OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

Howdy!

I have read numerous stories of airplanes crashing and the culprit was allegedly a failed Rx switch.

In fact, I suffered a crash last year and the switch was one of the items people questioned was the cause of inflight radio link disconnect.

I am putting together a new 1/4 scale model with an engine that is precious to me. I do not want to have a dubious Rx system switch.

I use a Spektrum radio. Are the Spektrum switches reputable?

What third party switches would you guys recommend?

Thanks!

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

Yep, it's real. Most pylon guys (they see pretty harsh conditions) use JR gold switches. I even add a layer of bicycle innertube under the mount to help isolate it.

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

Switches have always been a problem in RC. Use the best that make sense for your project.

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

If you are really worried, you have two options. Either remove the switch completely and plug in the battery before every flight, or use a fail-safe switch. I found these a few years ago for use on helicopters, and I am researching them for use on airplanes. Specially those aircraft with high current draw servos, as the current does not pass thru the switch. I've had a radio failure because the switch was an electrical choke point for the digital servos I was trying to power. Learned my lesson back then.

Rafael

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

I haven't used a switch in years:

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

If you are going to use a switch...use 2 of them like this http://www.hangtimes.com/parallel_packs.html

I lost a plane last year due to a failed switch and decided "NO MORE". All my planes now use dual batteries and switches. I've also gone to LiFe batteries. I use a diode in the switch leads to drop the LiFe voltage so that my old servos stay happy. No diodes are needed if using NiCd/NiMh.

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

Slightly ironic...


Kurt

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

these have been reliable for me. On my larger planes I tend to use the two battery, two switch option for redundancy also.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXPNU3&P=ML

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

Thanks everyone! :)

This one Vic?

http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/JRPA001

The Spektrum switch looks identical. Could it be one and the same?

http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...arness-SPM9532

T-Bird: Thanks. That looks pretty heavy duty alright.

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

You got it.
I agree the spectrum looks just like it, but haven't used one.

Kurt has the simplest idea although it might not be for you. I know a lot of the big scale guys use redundant switches as mentioned.

Kurt, I'm curious about your fuel line...it seems you don't have much to pinch off on when fueling up?

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

That's what I'm saying!!!!

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

Hey vicman,

I probably cut it too close! Nothing better than a pair of hemostats.

Kurt

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

I was setting up a new plane with 7 servos, due to the size I could only get in a 4 cell nimh battery and during setup the Rx telemetry voltage alarm kept going off, so I tried a Lipo and BEC, I noticed that the voltage was dropping as I moved the sticks around, which shouldn't happen with a BEC, so I bypassed the switch and voltage stayed almost constant when moving the servos, I then went back and tried my 4 cell Nimh plugged directly in the Rx and same result, the Rx voltage was a lot more stable.

This is a supposedly heavy duty switch, which hasn't had much use, and will have even less now............................

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

Wow! If I may ask, what switch was that? Mfg'r?

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

Look up rctimer...the switches are 3 wire heavy duty, led or not, being used by many in our club and a fraction of the cost.  Not one has failed over the last few years.  At least 40 in use.

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

Thanks 4*60! Found it! :D

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

Do this use two switch with y connector. One fail u still have other working. :D

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

Back in the '60, '70, early '80s all the US radio manufactures used the Noble 4F switch which was a knife action contact and I never saw a failure of this switch. The 4F was 4 pole double throw so most manufadtaures wired them with four contacts in parallel.

I have looked at some of the standard switches supplied now and most are the button type which are prone to failure Since it is hard to determine the construction of a switch without destroying it, I have gone to shorting plugs on all new installations. A shorting plug provides the same cleaning action as the 4F switch each time you plug it in

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

don't you wish that Noble switch was still available? I do..

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

The Noble switch also had a very strong detent ball. The Futaba Heavy Duty switch is knife action DPDT wired in parallel. The detent is a stupid spring thing.

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

I've been using the Hobbico Pro HD switch for mine it has a strong detent. Haven't opened it up but it uses 20 ga wire and gold contacts. It also looks exactly the same as the Hitec HD switch. However, I'm only using analog servos on my Stinger II;the Edge 540Tbuild I'm working on will not use a switch since I'll be running all digital servos and a 4100mah LiFe battery.

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

Seems incredulous that the radio mfg's would substitute anything but the highest quality switches. With a 10 lb. missile that has a buzz saw on the front flying around, you would think they would be more concerned.

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

We have at least 2 different switch groups talking here ??


Pure radio on off switch............Combined radio & servo load switch.

I do all motor, RC & servo stuff with a XT-60 plug & receptacle on small planes.

The + 70" WS stuff gets radio & servos on a seperate XT-60 setup.

I do not use any switches. only plugs. I can see the contacts changing color or feel a change in plug in forces.

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

I usually use a two pole double throw switch, and wire the poles together.

RE: OK, what's the deal with Rx switches?
 

I think all who are familiar with the 4F wish it was available I have a few left and use them if I have to use a switch.