UPDATE:
I got a new job thats taking up all my time. So here are the 3D print files for you all to enjoy
(See end of 1st post)
I created a mechanical slide switch using the AS150 connector for my build and wondered if there is enough interest for such a product. This was inspired by deckoz, but the CAD was designed by me entirely from scratch.
I preferred this over the standard loopkey because:
You can’t loose it
Also has anti-spark features
It looks better than an ugly loop key
Specs:
150a continuous. (Technically 90a since it connects to xt90 connectors for the battery and esc)
It’s “bulletproof” and won’t die like FET based anti-sparks
Very small form factor, clean enclosure mounting
Enclosure mounting
3D printed with PETG
Feel free to discuss the pros/cons of this design compared to others on the market and feel free to vote in the poll on how much you would pay for one if offered commercially.
Yes I get that as DIY’ers, we can all go buy the connectors yourself and 3D print it. That’s totally fine!
This poll is for a “plug and play” commercial product. For those that don’t have the tools/skills/time/lazy to do it themselves. There was a commercial “pre-made loopkey” I saw a while ago but I can’t find the link. This is exactly that but with a cleaner product imo.
That being said, would you buy this and how much would you pay for it? (price includes shipping)
I like the idea but personally don’t see that much of an advantage over loopkeys. That’s why I wouldn’t pay much for it.
IMO loopkeys are easier to pull in an emergency and you can conveniently integrate a fuse into them as well. Overall it is much more compact and simple.
From what I’ve researched, PETG is pretty good with that respect. However, I’m not pro enough in CAD to do FEA analysis on the part. I will report back after I’ve ridden a few thousand km’s on my prototype
What I want to add is that there are definitely reasons to use xt150s instead of xt90s as a switch and this design is an elegant way of doing so. Just dangling wires with bullets isn’t nice.
I was hoping for a second that you had made a anti-spark switch that actually has a linear actuator push the connection into place. I’m quite surprised no one did that before Gamer43’s design came along.
Really like that, only remains to find a way to make it completely waterproof, shouldn’t be that hard.
You could seal the non moving side with silicone, and make a second chamber where the wire does a bend and exits at the same side as the non moving one
Ahh, I see what you’re saying. However with 10 guage wire, any “bend” will take up a lot more space. Especially if you want the entire module enclosed, the box would be very big and bulky. It would be harder to accommodate different enclosure sizes/space
Perhaps if you removed the sheathing on the part of the wire inside the switchbody so there is more flex in less space, and sealed the exit hole to the sheathing on the rest of the wire.
You could add a resistor sticking out from the side of one connector, now when you close the circuit the resistor should make contact before the actual connection does. And you would have real pre charging (no spark inside eating the connector).
Hey @murdomeek, is there any progress on this? Have you been using the switch? Are you happy with it? Is it available in any way?
I may need one of those. I only lost one loopkey so far but you don’t want to know how many times I went out riding and forgot to take the key. This would save me a lot of time riding up and down in the elevator.
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