High there, I wonder if I should mount a high current switch in my Super Reaper (145 N thrust = 32 lbs, 15 kg), with 6 digital servos. (2 pcs Hitech 5945 and 4 pcs. Robbe F250T). Maximum current when ALL are blocked (on 4 cells) = 2 x 1.8 A + 4*0.7A = 6.4 Amperes.

My supply is 4 cells 1400 AE sanyo, which easily delivers 6.4 A, but my concern is the standard switch, will it be sufficient for peak current of 6.4 A?

I change to larger leads, and connectors (if any) between accu and switch, and larger leads between switch and receiver, but the Futaba receiver still has standard tiny connector for accu connection… I don’t want to solder the leads directly into the receiver, do I??

Lars,
I would suggest (on any plane) you use at least a dual pole switch! Most radio systems are supplied with a cheap single pole light duty switch, if the single pole contact fails your plane is re-kitted! Both JR and Futaba (others as well) now make excellent HD multi-pole switches that are designed for todays higher current systems. If you opened up one of the stock system switches and looked at how they are made you would never use one again

Todd

Lars

Use a JR 498 switch (PCM10 type) or MAS B Switch-Failsafe type.
Bin the 1400AE cells they are NOT up to the job-use 2000 Sanyos (used in JR 1900J battery) or new HV 3300 NiMH cells.

You should bin the Hitec servos too...

Dave Wilshere

Lars, are these your servos thay are talking about ?

http://www.rc-unionen.dk/nytforum/to...?TOPIC_ID=2316


SJ.

thanks both,

lov2 - if dual pole means breaking both "+" and "-", it in fact increases the risk of faliure.. But I get your point, the standard switch is not high current.

Dave - the 1400 AE cells are good for quite hígh current draw, since they often are used for e-power planes, with say 10A constant draw. Why would the not be suitable for such a job?

The Hitech servoes gets just as good words, as eg. JR, what bad have you heard of the 5945's?

SJ - yes, but as you see, I am safe due to the older fabrication date of my servoes.

Lars,

A dual pole switch has 2 positive poles and 2 switch poles. The ground side is unswitched. One side can fail and you would still have a connection.

dual pole

............................___+/ ____
_________________I____-____I_________(ignore the dots)
............................I__+/ ____I

single pole

_____________+ / -__________________-

if you get my point

You may want to consider something like the powr bus pro if you're worried about the voltage being carried thru the receiver. The powr bus bypasses the receiver and takes the power straight to the servos. You can use a 4.8 pack for the receiver and a larger pack for the servos. Here's a link with more info. Jon
electrodynamics powr bus pro

No powerbus needed! just buy a GOOD SWITCH....

Lars, Topgun is correct....Dual pole switch has two + and two - poles to make contact, should one pole fail you still have battery feed.... Your AE cells should be OK but you should recharge after every flight.....

Todd

thank you, nice to get your inputs!

I’ll buy a good socalled “high current switch”, and add good plugs between accu and switch. The plug for the receiver stills concerns me, I might concern soldering a lead with a better plug directly into the receiver.

The AE cells I’ll check with voltage spy, and discharge measurement, to avoid surprises, but “Spunki” (Austrian Super Reaper pilot, 90 N turbine) measures almost no consumption during flight.

thanks again,