Pololu RC Switch with Relay (Assembled)

This Pololu RC relay enables easy control of large, electrically isolated loads in radio control (RC) systems. The activation threshold and direction are configurable, and a safe-start feature reduces the likelihood of unexpected activation.

This assembled version ships with the 5V relay, terminal block, and straight male header pins soldered in, so it can be integrated into hobby RC systems without the need for additional soldering. The included power relay is an Omron G5LE-14-DC5 and is rated for up to 10 A under most conditions.

Warning: This product is not designed to or certified for any particular high-voltage safety standard. Working with voltages above 30 V can be extremely dangerous and should only be attempted by qualified individuals with appropriate equipment and protective gear.

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This product consists of a single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) power relay and a control circuit that measures incoming radio control (RC) signals, making it easy to control large, electrically isolated loads in RC systems. Example applications include using extra channels on an RC receiver or servo controller to turn on lights, motors, or irrigation valves. The RC switch is available pre-soldered or as a partial kit that allows for greater application flexibility:

The RC switch measures the width of incoming RC pulses and compares it to a user-configurable threshold (with ±64 µs of hysteresis) to decide whether to activate the relay. By default, the threshold is approximately 1700 μs, with switch activation occurring above the threshold (longer pulses), but the switch has a learning mode that allows you to change the threshold and the activation direction. A safe-start feature reduces the likelihood of unexpected activation.

We generally recommend using a 4- or 5-cell NiMH or NiCD battery pack to power the switch. The battery pack will typically be connected to an RC receiver or servo controller, which passes the power onto the RC switch.

The included relay is an Omron G5LE-14-DC5 and is rated for up to 10 A under most conditions.

Included hardware

The Pololu RC Switch with Relay ships with the 5V Omron relay, header pins, and terminal block soldered in. A 1×2-pin male header and a shorting block are also included with the assembled version and can be used to configure the device. This assembled version can be incorporated into an existing RC system without the need for any additional soldering.

The board has four mounting holes that work with #2 or M2 screws (not included).

Advantages over similar products

• Compact layout
• User-configurable activation threshold and direction
• Safe-start mode to reduce the likelihood of unexpected activation
• Zener diode for fast current decay on the relay coil
• Specification of electrical routing clearance rules on relay switch nodes (see user’s guide)

Outputs and indicator LED

The RC switch provides feedback about what state it is in via a yellow indicator LED. Status information is also provided on two output pins:

• The GOOD pin indicates the presence of a valid RC signal (10–330 Hz pulse rate, 0.5–2.5 ms pulse width).
• The OUT pin indicates whether the relay is activated (i.e. the relay coil is energized).

More information about the Pololu RC Switch with Relay can be found in the user’s guide.

Resources

• User Guide
• Omron G5LE Single-Pole 10A Power Relay datasheet
• Schematic
• Dimension Diagram
• 3D Model (STEP)
• DXF Drill Guide