Guys,
So far, I have been using the Futaba standard switch on my Raptor 50. I have Align 510 servos all round, and was thinking if the standard switch might be suspectible to vibration and if my current usage ( around 2A ) might exceed its limits ?

What is recommended ? A heavy duty switch ? or will the standard work just fine.

-Gaurav

The standard switch harness should be able to handle 2A without issues.

The probable issue is degradation over a long(er) period of time (which is accelerated if you are close to the sea and so on?).       I was surprised to see rust on, for example, a Mini Titan's tail linkage in Kerala, while I had not seen the same on 3+ year old models in Qatar.  Guess that such damage from the environment/elements would affect switches too ?

I am not sure if there is a simple way to test the "quality" of a switch over time (measure resistance/drop across it?).

BTW, almost all heli fliers I know are on the Align B6T 2-in-1 (the new one is rated at 6A, I believe).  It takes care of the switch function also.

Quote from: anwar on August 06, 2010, 01:44:39 PM
The probable issue is degradation over a long(er) period of time (which is accelerated if you are close to the sea and so on?).       I was surprised to see rust on, for example, a Mini Titan's tail linkage in Kerala, while I had not seen the same on 3+ year old models in Qatar.  Guess that such damage from the environment/elements would affect switches too ?

I am not sure if there is a simple way to test the "quality" of a switch over time (measure resistance/drop across it?).

From my experience, switches do not degrade as much, perhaps because they are not directly exposed to the atmosphere. And an inspection of the plugs (battery and Rx supply) will reveal any oxidation before the switch acts up. If they are ok the switch should also be fine.

Thanks Sushil and Anwar,
Just curious, as to what current the normal Futaba switch would be rated at ? I tried searching online but couldnt find anything.
My Heli has A123 6.6V battery with Align 610 servos, and 650 servos for Rudder and Throttle.
I know these digital servos can draw a lot of current, and would hate the standard switch to be a bottleneck.

What do you guys normally use on similar helis ?
Thanks

Wouldn't know about helis as I am a fixed wing guy, at least for now! But I have used even the "standard" switch harness with upto 7 servos (some digital) without apparent problems.

Quote from: gauravag on August 06, 2010, 03:11:47 PM
What do you guys normally use on similar helis ?

Like I said, I am using the Align B6T which includes a switch.  It is not the best, but works fine.  I got the same thing for the Trex 700 to be built, with same servo setup as yours.  I believe Lavneet here switched to the B6T recently.

Futaba seems to have the regular switch with 24awg wire and a "heavy duty" one with 20awg wire.  You can look up the current ratings of these wires to get an idea for their capacities.  I doubt Futaba will publish a hard current rating for these switches (http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=1097784)

Unless the servos lock up or their movement is restricted, they should not draw huge current loads.  People who want to be extra careful go for the "heavy duty" switches, even though the regular one seems to work fine for non-extreme flying (going by forum reports and the few raptors on our field).