Commercially manufactured arming plug?
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Commercially manufactured arming plug?
G'day Guys,
Does anyone know if a commercially manufactured arming plug/pin set-up is available for electric pattern models?
Here in Australia most, if not all, electric pattern models use a Deans connector glued to the side of the fuse. I have a couple of concerns with this technique firstly because the Deans connectors are only rated to about 50 amps and secondly the insertion and removal process must put a lot of strain on the fuse side.
What are others using?
It would amaze me if there was not a product available.
Cheers
Jason.
Does anyone know if a commercially manufactured arming plug/pin set-up is available for electric pattern models?
Here in Australia most, if not all, electric pattern models use a Deans connector glued to the side of the fuse. I have a couple of concerns with this technique firstly because the Deans connectors are only rated to about 50 amps and secondly the insertion and removal process must put a lot of strain on the fuse side.
What are others using?
It would amaze me if there was not a product available.
Cheers
Jason.
#2
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RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
Yes, there is one made by MPI and you can find it here: http://www.maxxprod.com/mpi/mpi-21.html
I have no personal experience, but it looks great. It is listed at the bottom of the page as product #6970.
It is made with Dean's pins and Anderson power poles. My only concern would be with the huge amps that we use, would it hold up?
Hope this helps...
John
I have no personal experience, but it looks great. It is listed at the bottom of the page as product #6970.
It is made with Dean's pins and Anderson power poles. My only concern would be with the huge amps that we use, would it hold up?
Hope this helps...
John
#4
RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
MPI arming switch works OK. But it is using 14 gauge wire, and dean connector does not hold very high current. If you're running 60-70A current, I will suggest something else.
In our area, most people use Astro Flight Zero lose connector. Pix shows Jon Carter's setup for example. Hope this will help.
Luke
In our area, most people use Astro Flight Zero lose connector. Pix shows Jon Carter's setup for example. Hope this will help.
Luke
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RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
G'day Luke,
That connector set-up looks to be better than a Deans current wise. They are rated at 100 Amps peak which is more than enough. Looks like it has more area to mount it too.
With electric models taking off at all levels, I'm surprised that more companies haven't taken the plunge to produce an arming plug/pin. Perhaps it's only a matter of time.... Perhaps it's an opportunity???
Thanks for your help guys.
Cheers
Jason.
That connector set-up looks to be better than a Deans current wise. They are rated at 100 Amps peak which is more than enough. Looks like it has more area to mount it too.
With electric models taking off at all levels, I'm surprised that more companies haven't taken the plunge to produce an arming plug/pin. Perhaps it's only a matter of time.... Perhaps it's an opportunity???
Thanks for your help guys.
Cheers
Jason.
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RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
Hi
I learnt about one device the other day, from Emcotec. It contains spark suppression and the on/off function is by means of a magnet. Take a look here :http://shop.rc-electronic.com/e-vend...11&c=764&p=764
I learnt about one device the other day, from Emcotec. It contains spark suppression and the on/off function is by means of a magnet. Take a look here :http://shop.rc-electronic.com/e-vend...11&c=764&p=764
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RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
The Emcotec, looks nice but at 65 Euros not cheap. If you have a large electric you already have lots of money tied up in it so I wouldn't imagine that would be a problem. But for smaller, cheaper electrics pulling 40 amps or less on 4 or 5 cells, this is somewhat overkill in terms of complexity, size and certainly cost. Notice that the switch is connected to a device placed between the battery and the speed controller. The "device" resembles a speed controller in size. I wonder if the fail mode for it is to cut the circuit. It is also good for 60A continuous and 120A burst, so for the really large electrics, it still is too small. It does, however, do away with the spark upon connecting the battery. I suppose it's something I'd spring for.
Just noticed the price includes VAT, so that will be about 10 Euros cheaper here in the U.S., still not cheap but...... hmmmm. Exchange calculator says $67 before shipping.
WOW. Just found out shipping is just as much as the item to the US. $70 to ship to the US.!!!!!! $137 total. That's too bad.
Just noticed the price includes VAT, so that will be about 10 Euros cheaper here in the U.S., still not cheap but...... hmmmm. Exchange calculator says $67 before shipping.
WOW. Just found out shipping is just as much as the item to the US. $70 to ship to the US.!!!!!! $137 total. That's too bad.
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RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
Hi Jim,
For F3A the 60/120 amp version should be more than enough. They also have a 120/240 amp version.
To my mind this is a superior and safe solution. It looks professional too which is important for me. The fact that a magnet is used to actuate the switch is a big plus. Far less stress will be placed on the fuselage side with the arming and disarming process. It also eliminates the spark when batteries are connected which is something that really irritates people including myself. This anti spark feature should make your connectors last far longer and improve their reliability too.
I have got one of these switches on the way from Germany so I can report about how good it is. It looks great on paper so far.
I'm told they have been on the market for about 12+ months. I was also told that most of Emcotec's dealers don't know of it's existence... Surely that's just bad marketing...[&:]
Cheers
Jason.
For F3A the 60/120 amp version should be more than enough. They also have a 120/240 amp version.
To my mind this is a superior and safe solution. It looks professional too which is important for me. The fact that a magnet is used to actuate the switch is a big plus. Far less stress will be placed on the fuselage side with the arming and disarming process. It also eliminates the spark when batteries are connected which is something that really irritates people including myself. This anti spark feature should make your connectors last far longer and improve their reliability too.
I have got one of these switches on the way from Germany so I can report about how good it is. It looks great on paper so far.
I'm told they have been on the market for about 12+ months. I was also told that most of Emcotec's dealers don't know of it's existence... Surely that's just bad marketing...[&:]
Cheers
Jason.
