On/off switch

[tabledancer]

Jeff,
I got myself in a jam again with this refit of the Robbe boat.I wanted to use a reed switch for the on/off switch as I have done in the past,but the amperage in the system is to high and won`t let the switch release as planned so that system is in the can now.So I was wanting to try something on the order that you used on your Type VII except I want to use a rotary switch to be operated by turning the sonar head to the right position.The problem is now I can`t find a switch to handle 15 amps.Do you think that I would have a problem with a switch that will handle say 5 amps.Or do you have any idea where I could get a higher rated rotary switch that would fit inside a small diameter wtc for just the switch.



TD

[JWLaRue]

Re: On/off switch

Hi TD,

How much space do you have for the switch? Also, why are you looking for 15 amps? That's a lot of current! Can you connect an ammeter up and see what your current draw actually comes to? It's quite possible that a switch capable of handling 5 amps will work just fine.

I bought my switch (it is a slider, as you know) at my local Radio Shack.

-Jeff

[tabledancer]

Re: On/off switch

Jeff,
I`m running 2 Graupner 600`s ,with an air pump for the ballast and a Marine Viper 25 speed control,plus a Subtech APC,Subtech Subsafe,and 4 standard size servos with 2 6v gel cells for power.I was told to run a 15 amp fuse in the system.I haven`t put a meter to anything yet so I really don`t know how many amps it will draw under a load.I don`t have any idea how the motors are geared.All that I really know about it is that the boat was running when I bought it.I rewired the front end after it had a servo fire at the regatta last summer.I`ve had a lot of luck with the reed switches in 3 other boats but for some reason that setup won`t work with this boat.



TD

[Guest]

Re: On/off switch

How about attaching the reed switches to the switching coils of a Bi-stable relay? They're available with contact ratings of 15A plus.

[genester]

Re: On/off switch

Allied Electronics sells a 25 amp solid state relay with a 4 to 32 volt turn on voltage. Just use some type of heat sink for the higher amps (Water?). I don't have their staock number, could supply it after the new year when I get back to work if you need it.