Tom Maxwell
Well Known Member
I didn't want hi-jack a previous thread so I am starting this one with regards to trim killer switches. The previous post talked about using closed loop servos systems to position the trim tab and a concern came up about a run-a-way condition. Mr. Adamson indicates he installed a "Trim Killer" switch to disable the servos circuits in the the event of a run-a-way condition.
My question is, has anyone ever had the need to kill a trim circuit because of a run-a-way condition? My other question is, whether or not it is even practical to attempt to kill the servo circuits in the event of a run-a-way condition?
My thinking is that unless the servo is unimagineably slow, before a run-a-way condition can be noticed, diagnosed, and then acted upon, the trim tab is going to be at its mechanical stop anyway. So a kill switch may help prevent an overheat condition (presumably a fuse or breaker will do the same thing) but my feeble mind is thinking that counting on a killer switch to stop the tab before it reaches a stop will probably be futile.
Has anyone tested this or had to depend on a killer switch in a real life situation?
My question is, has anyone ever had the need to kill a trim circuit because of a run-a-way condition? My other question is, whether or not it is even practical to attempt to kill the servo circuits in the event of a run-a-way condition?
My thinking is that unless the servo is unimagineably slow, before a run-a-way condition can be noticed, diagnosed, and then acted upon, the trim tab is going to be at its mechanical stop anyway. So a kill switch may help prevent an overheat condition (presumably a fuse or breaker will do the same thing) but my feeble mind is thinking that counting on a killer switch to stop the tab before it reaches a stop will probably be futile.
Has anyone tested this or had to depend on a killer switch in a real life situation?