PicoSwitch Plus - Magnetic RC On-Off Switch for batteries with RC plugs
Description
The PicoSwitch Plus is a lightweight magnetic switch and is ideal for RC gliders, boats and other models. This device allows the radio control gear to be switched on and off by holding the supplied magnet close to the switch for three seconds. This version has a standard RC (JR) socket at the battery end, making it suitable for most RC receiver batteries. The receiver end is fitted with a standard RC (JR) plug, as used on servos.If the switch is mounted under fuse skin the magnet can be outside and the switch inside, so the RC can be switched on without removing the access hatch. Careful firmware design ensures that stray magnetic fields cannot toggle the switch incorrectly. The device defaults to on when first powered up - this safety feature means that if there is a brief voltage drop caused by a bad connection or low battery voltage the device will stay on when the voltage returns. It also means that the model can be flown if the magnet is lost, just unplug and re-plug the receiver battery to switch it on.The benefits of this magnetic RC on-off switch
- Clever firmware indicates when the switch is sensing the magnet to give instant feedback.
- When switched on the LED flashes indicating the RC is now on.
- The flashes are very brief to keep the switch's energy usage to a minimum.
- The magnetic switch utilises a Hall Effect Sensor (no mechanical switching parts).
- Safe and reliable :
- Default to on - if the battery is disconnected and then reconnected the output will turn on every time.
- The magnetic switch is programmed to ensure the magnet is over the sensor for 3 seconds without interruption and only then will it toggle the switch state.
- Extremely resilient to magnetic interference due to the algorithm used.
- Allows a fully waterproof installation in RC boats and yachts.
- Place the switch as close to the fuselage or wing surface as possible.
- Use a thin piece of double sided tape to hold the switch in place.
- To locate the sensor simply sweep over the approximate sensor location area, when the Hall effect device sees the magnet the LED will turn solid on indicating the perfect position.
- Use a marker pen and mark where the sensor is located.
- To turn the switch off place the supplied magnet over the sensor and the LED will light up continuously. Hold the magnet in place for 3 seconds without interruption. Tip: count 1, 1000, 2, 2000, 3, 3000.
- To turn on the RC hold the magnet over the sensor again, no delay required.
| PicoSwitch Plus Magnetic RC Switch Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5 g (0.2 oz) |
| Switch dimensions | 30 mm x 11 mm x 4 mm |
| Overall length inc leads | 23 cm |
| Max continuous current | 7 A |
| Max current for 5s | 14 A |
| Supply voltage | 3.0V - 13V (1S to 3S LiPo, 3 to 8 cells NiMH) |
| On Vdrop @ 10A | 100 mV |
| Off quiescent current | 4 µA |
| Operating temperature | -20°C to +50°C |
| Servo Cable Colour Code | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Usage | JR | Futaba | |
| Battery positive | + | Red | Red |
| Battery negative | - | Brown | Black |
| Servo signal | S | Orange | White |
Reviews 5
Tony
United Kingdom
Pico Switch Plus
This magnetic switch works well and is the ideal answer for switching between races for our radio sailing allowing the battery access to remain sealed and waterproof. Connectors changed to better XT30's otherwise all good - just the job and excellent service.
Leon
New Zealand
Great stuff
Delivery to New zealand was great, tracked all the way. Product does the job perfectly, thanks.
David
United Kingdom
Works well
Very handy product. Works well and much more convenient than conventional switch that it replaced. I'm using it in an RC yacht and it allows me to keep all the electronics sealed up while still being able to switch the receiver on and off.
Nick Clement
United Kingdom
Top service as always
Excellent product and 1st class service from Neil as always. Cant fault anything