jeff2space
Well-Known Member
Does anyone have any tips or tricks to drilling holes in switchband so they line up perfectly with altimeter switch inside?
I install my switches on the switchband and run wires to the sled. It's much easier that way.Does anyone have any tips or tricks to drilling holes in switchband so they line up perfectly with altimeter switch inside?
I did that for my L3 bird. Recently I've been building using the 3D printed sleds with the switches mounted on the sled.I install my switches on the switchband and run wires to the sled. It's much easier that way.
Steve Shannon
I haven't gotten that fancy yet, but I do have some kind of sled from Missileworks I'm going to try. I considered making some kind of LED to temporarily mount where the switch will mount with a standoff to bring it up to the inside of the coupler's inner surface, then drill where the light it.I did that for my L3 bird. Recently I've been building using the 3D printed sleds with the switches mounted on the sled.
Unless it is a 2.6" diameter rocket and you are installing a Schurter rotary switch. Because then after you install the switch there isn't enough room left inside the av bay to slide the sled in. Don't ask me how I know that . . .I install my switches on the switchband and run wires to the sled. It's much easier that way.
Steve Shannon
The first dual deploy I did used the PML CPR system in a 2.6 inch rocket. Using the PML switches it fit okay. I kind of went crazy and converted all of my small rockets using the CPR. I like the PML slide switches and their commercial equivalents from NKK.Unless it is a 2.6" diameter rocket and you are installing a Schurter rotary switch. Because then after you install the switch there isn't enough room left inside the av bay to slide the sled in. Don't ask me how I know that . . .
A ruler? Measure twice, cut once.Does anyone have any tips or tricks to drilling holes in switchband so they line up perfectly with altimeter switch inside?
I have a Schurter rotary switch in a 38mm av-bay. It can be done! Switch is on the sled.Unless it is a 2.6" diameter rocket and you are installing a Schurter rotary switch. Because then after you install the switch there isn't enough room left inside the av bay to slide the sled in. Don't ask me how I know that . . .
Are you using other's 3D-printed sleds, or printing your own? I guess you're probably saying the former.I did that for my L3 bird. Recently I've been building using the 3D printed sleds with the switches mounted on the sled.
Using the current 3D sleds available you are limited to location of switch. Of course one solution would be to make own sled (either 3D or wood/fiberglass). I could update my original question to: When using an manufacturers 3D sled, how do you drill hole(s) in switchband accurately?The question here is really how to design/mount switches on a sled so that they match the switchband. Using a switch band really limits your av-bay layout by forcing the switch to the center (assuming your band is in the middle of the coupler, which is typical).
I guess I am not following your question. You don't have many options when drilling a hole in the switchband. It is only 1 inch wide, usually. Just drill the hole anywhere. The key then is to line up the switch directly beneath it. If your sled is on threaded rod, then use some spacers or nuts to lock it in place so that the switch is beneath the hole.Using the current 3D sleds available you are limited to location of switch. Of course one solution would be to make own sled (either 3D or wood/fiberglass). I could update my original question to: When using an manufacturers 3D sled, how do you drill hole(s) in switchband accurately?
+1. Doing it this way, I get great alignment every time and do not need to drill a separate vent hole. Securing the sled on threaded rods with a few nuts allows for 'adjustments' too.Drill the hole through the switch band first. Then use the drill to mark the spot where the switch needs to be.