Canopy start switch - options?

[Aviation addict]

Guys, I'm preparing to build a Stratus and have been looking at the Canopy section. Have all of you cut a hole as per the manual for the standard power switch position, or are there other options? The reason I ask is that I'm sure I've seen some Stratus canopy's with no holes.

If drilling is the way forward, what's the smallest size you can get away with (when having skinny pinkies)? Anyone got any pictures?

[X]

Seen some with small hole, can't really see it. That one is using pin flag switch.

[Aviation addict]

I've already bought the duralite battery with failsafe switch and regulator so I don't suppose I can use the pin flag switch - although I don't know anything about them... They seem to aviod the need to cut a slot in the canopy though (which I'd rather do).

Could someone educate me about the 'pin flag switches' please? Are standard duralite failsafe switches safer?

[ChrisLaFollette]

I wouldnt worry about cutting a hole in it. Just use the duralite switch and cut a hole in the canopy with a dremel, take a little bit out for the first time and then enlarge until your happy. Cut a few MM inside the marked line on the canopy.

[Alfred]

It's a metal pin that plugs into something like the smaller size Headset sockets as you find them on TV's etc.
It short circuits the 2 wires and in this position is "OFF"
Pull the pin (open circuit) and the radio is "ON".
That is the failsafe device on the Regulator.
The pin has a small flag attached to it.

[Aviation addict]

Thanks gents. I think as I already have the switch I'll just carry on and cut the canopy a little. If the flag pin is a reliable way to go, I'll maybe plan to use one on the following machine. Thanks for educating me on the Flag Pin Alfred and providing the photo!

[megotroulette]

all you need to do is put a small hole so a flat head screwdriver can fit into it that way its a small hole and its neat.

Cheers,

[Aviation addict]

Now thats an idea. Coud do a small slot and use a length of plastic to flick the switch and avoid accidentally scratching the canopy....

Does the point indicated in the Stratus manual give you the exact centre of the switch then? Is it quite accurate?

[Alfred]

It's fairly accurate

[Aviation addict]

If your hands are fairly skinny, can you get your fingers to the switch with the canopy on?

[WayneBrown]

uh... I can't.
The pin switch is made and sold by Fromeco, not sure about the address.
If you are really worried about cutting a hole for the switch, how are you going to address the cooling hole and muffler clearance?
The switch location on the stratus is pretty much where it needs to go to avoid oil vapor fouling it up, so you probably should keep it in the stock location.
The switch hole I have is about 3/4" tall x 1 1/4" long to fit my fat fingers...

[EricLarson]

I reach in from the bottom to turn it on and off :) Also I put my Radio South pro driver on from the bottom and do not use a remote. No big deal. I just have a bit more area cut out of my canopy on the bottom.

[megotroulette]

but you got skinny hands eric :lol :badair:

[EricLarson]

:) just a big hole in the bottom of the canopy. I hate extentions so I have to cut the hole anyway. It is easy to get to the switch.