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Electric Stunt => Gettin all AMP'ed up! => Topic started by: David Hoover on March 20, 2013, 03:36:02 PM

Title: Arming Plugs
Post by: David Hoover on March 20, 2013, 03:36:02 PM

In the recent thread on arming plugs there was some discussion about the type/quality of plug that was required to handle the frequent plugging/unplugging and the damage caused by the resulting arcing.  Does this device appear useful for our application?

http://www.rcdude.com/servlet/the-2402/Arming-Switch-with-Spark/Detail

Title: Re: Arming Plugs
Post by: John Cralley on March 20, 2013, 04:33:09 PM

Yes David,

This setup should do the trick. Providing you remember to push the switch before inserting the arming plug.

It seems to me that you could simply fabricate this arming plug yourself for a lot less than $17 but then I tend to pinch my pennies.  LL~

Title: Re: Arming Plugs
Post by: Alan Resinger on March 20, 2013, 04:39:20 PM

The majority of the Pacific Northwest competition flyers use that type arming plug minus the switch.  I'm not saying that arcing is alright but I think it is overkill.
Just Google,   Maxx Arming Switch     think they cost $8.95.

Alan Resinger

Title: Re: Arming Plugs
Post by: David Hoover on March 21, 2013, 02:16:27 PM

Alan,

The link I posted is a Maxx product but I took your advice and ordered the one you suggested.  It was $9.95.  Thanks for your input.

Title: Re: Arming Plugs
Post by: Igor Burger on March 21, 2013, 02:45:04 PM

Quote from: Alan Resinger on March 20, 2013, 04:39:20 PM

I'm not saying that arcing is alright but I think it is overkill.

may be for 4 cells, but if you use 5 or 6, it eats connectros quickly.

However some types of ESC do not like slow charging. Ususally those without slide switch.

Title: Re: Arming Plugs
Post by: Dean Pappas on March 21, 2013, 09:08:10 PM

Hi Igor,
With 10 cells, the arcing noise has a nice sharp CRACK!
It leaves a tiny but perfectly formed crater in the contacts, too.

until later,
  Dean

Title: Re: Arming Plugs
Post by: FLOYD CARTER on March 26, 2013, 10:52:07 AM

I use a Deans "Ultra-Plug" as an arming device.  It does make a small spark when plugged in.  So, looking at the ESC, it has some hefty capacitors, which are apparently connected across the battery input.  When power is first applied, these capacitors are uncharged, and initially represent a zero-impedance load to the battery, with no resistance in the circuit to limit initial charging current.  The current spike is high, but of short duration.

Deans connectors are gold plated, so are highly resistant to arcing damage.  I can find no deterioration on these after many operations.