Removing the On/Off switch from an ESC

[Whirlybird]

As you know space for electronics on a crawler is tight, so any extra room is nice. This is a guide to show you guys how to remove a useless on/off switch from your esc, in this case a Sidewinder. Doing so will make it easier to mount your esc because you have one less wire to mount. I would only reccomend doing this mod on an esc that does not use the on/off switch for programing.

Disclaimer: If you preform this mod you run the risk of voiding the manufacturers warenty. If done incorrectly it is also possible to harm your electronics.

The first step to remove your switch is to open up the ESC. The sidewinder is held colsed with a sticker. To open the ESC cut the sticker along the case seam.

Next cut the switch wire 1/2 inch from the ESC case.

Now strip both sides of the wire you cut and twist them together.

Solder the wire end in place.

Next put a small peice of heat shrink on the end of the wire so it does not short on anything in the case.

Lastly fold the peice of wire back into the case and close it up. The keep the case secure use a small peice of decal or clear tape.

Now your done the useless switch has been removed. If you would like to replace it later just resolder it back on.

 

[Rockcrawler]

What if the user has a BEC? ;-) I think this is a good write up for the newer guys. 8)

 

[Robb]

Is the amount of space available really a reason to remove a tiny power switch?

 

[Whirlybird]

I only removed mine because it has no use to me. The off function is only used for programming, so why have it.

P.S. I do not need to program because I have a Castle Link.

 

[j33pownr]

Clever mod but I would think that the always on position would drain your battery between comp courses and you would essentially get less run time. I guess you are in the habbit of unpluging your battery after every single use. I can see that as annoying me enough not to do the mod.

 

[JohnRobHolmes]

I hate power switches. The battery plug is the power. If you use an external BEC you can just remove the red wire from the RX plug so that you don't get issues.


Castle ESCs have to be turned on to boot up, so you have to have the switch "on" for it to work anyway. It won't boot up from an external RX pack/ BEC.

 

[j33pownr]

That makes since but I guess I am different in that I was going to add a switch for the CCBEC (when I eventually get one) as well as the ESC switch. Although my friends say I like to do things the hard way.

 

[4link4eva]

Power switches, just something that's likely to break. Solder the circuit closed, then unplug the red wire if you're using a BEC or RX pack.

Means the ESC runs on it's own little isolated BEC circuit, much more reliable.

 

[binaryterror]

I hate power switches. The battery plug is the power. If you use an external BEC you can just remove the red wire from the RX plug so that you don't get issues.


Castle ESCs have to be turned on to boot up, so you have to have the switch "on" for it to work anyway. It won't boot up from an external RX pack/ BEC.

x2, but then again you are the electronics guru!

Too many times people leave a lipo battery plugged in and the small drain has killed many a servo and RX. I said no more switches and went straight to hard connects only.

 

[Whirlybird]

I personally agree with you guys. I just have the habit of unplugging my electronics even if they have an on/off switch. It wouldnt be hard to build a micro switch into the case though if you wanted.

 

[Stormin2u]

I came from the hard wired world where batteries are soldered in and you needed a switch. So I'm into my switch, I even like to try and mount it in a cool and unique way. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[crawler4lif3]

do not do this if you have a mamba max!!! the esc has to be "off" to program it with the castle link. if the switch is on then you cant change any settings. just fyi

 

[JohnRobHolmes]

I have no problems programming my MM controllers. None have the switch, and all are hardwired on.

 

[helhedded]

I hate power switches. The battery plug is the power. If you use an external BEC you can just remove the red wire from the RX plug so that you don't get issues.

I've already removed the red wire from the Sidewinder harness. Are you referring to the red wire in the BEC harness?

 

[Krawler Freak]

just to doubble check this will have no effect on my crawler system right?

well obviously it being on but i mean as far as programing goes.

 

[crawler4lif3]

I have no problems programming my MM controllers. None have the switch, and all are hardwired on.

thats strange because mine wont do it. so i will keep the switch

 

[CD13]

I have no problems programming my MM controllers. None have the switch, and all are hardwired on.

X2,use the battery plug to turn it off and on,with a switch,the esc will draw voltage even if its off "thumbsup"

 

[bigflex]

Theres another good reason for doing this. I was crawling a steep ledge and my rig fell about 4 feet and hit hard. Then When I tryed to upright it it wouldn't work. I thought something was screwed and took it in the house to check it out. I then noticed that the switch had been turn off. In the fall it hit just right and the jar made the swtich move to the off pos. If that would have been in a comp I would have lost "gained" alot of points just because of the drn switch. This was enough to convince me to hard wire all my esc's!

 

[TRA3905]

I actually had mine switch off during a comp, had to take touch points to turn it on.