snowflake
Filing Flight Plan
Can anyone (e.g., Jim Weir) help me locate a switch that has a "make-before-break" capability?
Problem: I am trying to connect a 12 -42 DC volt source to an electronic speed controller that has large capacitors across the input voltage leads - huge spark that is slowly pitting the electrical contacts.
I have kludged together a resistor in the positive lead of about an ohm, or thereabouts (1/2 watt appears to be sufficient) and that suppresses the spark. Next, I would like to cut the resistor out to handle DC currents ranging from 10 amps to 100 amps (but, not at the time of switching the resistor in or out of the circuit.)
My thought is that a SPDT, make-before-break, switch would allow me to have the resistor in the positive lead so that, when I connect the power source, the resistor allows the capacitors to charge without a huge spark. Then, I simply throw the switch (toggle, slide, whatever) to bypass the resistor.
Eventually, I unplug the DC power source, switch back to the "resistor" position, and am ready for the next use.
I've looked at Mauser and DigiKey, but cannot seem to find a switch that will do what I need. I strongly suspect the appropriate switch is staring me in the face, but there is a disconnect between my ears.
Any thoughts, recommendations?
Thank you.
Michael
Problem: I am trying to connect a 12 -42 DC volt source to an electronic speed controller that has large capacitors across the input voltage leads - huge spark that is slowly pitting the electrical contacts.
I have kludged together a resistor in the positive lead of about an ohm, or thereabouts (1/2 watt appears to be sufficient) and that suppresses the spark. Next, I would like to cut the resistor out to handle DC currents ranging from 10 amps to 100 amps (but, not at the time of switching the resistor in or out of the circuit.)
My thought is that a SPDT, make-before-break, switch would allow me to have the resistor in the positive lead so that, when I connect the power source, the resistor allows the capacitors to charge without a huge spark. Then, I simply throw the switch (toggle, slide, whatever) to bypass the resistor.
Eventually, I unplug the DC power source, switch back to the "resistor" position, and am ready for the next use.
I've looked at Mauser and DigiKey, but cannot seem to find a switch that will do what I need. I strongly suspect the appropriate switch is staring me in the face, but there is a disconnect between my ears.
Any thoughts, recommendations?
Thank you.
Michael