What's new
Van's Air Force

Don't miss anything! Register now for full access to the definitive RV support community.

Mag Switchs

havard II

I'm New Here
Is there any reason I can"t use switchs for mags and push button for starter. 30 $ to 112 from vans and they look better. Havard
 
That's exactly what I have in my 7. I have a master switch, left mag, right mag toggle switches. My left mag is the impulse mag so my start procedure is master on, left mag on, push to start then right mag on. Pretty dirt simple.
 
I flew a pitts with that setup once. I did find that it was easier to leave the cockpit with the mag switches on than it was when you walk away with a key in your hand. Though even in that case you shouldn't trust the mag switches are cold. I'm trying to build a panel where each swtich for flight ops is obviously different (flaps shaped like a flap handle, a cessna style split master/alt, a boost pump switch with a regular bat and a key for the mags). My idea there is to reduce the chance that if my cockpit is shaking because of an engine problem that I will be less likely to have my hand on the wrong switch. If my switches were all the same in a neat row that could be more confusing, maybe.
 
To expound a little, I put the starter button, master and both mag switches on the left side and all other switches are on the right. My alternator lights is illuminated if the engine is not running and the master is left on, thus the ol idiot light telling me to turn everything off.
 
Toggle switches...

...are a little more convenient and easier to hook up if you are running a one magneto-EI setup.

As usual, the AeroElectric Bob schematics show various options...

gil A
 
Starter and Mag switches

I use three switches: the starter switch is under a safety cover but there is an upside to having a starter switch rather than a push button. The momentry switch is a double throw with the "spare" contact shorting out the non impulse magneto switch.

I only use the LH mag to start then throw the second mag switch but if someone else throws both mags then there is no chance of backfiring the engine with the advanced non impulse mag.

I think it's a neat result with no down side!

Ted
RV-6A "Rough Red"
 
Mag switches

I have dual switches, one for each electronic ignition. When I put in the dual Lightspeed Plasma III, I noticed that I had no single point of failure except the key switch - so I put in two toggle switches instead and a starter push button.

FM
RV-8 391FM 200 hrs
IO-360, WW-151, dual LS plasma III
Never an engine problem (yet, but hopefully prepared for it if it happens)
 
Mag switch help IO-540

I see so many options for switches:confused::confused:

Can someone reccomend a switch (or two) that you are currently using for mag operation. Links would be a plus!
 
If you want a large locking toggle switch: https://www.alliedelec.com/nkk-switches-s6al/70192232/

If you want a 1/4" locking toggle switch: https://www.alliedelec.com/nkk-switches-m2022ll1w01/70192127/

I use the 1/4" locking toggle for ignitions, both master switches and other places.

Note - both are DPDT. I use one side for ignition. On the other side I connect a small buzzer such that the buzzer is connected to power (via a 1/2 amp inline fuse) when the ignition is on. The ground on the buzzer is provided via the alternator light. So, if the engine is not running the buzzer has a ground and it sounds. If the engine is running the buzzer does not have a ground and it is silent.

You can use one buzzer for both ignitions. Here is a simple one from Radio Shack: https://www.radioshack.com/products/radioshack-76db-piezo-buzzer?variant=5717353029

Or from Allied: https://www.alliedelec.com/rs-pro-6173097/70646313/

Carl
 
If you want a large locking toggle switch: https://www.alliedelec.com/nkk-switches-s6al/70192232/

If you want a 1/4" locking toggle switch: https://www.alliedelec.com/nkk-switches-m2022ll1w01/70192127/

I use the 1/4" locking toggle for ignitions, both master switches and other places.

Note - both are DPDT. I use one side for ignition. On the other side I connect a small buzzer such that the buzzer is connected to power (via a 1/2 amp inline fuse) when the ignition is on. The ground on the buzzer is provided via the alternator light. So, if the engine is not running the buzzer has a ground and it sounds. If the engine is running the buzzer does not have a ground and it is silent.

You can use one buzzer for both ignitions. Here is a simple one from Radio Shack: https://www.radioshack.com/products/radioshack-76db-piezo-buzzer?variant=5717353029

Or from Allied: https://www.alliedelec.com/rs-pro-6173097/70646313/

Carl


Dear Carl,

Thank you for your time. I have found the SPST version of the first switch from DigiKey (I have an account there). Since I have no need for the buzzer (great idea), this switch should do. Can you just confirm this switch would be a good mag switch?


Thank you!!!
 
Dear Carl,

Thank you for your time. I have found the SPST version of the first switch from DigiKey (I have an account there). Since I have no need for the buzzer (great idea), this switch should do. Can you just confirm this switch would be a good mag switch?


Thank you!!!

Sure - it will work. Reconsider using the buzzer as you will be amazed at how often you forget and leave the mags hot. There is no mistaking the buzzer sounding when the engine shuts down.

There is nothing magical about such switches.

Carl
 
I installed a keyswitch from McMaster Carr in series with my master switch toggle so that the starter button can't be engaged by someone climbing into the cockpit and monkeying around. Toggles for the mags and a pushbutton for the starter. Much much cheaper than the Cessna style mag/starter keyswitch and simpler to troubleshoot and install.

Don
 
Same feature

I installed a keyswitch from McMaster Carr in series with my master switch toggle so that the starter button can't be engaged by someone climbing into the cockpit and monkeying around. Toggles for the mags and a pushbutton for the starter. Much much cheaper than the Cessna style mag/starter keyswitch and simpler to troubleshoot and install.

Don

Ditto. Labeled "Starter enable".
 
I used individual switches. A double pole double throw for the right mag so when it is on the starter circuit is off. It works well exceptthat it is hard to start and I can't get the right mag on as quickly as I would like. The old cessna style switch would be better for that. The other thing is that if I ever tried a restart in the air with a faulty left mag, the right would also be off.
 
Back
Top