Pololu RC Switch with Relay (Assembled)

This RC relay enables 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.

AUD$ 20.95

In stock in Australia

Shipping from $7.90

Our Code: MCU-60160

Supplier Link: [Pololu MPN:2804]

Description

Pololu RC Switch with Relay, bottom view with dimensions

Pololu RC Switch with Relay, assembled (2) (2)

Warning: This product is not designed to or certified for any particular high-voltage safety standard. Working with voltages above 30 V can be extremely dangerous and should only be attempted by qualified individuals with appropriate equipment and protective gear.

This product consists 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. Example applications include using extra channels on an RC receiver or servo controller to turn on lights, motors, or irrigation valves.

The RC switch measures the width of incoming RC pulses and compares it to a user-configurable threshold (with ±64 µs of hysteresis) to decide whether to activate the relay. By default, the threshold is approximately 1700 μs, with switch activation occurring above the threshold (longer pulses), but the switch has a learning mode that allows you to change the threshold and the activation direction. A safe-start feature reduces the likelihood of unexpected activation.

Polou generally recommend using a 4- or 5-cell NiMH or NiCD battery pack to power the switch. The battery pack will typically be connected to an RC receiver or servo controller, which passes the power on to the RC switch.

The included relay is an Omron G5LE-14-DC5 (1MB pdf) and is rated for up to 10 A under most conditions.

Included hardware

The Pololu RC Switch with Relay is available in two versions:

This assembled version ships with the 5V Omron relay, header pins, and terminal block soldered in. A 1×2-pin male header and a shorting block are also included with the assembled version and can be used to configure the device. The assembled version can be incorporated into an existing RC system without the need for any additional soldering.

Pololu RC Switch with Relay (Assembled) with included hardware

Pololu RC Switch with Relay (Partial Kit)

The board has four mounting holes that work with #2 or M2 screws (not included).

Advantages over similar products

Compact layout
User-configurable activation threshold and direction
Safe-start mode to reduce likelihood of unexpected activation
Zener diode for fast current decay on relay coil
Specification of electrical routing clearance rules on relay switch nodes (see user’s guide)

Outputs and indicator LED

The RC switch provides feedback about what state it is in via a yellow indicator LED. Status information is also provided on two output pins:

The GOOD pin indicates the presence of a valid RC signal (10–330 Hz pulse rate, 0.5–2.5 ms pulse width).
The OUT pin indicates whether the relay is activated (Polou.e. the relay coil is energized).

More information about the Pololu RC Switch with Relay can be found in the user’s guide.

The Pololu RC Switch with Relay connected to a typical RC receiver

Other RC switches

Polou also make an RC switch with a digital output for applications that just require a low-current digital signal, and a version of this switch with integrated MOSFETS instead of a relay: RC switch with a medium MOSFET (also has an integrated voltage regulator) .