Radios - 6 channel switches

General
1

I have always disliked the “MIX” method of making a 6-channel switch out of 3 position and 2 position toggle switches. When things go wrong, you need to do the right thing immediatly. It is much easer to rotate a labeled switch than to figure out what to do with two switches.

For this reason, I use a small GRAYHILL 12-position rotary and a series of resistors to make a true 6-position switch and connect it to one of the potentiometer inputs of the radio. Most rotary switches have the provision for blocking some of the positions. Using 6 of the 12 positions uses a bit less than 180 degrees of the possible rotation.

I have made this modification to several radios - Turnigy (FrSky), Spektrum, Jumper, RadioMaster. If anyone would like information, I can provide some ideas and pics.

2

In my experience two switches are plenty fast and with proper switch selection it can be done without releasing sticks.

1 Like
3

I use Auxiliary functions on a switch for that purpose.

4

Back when we had cheap radios without enough switches and options I fitted one of these:

Worked like a charm but they are small and you have to be able to find the desired switch by feel, or take your eyes off the aircraft.

EDIT: actually I had this switcher on a Taranis, there’s a spare switch input available so you dont even lose any of the existing switches.
But now I just us a 3pos for Stab/AltHold/Loiter and a 3pos for Land/RTL then a couple of 2pos for payload/whatever and Auto or Autotune

5

Frsky have sold the switch for over 10 years. I made one before that for my turning 9x, it’s not a new idea. I like it for flight modes but I always still have some critical ones like manual on an override switch. Asits easy to end up in the wrong mode.

https://www.flyingtech.co.uk/product/frsky-taranis-6-position-rotary-flight-mode-flap-switch-for-x9/

6

I had no idea someone had already built this. I used both C&K and Grayhill both make tiny rotary switches that are suitable.