By Rudie Nagelmakers
Did you ever want or need to control lights, doors, ignition systems, glow drovers, canopies etc. from your radio only to find they take a bit more power than the receiver provides and there is no “ON of OFF” function on your receiver!
Here is a simple way to have that On – Off function for various accessories and have a bit of that WOW factor at the field!
These RC relays enable easy control of large, electrically isolated loads in radio control (RC) systems. The activation threshold and direction are configurable, and a safe-start feature reduces the likelihood of unexpected activation. Many assembled version ships with the 5V relay, terminal block, and straight male header pins soldered in, so it can be integrated into hobby RC systems without the need for additional soldering. Others are simple switches where relays can be added to provide the higher currents!
Some of these products consist of a single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) power relay and a control circuit that measures incoming radio control (RC) signals, making it easy to control large, electrically isolated loads in RC systems. Other example applications include using extra channels on an RC receiver or servo controller to turn on lights, motors, or small pumps.
How they work: The RC switch measures the width of incoming RC pulses and compares it to a userconfigurable threshold to decide whether to activate the relay. I use an ON—OFF switch (such as Gear) to activate the switch.
I have used NiMH or NiCD battery packs to power the switch and LIPO packs to power functions through the relay with these switches. The NiCd/NiCD battery packs will typically be connected to an RC receiver, which passes the power on to the RC switch.