nuckollsr(at)cox.net
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 Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 8:37 pm Post subject: Big Red Split Rockers |
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For some reason the text from the message I sent to the forum yesterday
didn't go through. So here it is again.
Bob,
I agree with some of the points you provide in your assessment of the split
rocker master switch, but I also think there were a few points that are
relevant that were not included which may favor this switch over the S700-2-10.
1) The uniqueness of the split rocker vs. the toggle switches on the panel
helps distinguish it as one you will not normally be operating except at
start-up and shut-down, lessening the chances of unintentional use during a
high stress situation in a panel full of similar style switches. I've heard
it suggested that you should try to break the switches up into grouping of
no more that 3-4 toggles in a group, but some panel styles don't lend
themselves to having that much real estate available for switches, so using
a different style switch can help accomplish the same result.
I've been working in GA light and medium sized aircraft
for over 40 years and we've got dozens of switches in every
airplane that look just like the battery and generator master
switches . . . I've never been made aware of any complaint
for not making these or any other switches 'unique' in appearance.
2) The S700-2-10 itself is a unique enough switch that isn't stocked in
most places that normally carry toggle switches. If a failure of it occurs
while on a cross country trip, it is probably less likely to be found at
any average airport with mechanical services available, than a split rocker
master that is commonly used in most certified aircraft.
But suppose you use a sprinkling of 2-5, 2-50 maybe a 1-8
and one of those switches fails on a trip? Your just as
unlikely to find one of these either. Suppose you DO crap
the battery master in ANY form, how would you get the airplane
home? I lost the keys to an airplane once and got it home
easy.
I would hope that because YOU have built and understand your
airplane that the simple failure of any component including
the battery-master isn't going to be more than a minor
inconvenience . . .
3) While it shouldn't be the overriding concern, it is one of the basis of
this forum to build economically as well as safe. I don't know the history
of the pricing on the S700-2-10 but currently B&C's price on it is $19.50.
With a quick Google search for the split master, I found a price range of
$15 - $19.
If a couple of bux drive you this hard, then by all means . . .
cut the square hole instead of drilling a nice round one.
I have gleaned much from both your book and this forum, and hope to be able
to learn only a small fraction of what you have to offer, but I think your
bias against split master switches doesn't warrant quite the level of
disdain you appear to have for it.
I hope you will take these comments in the manner it was
intended......another viewpoint, hopefully providing some additional data
points to consider in the decision making process.
Been through all of them . . . many times over the years
and it still doesn't make sense to me to have one bright
red rectangular switch battery-alternator-master stand
out from all the switches of any other style. The BIG
guys don't do it. Even the folks who use that switch in
production aircraft put it in the same row as all the
rest of the rocker switches.
Thanks for a great forum!
You're most welcome.
Bob . . .
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