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RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
This place seems to have it in the US:
http://www.hkm-models.com/Emcotec.html
its the last product on the page with three variants.
http://www.hkm-models.com/Emcotec.html
its the last product on the page with three variants.
#14
RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
ORIGINAL: Aussie_Knife_Edge
Hi Jim,
For F3A the 60/120 amp version should be more than enough. They also have a 120/240 amp version.
Hi Jim,
For F3A the 60/120 amp version should be more than enough. They also have a 120/240 amp version.
It is much smaller than an ESC, at least an ESC used in a pattern plane. It is 1.2 inches wide and 1.5 inches long. It is 0.3 inches high. So we'll see how it works. I very much like the idea of being able to install my packs and have the power to the ESC dead until I turn it on.
Sadly I did not know that HKM-USA sold these. I did not have a great ordering experience with Emcotec Germany this time out (been great in the past). I've sent HKM-USA an email to see what his stock status is and I'll let you know when I get an answer.
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RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
Judge,
You are like a trout, you can't resist those cool, shinny, complex, high tech gadgets. This is a common Liberal trait. LOL. I think I am going to copy Steve Hannah's simple bullet connector system I saw at the Riverside contest. Safe, light, no parts to fail, and cheap. Cheap, and simple is a common right wing trait. LOL.
You are like a trout, you can't resist those cool, shinny, complex, high tech gadgets. This is a common Liberal trait. LOL. I think I am going to copy Steve Hannah's simple bullet connector system I saw at the Riverside contest. Safe, light, no parts to fail, and cheap. Cheap, and simple is a common right wing trait. LOL.
#17
RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
Did you not see the cool green LED???
Now tell me if it gets any more simple than that?? [&:]
Oh, and it has a red flag that say "move before flight" How cool is that??
And Mr. Bwana, I am curious what you might think of this product, I'm thinking of getting one but cannot decide on blue or silver. Which do you think goes better with my eyes??
http://www.fromeco.org/Products/04FR...b/Default.aspx
Now tell me if it gets any more simple than that?? [&:]
Oh, and it has a red flag that say "move before flight" How cool is that??
And Mr. Bwana, I am curious what you might think of this product, I'm thinking of getting one but cannot decide on blue or silver. Which do you think goes better with my eyes??
http://www.fromeco.org/Products/04FR...b/Default.aspx
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RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
Pretty cool indeed, however, I'm surprised that it takes six Phillips head screws on the mounting ring to hold it on to the side of the plane. That's more secure than my motor!
The 45 grams (1.5+ ounces ) is a deal killer for me, too bad because it looks really cool.
Keith B
The 45 grams (1.5+ ounces ) is a deal killer for me, too bad because it looks really cool.
Keith B
#19
RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
ORIGINAL: KeithB
Pretty cool indeed, however, I'm surprised that it takes six Phillips head screws on the mounting ring to hold it on to the side of the plane. That's more secure than my motor!
The 45 grams (1.5+ ounces ) is a deal killer for me, too bad because it looks really cool.
Keith B
Pretty cool indeed, however, I'm surprised that it takes six Phillips head screws on the mounting ring to hold it on to the side of the plane. That's more secure than my motor!
The 45 grams (1.5+ ounces ) is a deal killer for me, too bad because it looks really cool.
Keith B
I guess I am not sufficiently weight obsessed. FWIW mine is 1.5 ounces on the nose with 5.5mm plugs installed. For me the safety aspect of being able to disarm the power to the ESC outweighs (pun alert!!) the concern for an extra ounce or so of weight.
Steve's plug idea (or similar) is certainly the lightest and easiest way to go, if you don't mind wires hanging out side your plane [:'(]
I agree with the mounting plate. They used this since they had it on another product intended for use in giant scale gasoline powered planes. They also make a very small pin actuated version which I discovered after getting mine.
And HKM-USA can get these. He does not stock them but places orders fairly frequently.
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RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
Judge,
I love the Wolverine Switch, I use it on all of my large planes. It is a moderate piece of technology, and is acceptable to all Americans. I can't tell you which color goes with your eyes, I've never seen them because you always wear sunglasses. The silver goes with everything, but "Blue" is your kind of color.
I love the Wolverine Switch, I use it on all of my large planes. It is a moderate piece of technology, and is acceptable to all Americans. I can't tell you which color goes with your eyes, I've never seen them because you always wear sunglasses. The silver goes with everything, but "Blue" is your kind of color.
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RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
ORIGINAL: shannah
As I learned many years ago from my engineering mentor, Simplicity takes effort.... Complexity is a snap.
As I learned many years ago from my engineering mentor, Simplicity takes effort.... Complexity is a snap.
Steve,
Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Pascal.
"I apologize for the length of my letter. I would have made it shorter, but I didn't have the time. ...".
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RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
I'm now using the Emcotec arming switch and can confirm that it's a very good product. It's far simpler than plugging in a jumper, is spark free when connecting batteries and the LED in the magnet socket clearly indicates when the ESC is armed. Weight is very low but would not be as low as a couple of bullets and an extension wire etc. IMHO the benefits far outweigh (no pun intended) the weight penalty which I would estimate is ~20 grams.
Regards
Jason.
Regards
Jason.
#25
RE: Commercially manufactured arming plug?
FWIW, I got a chance to fly my Abbra with the Emcotec installed. No issues and no performance difference that I could tell. It does not warm up during flight either.
It was very nice to put the packs in and button everything up until I pulled the plug just before take off.
Not sure that this is "the" way to go, but it is a very nice way to go, especially if you like shiny things with cool blue lights!!
It was very nice to put the packs in and button everything up until I pulled the plug just before take off.
Not sure that this is "the" way to go, but it is a very nice way to go, especially if you like shiny things with cool blue lights!!