OPTICAL KILL SWITCH
 

I installed an optical kill switch on a Fugi 63 engine which caused the engine to run roughly. While running, the LED in the switch circuit would flicker. The switch would promptly shut down the engine. After removing the switch the engine ran fine. It was replaced and removed several times to confirm that it was the cause of the problem. The switch was purchased from a highly reliable giant scale supplier. The installation is very straight forward. Is there a preferred brand of switch or may this be related to this particular engine?

RE: OPTICAL KILL SWITCH
 

Make sure you have full travel on the channel you are using.

Milton

RE: OPTICAL KILL SWITCH
 

What radio and what switch?

Anything is possible but chances are it's setup.

RE: OPTICAL KILL SWITCH
 

The radio is a Futaba 8FG. The switch is a 42%. The ignition battery is a new four cell nicad. I used an open channel assigned to a two position lever.

RE: OPTICAL KILL SWITCH
 

Take a look at your servo monitor screen and make sure the switch is throwing full throw each way and there's no mixing touching it.

I would also check over my wiring for a loose connection.

Hell you could have caught a bad switch, bad components crop up from time to time. I've had a couple of them in regular service and they have been trouble free but I've seen brand new components be bad out of the box including some pricey servos and recievers so nothing is impossible.

RE: OPTICAL KILL SWITCH
 

Thanks for the replies. I have been reading a lot about optical kill switchs and I have found that others have had similar problems. I am inclined to look for a switch which truly separates the receiver from the ignition module via a fiberoptic link of some length. I believe that I have found it in the unit made by by electodynamics. It is bulkier than the 42% and pricy but the concept looks sound. Any thoughts?

RE: OPTICAL KILL SWITCH
 

http://smart-fly.com/Products/Ignition/ignition.htm

RE: OPTICAL KILL SWITCH
 

+1 smart-fly</p>

RE: OPTICAL KILL SWITCH
 

Have used both and each has been flawless. Smart fly will save you some money.

enjoy

RE: OPTICAL KILL SWITCH
 

I've am using both the Electro Dynamics and the Smart Fly... both have worked fine for me.

RE: OPTICAL KILL SWITCH
 

Many thanks to all of you for educting me on this subject.

RE: OPTICAL KILL SWITCH
 

That's one way to skin the cat.

I prefer the Tech Aero IBEC. Not only is it a remote kill switch but also eliminates the ignition battery. The signal is optically isolated from the RX. This is a highly tested and developed product that works great.... Cost is moderate at around 55$ but its reliability and light weight (18 grams) and small size are terrific. I use them in all my gassies even in the one that doesn't need a 5 ounce weight savings (ignition bat and switch)