Radio on/ off switch...To use or not?

[Stephen Robinson]

I'm a newbie with IOMs' and I'm currently refitting an older wood IOM boat to start sailing with others in my area.

I am trying to decide if I should reinstall a on/off toggle swtich for the radio or not....
Fitting a switch would reduce wear and tear on the reciever pins. I have a Kingmax sail winch, which plugs directly into the Rx so I am wary of Rx 'brown outs' due to high winch loads as well...
Fitting a switch under the hatch cover, reduces the chance for salf water to come in contact with the electrics and reduces clutter on the deck and the chances of cords getting caugh up, but makes turning on and off awkward......

Fitting a switch on the deck makes access easy but careful consideration is needed to make sure snags are prevented.

The ones I have seen fitted seem to be IP67 miniature toggle switches with rubber covers fitted.

What are your thoughts on the subject?
Steve

[Bruce Andersen]

with LiPo or LiFe battery high capacity, it's probably easier and simpler to change batteries after a certain amount of time and simply have the boat turn on when you connect the battery and eliminate the switch since its just one more electronic thing to fail.

this assumes your battery is in an easily accessible location like a pot

if your battery is located under a sticky-back sheet that needs to be peeled off and replaced, a switch might be simpler

[Stephen Robinson]

Thanks Bruce.
My battery is accessable , but I didn't want to subject the Rx to frequent plugging in, unpluging forces, when sailing. I thought that would cause the Rx pins to fail prematurely.

I did go ahead a nd fit a W/P rocker switch, on the opposite side of the hull, but I am not 100% happy as has a weak action. I suspect it may be easily 'bumped' and will switch off or on at a bad time.....A toggle may be the best of 2 evils...

Steve

[Bruce Andersen]

If you're determined to use a switch, use a SmartSwitch from RMG - it is sealed, shows battery charge status at a glance, and is flat to eliminate line snags

[Stephen Robinson]

If you're determined to use a switch, use a SmartSwitch from RMG - it is sealed, shows battery charge status at a glance, and is flat to eliminate line snags

Thanks. Will have a look.

[Olivier Cohen]

When I had an armwinch with battery connected directly to the receiver, I used a wire connected to the receiver with on the other side a plug such as XT60 to connect my battery on it. As you say, less dangerous for receiver's pins.

[Stephen Robinson]

When I had an armwinch with battery connected directly to the receiver, I used a wire connected to the receiver with on the other side a plug such as XT60 to connect my battery on it. As you say, less dangerous for receiver's pins.

Thanks Oliver.

[Art Prufer]

Here in the PNW, we all use XT60 connectors on our batteries.
They are large and easier to get a hold of to plug and unplug.
Best practice is to make a Y cable so that you have full power going directly from the battery to the sail servo/winch and then power to the RX and rudder servo. The 'JR' connectors are only rated for 3A so I replaced this connector on both the servo and Y cable with a 30A 'MR30' 3 wire connector as well.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/yy7pi6k5PZ5hxxtc6

[Stephen Robinson]

Thanks Art.