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[Alan52]

Hi all

Never used a RC switch, such as the Turnigy Receiver controlled on and off switch. What I would like to know is can I run my 6 volt lights from the boats 7.2 volt main battery. I am using a Mtronics ESC to power the receiver. Just wondered if it would work using the switch connected to the battery or would I need a separate battery for the lights?


Any help appreciated.

Thanks

Alan

[Colin Bishop]

I'm not sure why you woud need to switch on the navigation lights by R/C.

I have lights on some of my models but thay have a separate manual switch before launching the model which is all you should really need.

Either it is dark or it isn't.

Colin

[Alan52]

Hi Colin

I mainly want to know if I can use the main battery rather than add another set of AA batteries for power. Also I would like advise on using this switch for other operations such as searchlights, which are not on all the time.

Thanks for the reply.
Alan

[coch y bonddu]

Yes you could but you will have to use a voltage reducer ACTion Electronics do one sold by Component shop they also do a switcher as well.....Personally I wouldn't use main boat batt as the lights add another current draw and could cause you to loose power....far better to use  a seperate batt




Dave

[Dave_S.]

I have a Billing's Samson with searchlight and nav lights, both are turned on and off separately (nav lights on/off, searchlight on/off) via the Tx using an Action switcher. The power for the lights is taken from the Rx supply (7.2v NiMH via bec).


Works fine but can't really be seen in daylight.

[Alan52]

Hi Dave

Thanks for the information. I will have a look at the Component website. The lights are run off a battery box with 4 AA batteries. I thought it would tidy everything up using the one battery, but I hear what you say about the current draw. I may have to rethink.


Thanks again for the information Dave. It is appreciated.

Best wishes

Alan

[Alan52]

Hi Dave S

Thanks for the information. I will have a look at the Action Switcher. You have answered my question about the use of a 7.2 volt battery via bec. That is a problem in sun light. Hopefully not to bad in the darker winter months.


Thanks again Dave for the reply.

Best wishes

Alan

[Dave_S.]

You're very welcome, Alan. I've just checked and the unit I used for the Samson is the P69 pico twin switcher. It straightforward to install and set up. I think we'd need very bright leds to be able to see them in bright daylight. I'm looking forward (for once!) to the darker evenings.

[Alan52]

Thanks for the information Dave. Going to the site now.

Best wishes

Alan

[Dave_S.]

I think the current draw of 2 or 3 leds is pretty low, it is unlikely to make a significant difference to running time unless the boat's running time is already minimal or it is imitating a floating Christmas tree!

[Alan52]

Hi Dave
Using a 4000mah battery, so has a fair amount of power.
Thanks
Alan

[Dave_S.]

My Samson uses a 3300 maH battery powering two 385s, often on the water for an hour and half before changing packs, so watery drain isn't an issue there either!

[Alan52]

Thanks Dave

On the component shop site now.
Thanks
Alan

[chas]

Blimey, I must be old fashioned,  I just have a couple of micro switches on a spare servo. So simple, but I've  never had a failure.
Chas

[tsenecal]

Blimey, I must be old fashioned,  I just have a couple of micro switches on a spare servo. So simple, but I've  never had a failure.
Chas

i used to do that too, but it has gotten to the point where the electronic gadgets are cheaper than a servo with a couple push-on/push-off toggles cost.

i now use these for LEDs
https://www.pololu.com/product/2802

[BrianB6]

i used to do that too, but it has gotten to the point where the electronic gadgets are cheaper than a servo with a couple push-on/push-off toggles cost.

Not if you have a spare mini servo 
My arrangement gives centre off, one way running lights and the other riding and deck lights. 'simples'

[malcolmfrary]

You're very welcome, Alan. I've just checked and the unit I used for the Samson is the P69 pico twin switcher. It straightforward to install and set up. I think we'd need very bright leds to be able to see them in bright daylight. I'm looking forward (for once!) to the darker evenings.

In the real thing, in broad daylight, you don't actually see nav lights, which tended to be the minimum brightness that the ship owners could get aay with.  Deck lights, something else, but again, not something used in daylight.

[DaveM]

The P69 supplies the power directly through the receiver to the load, so if you're using a 4.8v battery for the Rx then you'll switch 4.8v to the loads. Each "half" of the switcher will carry a maximum of 300mA, which is approx 15 standard LEDs. Full info is here https://www.componentshop.co.uk/p69-pico-twin-switcher.html
DaveM

[BrianB6]

Last night of 'normal' time on Saturday before Daylight Saving starts down here.We have a 'Night' sail to celebrate 

[derekwarner]

Yes, without navigation lights + daylight saving, the cows won't make milk & the curtains will prematurely fade 

[Alan52]

Thanks for all the information.


It is appreciated


Alan