Switch defeat?.P Mag wiring

[bobmarkert]

I blew way too much time (hours) trying to figure out the design for a switching circuit for my P-mags. I need to qualify that?. to design it so it will work the way I want. I?m hoping someone with more electrical smarts than me (I?) can help. Part of the problem is I?m also trying for a certain aesthetic as well as function. My design point is that each P-mag will have its own switch:
Military locking 3 positions
Up position (Fly Position) ?P? lead open & Ship?s power closed
Mid position (Mag Test) ?P? lead open & Ship?s power open
Down position (Mag Off) ?P lead Closed (grounded) & Ship?s power open
To complicate it even further I would like to add a warning light whenever the switch is in the mid (test) position to prevent me from inadvertently flying in the mid ?test? position. Does that mean I need a 3 pole triple throw?. and is there a mil type locking lever switch that will do all this?
I have the switch below which is a double pole ?On-On-On? switch which may be part of the problem.
Thanks for your feedback

[David Paule]

Can't help with the circuit, sorry, but if it were me, I'd far prefer a momentary test position instead of a fixed one, and then get rid of the light.

The thing with the light is that a person could get into a behavior pattern where you go to test, check the light - ignoring the functional effect of the test - and then are satisfied.

Plus, it's more wiring, more weight, all to simply remind you that yes, indeedy, you've got the switch in the wrong position.

Perhaps you can find a switch that has these positions:
Momentary up = test
Middle = on
Down = off

But wouldn't the normal on - off kind of switch work just fine, with off testing the other side of the system like a magneto switch would?

Like I said, I can't help with the electrical end of it and the "on - off" idea might be wrong for P mags.. But just like other pilots, I know what functionality I like.

Dave

Dave

[bobmarkert]

Dave, I considered all that and .... And still would like a solution for my original post..... If there is even a switch that will fit the bill.
Cheers
Bob

[Sparky]

Bob,

You could wire it like this using your existing switch (EDIT: See corrected drawing in later post):



Edit: Of course you would need the necessary circuit breaker or fuse per the Pmag installation manual, etc.

[bobmarkert]

Now if I just knew how to decipher the schematic......sigh
Thanks. PM sent

[Sparky]

I guess my schematic would not work with your existing switch (double pole double throw or DPDT). The schematic shows a double pole triple throw (DPTT). Sorry.

[bobmarkert]

My switch is a double pole triple throw. If you don't mind give a call
Bob
303 882-7410

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by bobmarkert

My switch is a double pole triple throw. If you don't mind give a call
Bob
303 882-7410

If what you have was double poll / triple throw, it would have 9 terminals.
You have a double poll / double throw (based on your photo).

[J Crate]

Have a look at page 6 of the following link. http://www.aeroelectric.com/articles...r_Switches.pdf

I think your switch is similar to a 10-2. If so, I believe you can accomplish what you want by connecting the terminals as follows:
1) Idiot light Ground
2) Ground
3) P Lead
4) Pmag Power
5) Bus Power
6) Idiot light positive.


There is a very good chance I don't know what I am taking about, so make sure you test first.

John
RV6A C-FNLY

[Sparky]

Bob,

John (J CRATE) has it right. It should work if you connect it up as he posted. As he said, test it first.

I will post a corrected schematic tomorrow.

EDIT (12/27/2012) - Here's the corrected drawing for DPDT ON-ON-ON switch: