PicoSwitch - Magnetic RC On-Off Switch for batteries JST BEC plugs

Product Code: PICO-SWITCH-BEC

(12 reviews)

Price: $22.99

Description

The PicoSwitch is a lightweight magnetic switch and is ideal for RC gliders and DLGs. 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 JST BEC socket at the battery end, making it suitable for LiPo batteries supplied with red JST BEC plugs, as is most common. 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.

Switch Installation

When the switch is plugged into the power supply for the first time the output will turn on and the LED will flash.

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.

Magnetic Switch Operation

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, keeping it still for three seconds, as above.

Please ensure a full range check of the model is undertaken prior to use. The pack includes the switch and two small neodymium magnets - one needed plus a spare. It does not include the Magnetic Keyfob and Lanyard shown in the related products sidebar. To mount the magnet and make it more visible cut some balsawood to the required size, make a hole for the magnet, and cover it with sticky tape.

PicoSwitch Magnetic RC Switch Specifications
Weight	2.8 g (0.1 oz)
Switch dimensions	15 mm x 8 mm x 4 mm
Overall length inc leads	14 cm
Max continuous current	6 A
Max current for 10s	8A
Supply voltage	3.0V - 8.6V (1S to 2S LiPo, 3 to 6 cells NiMH)
On Vdrop @ 1.3A	130 mV
Off quiescent current	4 µA
Operating temperature	-40°C to +80°C

Servo Cable Colour Code
Usage		JR	Futaba
Battery positive	+	Red	Red
Battery negative	-	Brown	Black
Servo signal	S	Orange	White

More details

pico_switch_instruction_sheet [93kb]

Reviews 12

04/06/2021 17:47

Review by: Paul S

Pico switch

Bought two for my dlg models. Extremely light and convenient to fit. Struggles a bit to turn off through a carbon fuz but great product. Mine had magnets included.

21/05/2021 14:43

Review by: Andy

Works a treat

Clever switch which, if placed correctly inside a fibreglass fuselage, replaces the old type of switch with a better, and hopefully more reliable, option. Not cheap, and sadly doesn't come with the magnet, but saves you having to remove the canopy to access the switch.

06/04/2020 15:05

Review by: paul gar

Saves canopy damage

This little gadget saves removing canopy every time that you need to turn off power to the radio . Canopy should last much longer.

04/03/2020 11:49

Review by: Bänz

My trusted magnetic switch.

A lot of my friends use Zepsus. I find the Practical RC products more reliable. The microcontroller in the Practical RC switches handles the states better, with a defined state on power up (on) and reliable long term state. I never unplug my Picoswitches. Even after the winter my batteries are still holding their charge from when I stored them. I have observed how other switches randomly turn on during storage, deep discharging - and destroying - the battery. You will tell me, you just have to unplug the switch during storage - I am telling you use a switch from Practical RC and you don't have to do that.

25/02/2020 19:09

Review by: Dave

No fob?

I've got to be honest and say I'm disappointed that these switches don't come with a fob for the small magnet that is supplied, I'm sure I can glue it to lollipop stick or something but surely better to supply the switch with a fob even if it cost a little more.

13/10/2019 09:58

Review by: Chris Imrie

PicoSwitch

An excellent upgrade from a mechanical switch. Small enough to fit in any size model. Just mount, plug & play - perfect. Great service from Hyperflight !

04/10/2019 12:11

Review by: RAGNAR STENARSON

Received quickly. Not used yet.

12/06/2019 11:48

Review by: Richard Edmunds

Vortex 3 arriving!

Fast delivery. No issue with space in the pod as this is tiny!

19/11/2018 20:18

Review by: Thomas Kroon

Perfect little gimmick ! Good service, shipping to the Netherlands took almost 10 days, I I have seen quicker. But the items were well worth the wait !

22/05/2018 11:04

Review by: Simon

It works! Just fitted to my Techone one metre DLG. Good service from Hyperflight too.

22/05/2018 11:04

Review by: Simon

It works! Just fitted to my Techone one metre DLG. Good service from Hyperflight too.

10/01/2018 15:03

Review by: Dave

Very good switch, perfect for RC yacht installation and very light weight. Highly recommended. Since seeing in operation and how easy it is to fit and operate other members of club are going to order.