[prangled prop]

Some of the reading I have been doing seems to indicate that the off/on receiver switch failure is a big contributor to crashes. I am wondering what you guys think about this and what can one do to minimize switch problems. It would seem to me that here also might be a better way of switching the receiver on and off electronically thus eliminating the mechanical contact which I guess could become worn, corroded, or dirty over time. Are hobby shop switches good buys or should I be looking elsewhere for a better quality switch

[JimMcIntyre]

I've been happy with JR's "heavy duty" switch, never had one fail which is more than I can say for some other brands.

At one time I considered using heavy duty toggles but read somewhere that due to their mass, under vibration, the slide swtiches we use were better suited to our application.

I shock mount my switches internally and ensure there is not tension on the wires that could transmit vibration. I replace them if I think they've been subjected to undue vibration or the elements (water/fuel/humidity).

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Out of curiosity, after the World's, I dismantled the switch in my triplane (hobbico) and was shocked to find a blob of moisture inside ... must have been the humidity from being in a tent all week as the switch was mounted well inside the plane behind a panel.

[PurgatorY]

I use the Futaba standard size switch in all my models, I dont mount it special or anything. Probably put 500 flights a year on one and at the end of the season in the garbage it goes and a new one goes in. I dont care how new it looks I just toss it, they are pretty cheap so why risk it.

If you dont want to do that then spend some money on a Jaccio (Jim Oddino) switch (available from Central Hobbies) they fail ON so you cannot lose your model to a switch failure. I forget exactly but I think the switch only (also available with a regulator built in) can be had for about $30 US.....they are quite popular in pattern circles.

I think most of the switch problems are just prople errors. Guys using switches that are 10 years old etc. etc. This stuff is expendable equipment, use it for a year or two or three and toss it, or spend the bucks on the higher tech stuff.

[Nuker]

I've seen a number of switches sold at the LHS that I wouldn't use. One even comes with a charge jack connected to the outside; beside the switch.

The switch was quite soft and there was no "click" when you went from on to off. Almost a smooth slide. The brand name switches (JR/Futaba/Hitec) have an audible click and I have no worries with them.


I always check them before I buy them,

Bob

[Fodder]

Originally Posted by Nuker

I've seen a number of switches sold at the LHS that I wouldn't use. One even comes with a charge jack connected to the outside; beside the switch.

The switch was quite soft and there was no "click" when you went from on to off. Almost a smooth slide.

Bob

If you set it up right, you can hear the click. The mechanism just moves the normal switch. I use them and have had no problems. Even when you hear the click, it can still fail when you hand launch them, eh Nuker.

[AJCoholic]

In my years I have yet to have a switch fail during use (have bought one that had an open circuit though)

I use a lot of the s tandard Airtronics ones, but in the last few years I like the JR and Hobbico heavy duty switches. The Hobbico (heavy duty ones) in particular are nice and have a mounting for both faceplate and sideways use.

[Nuker]

Wasn't me who switched it off at takeoff

[Hughes500E]

I use redundant switches.........
Two switches, one battery, and two switches two battery's on my 1/4 scale..................
This way I can check each switch everyflight......

[IAN GUNN]

Have seen two switch failures in 20 plus year.One happened to a buddy of mine and resulted in a severly damaged but rebuildable crash.Switch was about 8 years old and had been used in multiple models.urns out there was corrosion in the switch and in the middle of a snap manuver,it snapped just seconds after starting climb out to alltitude.
The other happened to me on the maiden flight of a new plane and litterely feet from completing it's first circut.The switch was fine but the wire leading from the switch to the battery connect was damaged internally.The turn onto base leg caused just enough G's to break the power connection and back to the repair shop.I no longer transfer switches from plane to plane.New every time.Les risk,cheap insurance.
Ian Gunn
MAAC 25307

[Kevin McGrath]

Dont think switches are a major problem and I have never lost a model due to a bad one.
These days I use original equipment only or a HD model I buy several at a time from Radical RC.I dont move them from plane to plane either and if Im in any doubt about the age or quality I toss em.....