switch (tower hobbies)[/link]

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

If you do not want to put out the money for a new switch right now, simply plug your battery pack directly to the receiver.

As long as there is no servo bind, there is no drain.

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

Most any switch from most after market suppliers will work just great. they are listed inmost model mags etc. as well as tower. Most cost around 6.00 to 8.00. Just make sure the wiring is for your brand radio. The only one I know of that has different wiring is
airtronics. I have bought some for their radios that had the polarity reversed. If you buy a new switch harness just order one for futaba J or hitec,JR etc.

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

I have been under the weather for a week and a half. I think its getting to me. I KNOW I seen that Futaba switch on Tower Hobbies this morning for 17.99. For the life of me, I can not find it now. I must have been hullicinating. I can live with paying 10 bucks or less. Any more than that seem like a rip off.

Thanks for the link Capio. I have no idea what I was looking at this morning.

I agree with all of you that said its not worth it to save a litte money by scabbing the switch together and end up loosing the entire plane.


Thanks guys,

Wings

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

You were looking the heavy duty Futaba switch.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXXA49&P=7

Tower Hobbies must love what goes on here with all the links to their site.

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

Oops, thats right I gave you the link to the futaba MINI switch.
Here is the one from Hobbico for a Heavy Duty switch for Futaba J type, $10.99

[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVJ45&P=0]Hobbico Heavy Duty Switch for Futaba J style[/link]

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

Thanks Jim, I sincerely thought I was loosing my mind.

Cappio, So you mean the one you listed first will not work? It doesn't say on the tech notes that it is for mini servos, or whatever. I don't have a scale plane, it will be used on my 4*40.

And, when it says it is a J connector, is that just refering to the type of connection, being the one that Futaba uses?


Wings

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

Wings, both work the same, one is the mini size and the other the heavy duty size.....I didnt know which one you were looking for.

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

I am looking for cheapest one what will work safely.

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

Any manufacturer's switch will work. Just order one compatable with Futaba. I've seen them go for a lot less on eBay, even the "Futaba" brand. (Sometimes $6 to $8, which is still too much!)
Dennis-

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

So when you say compatible with Futaba, you mean "J type"?

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

Wow, I am getting responses practically in real time. Thanks guys. It would be cool if RCU had chat rooms.


Wings

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

From an electrical standpoint a switch is a switch. There is nothing special about RC switches for power. It is a simple on/off switch. Just buy whatever you like and solder on the connections. G'luck!

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

Hello Wings:

I suggest a Hitec swith. I have used them in the past a lot. They work great. They are good quality and are inexpensive. Just be sure to replace it. If any control component gives you the least amount of concern, chuck it. It is better to pay even the 18.00$ for a new swith than loose a model to a bad one you fixed. Good luck.

Mark Shuman

RE: I have a dumb question...
 

Futaba makes a lot of the products for tower hobbies. Thats why everybody thinks they are Futaba rip offs. If you peel back the sticker on a tower hobbies servo you will see futaba trademark on the servo.