jtprouty

My Feedback: (1)

Hi All,

Does anyone have a suggestion for which switch I should use for my winch? I have the power running through two relays so it shouldn't draw very much amperage through it during use. Of course it needs to be durable. Any information would be greatly appreciated,

Jim Prouty

SoCal GliderGuider

Local industrial supply. Machinery.

Also Graingers. Or McMaster-Carr on the internet.

smoking joe

I have a switch from local Carquest Auto parts store that I plan on using just for that purpose don't have a part # but its a simple push starter switch 12V application. Smoking Joe

rogerflies

My Feedback: (3)

I make a Truly Redundant footswitch. It has two microswitches which close at slightly different times as the pedal is depressed. Each microswitch is connected to one of the winch solenoids. The solenoids are mounted in series, of course.

This arrangements reduces wear on one of the solenoids, since the first one to close isn't switching any current at the time it closes. That reduces the chances of contact welding and a runaway winch.

The other benefit of the Truly Redundant footswitch is that you can easily tell if one of the solenoids has welded contacts. As you depress the switch, you'll hear the first solenoid close with a distinct "click". Press further, the second solenoid closes, and the motor runs. If you don't hear the "click", the first solenoid has welded contacts. If the motor runs with the pedal depressed only a little, the secoond solenoid has welded contacts. Every time you use the winch, you'll know if the solenoids are OK, and letting up on the pedal will get at least one of the solenoids to open.

The only way to tell if you have welded solenoid contacts with a regular footswitch is to test each solenoid separately, or wait for a runaway winch to ruin your day.

Here's a photo. Email me if you're interested in getting one or need more info on how to make your own.

Roger

jtprouty

My Feedback: (1)

Hi All,

Thanks for all of the information. I'd like to try both methods and have purchased a high quality switch from a local marine store. I would definitely like informaton on the micro switchs also.

Also, is there a semi-common design for the pedal itself? I was considering getting a used (ie. broken) foot pedal from a sewing machine and putting the switches in that. Thoughts?

Happy flying,

Jim Prouty

Miami Mike

Here's something new you might be interested in. It's an audible alarm that sounds if either winch solenoid gets stuck:


[link]http://www.vvsss.com/buzzer/[/link]

jtprouty

My Feedback: (1)

Hi Mike,

Saw this on RCSE. Looks great! Will add one to my new winch for use this spring. Thanks for the great information!

Jim
www.jtmodels.com