R/C Switch

[Michael Warren]

I'm trying to find a single pole change-over switch which will operate from a Futaba receiver channel. What I'm trying to do is switch the signal wire going to a gyro to by-pass the gyro in order to render it inoperable when required. Does anyone know of the existence of such a switch? I'm thinking of something like the Turnigy on/off switch but with change-over capability.

All yhe best Mike

[Peter Beeney]

Michael, - I think there are solid state switches, I believe MPX do, or perhaps did, one such; but if something simple and cheap will suffice how about a micro switch operated by a servo arm? It needs very little effort to actually move the contact arm and change over the contacts, so probably a fairly small servo will do the job, just a case of fabricating a little block to mount it on. Or, alternatively, there is a reed change over switch, this is operated by a magnet coming close to it, so perhaps a tiny magnet on the end of a servo arm again? I think this probably requires no effort at all to change over, so again a minimalist servo, perhaps.

These are from Maplin, the micro switch is here and the reed switch is there, the magnets are everywhere but these may be a bit bulky, provided it goes close to the glass container you really don’t need much in the way of attraction. Miniature magnets must be around, a dolls house door catch, for instance? I’m sure it would be fairly simple to cobble something up for a trial.

Just an idea, if it’s something like this you are looking for. I’d think these are fairly vibration proof, but I’m sure it would only be a small installation so you could make it anti-vibration anyway.

Hope this might be some use.

PB

Edited By Peter Beeney on 30/04/2012 20:07:54

Edited By Peter Beeney on 30/04/2012 20:10:05

[Bob Cotsford]

Would a cheap heading hold gyro be a viable alternative? You could put rate on a switched channel to give 0 rate in one position. I've got a Giant Cod one set up like that on my Baronette's rudder.

[Chris Bott - Moderator]

Sounds like you need a GWS PC3 Gyro switch Michael.

Have a google to both find one and find what one does. I think It's what you need.

[Redstorm]

Alternatively use the turnigy on off switch to power a small relay. more reliable than the mechanical route I would imagine.

[Steve W-O]

The question sounds a bit odd.

If the gyro has a signal wire, then surely that plugs into the receiver? (unless it is a very old gyro)

If it doesn't, it is only a few pounds to get a gyro that can be controlled from a receiver channel, only about £1.50 more than a receiver controlled switch.

Some more details of the gyro (+photos) would probably get you a more accurate solution. All gyros I have seen the control wire over rides the manual gain control when it is connected, and the manual gain control is effective when the control wire is not connected.

[Michael Warren]

Very many thanks folks. I'll see what I can do. Incidentally Steve, the signal wire going to the gyro cannot simply be switched off. If it is then the flying surface being controlled is also rendered inoperable. What I want is to have a flying surface cotrolled either by a gyro OR by the receiver channel direct.

Best regards