Position a servo with a toggle switch

[heyok]

Recently a customer wanted a way to move a servo on his rig to two different positions. I didn't ask why (or I forget ), but I expect a gizmo like this would have a few uses.
Lets say you want to run a two speed transmission on your truck but you don't have a spare channel on your radio. This part lets you position a servo just by flipping a toggle switch. Two trim pots lets you set exactly where the servo will park in both of the switch positions.

I don't know how many of you would need something like this, so I wanted to post up a prototype to get some of your feedback.



You can plug this into a spare port on your receiver or feed it power from a Y connector on any of your servo plugs. The controller isn't too fussy about how much voltage you run through it, so it would work fine for a high voltage servo if that is what you want to do.

Watch it here:
https://youtu.be/QxLUY6yRsxE

[wolfsbone01]

Thats cool Al, I would use something like that for using on a custom trailer build where the ramps would be raised and lowered by that switch. Okay question could you wire it to where it could have a ON-OFF-ON switch so that it could power like one of your 3 position servo winches?

[heyok]

Originally Posted by wolfsbone01

Thats cool Al, I would use something like that for using on a custom trailer build where the ramps would be raised and lowered by that switch. Okay question could you wire it to where it could have a ON-OFF-ON switch so that it could power like one of your 3 position servo winches?

That's a great use on your trailer ramp!

Yes, I could make it do three positions and it could operate a three position channel servo winch.
If you really want to run a winch from a toggle switch though, you can do it and you don't need any electronics. Just wiring. Using one 3 position toggle, you can have Winch In, Stop and Winch Out. Compared to using one of my winch controllers though, you won't have the electric brake when it is in stop mode. It is possible to simulate a brake if you use two toggle switches.
Let me know if you guys want to know how to do this and I will show you in another thread.

[badhoopty]

i could see how this would be neat for non rc stuff, like actuators for hidden panels in autos to hide rare birds or something. ;)

[Alexander_0_1]

If I had a 2 speed transmission in my wraith I could use this to replace the faux shifter that gets screwed into the interior body work...

[heyok]

Originally Posted by badhoopty

i could see how this would be neat for non rc stuff, like actuators for hidden panels in autos to hide rare birds or something. ;)

Cool idea!
Does "rare bird" mean something or am I just looking for meaning that isn't there?

Originally Posted by Alexander_0_1

If I had a 2 speed transmission in my wraith I could use this to replace the faux shifter that gets screwed into the interior body work...

Great idea!
Maybe I should post this up as a regular part for sale.
Can I make one for you?

[badhoopty]

no hidden meaning. ;)

i saw a news story once on smugglers of all types. i was amazed that there are bird smugglers. they showed a car that had birds stuffed in tubes everywhere.

[Spidubic]

Originally Posted by heyok

If you really want to run a winch from a toggle switch though, you can do it and you don't need any electronics. Just wiring. Using one 3 position toggle, you can have Winch In, Stop and Winch Out. Compared to using one of my winch controllers though, you won't have the electric brake when it is in stop mode. It is possible to simulate a brake if you use two toggle switches.
Let me know if you guys want to know how to do this and I will show you in another thread.

I would. I am looking to mount twin winches on the back of my 6x6 and don't need them to be transmitter controlled. Just run by toggle switch.

[heyok]

This is the two switch version.

[Spidubic]

Thanks Heyok! Seems fairly straightforward. Also looks like I could add a second winch and On/Off switch and be able to run both from one DPDT switch allowing either one to run or actually have both spool in or out at the same time. Now I can't wait to get going on the winches. You da man Heyok!

[WesTX]

Can you PM me a price for one of these? Would be great for my 2 speed transmission in my wraith.

Wes

[heyok]

Originally Posted by WesTX

Can you PM me a price for one of these? Would be great for my 2 speed transmission in my wraith.

Wes

Will do.
Thanks for your interest.

[heyok]

Added this as a new product in the vendor section:
Toggle Switch Servo Positioner

[heyok]

I've done a bit more work to this and now you can have three positions using a toggle switch.
It will use one of those three position toggle switches. There will still be two pots on the controller. When the switch is in the center position, the servo will be centered. Swing the switch left or right and the left or right pot sets those servo positions.

[WesTX]

Could I just dip this thing in silicone conformal coating for waterproofing purposes? Not planning on getting into deep water but want to prepare for the worst just in case.

Wes

[heyok]

Originally Posted by WesTX

Could I just dip this thing in silicone conformal coating for waterproofing purposes? Not planning on getting into deep water but want to prepare for the worst just in case.

Wes

You could do that. I prefer Plasti Dip as I know it won't get inside the pots but will still water proof it and if you need to, you can pick it off to adjust the pots again.
Conformal coating would probably work fine too. My concern is that it would run inside the crack around the rotating part of the pot and make it so you couldn't adjust it anymore.

[WesTX]

Originally Posted by heyok

You could do that. I prefer Plasti Dip as I know it won't get inside the pots but will still water proof it and if you need to, you can pick it off to adjust the pots again.
Conformal coating would probably work fine too. My concern is that it would run inside the crack around the rotating part of the pot and make it so you couldn't adjust it anymore.

Gotcha, makes total sense.

So just dip the whole thing in a bowl of the plastidip that typically comes in a paint can type container?

Wes

[heyok]

Most of it is already covered in plastidip. Just need to cover up the openings for the pots on yours. Usually I just use an old chopstick to apply it.
Dip your stick it in the goo, then spread it around the hole.
I didn't really mean for that to sound dirty.