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Author Topic:   RF kill swtiches, failsafes?

pcrussell50 posted 04-25-2010 02:41 PM ET (US)
Is there any basis for worrying that these new RF kill switches might somehow fail into a "nuissance" kill? Further, what if you fell overboard, and the water contact closed and killed the motor just as designed... then you climb safely back aboard, so far so good. Will the now-wetted remote allow an engine start?
These seem like basic design considerations to a competent engineer, but...
So, the question for you guys who have them is, does the brand you have, account for "nuissance", no-starts?
-Peter
contender posted 04-25-2010 03:34 PM ET (US)
The one that I have grounds out the engine. The switch/button is off when open, the key holds the switch open, pull the key(spring loaded) and contact is made and grounds the engine off/out. Put the key back in and you can start the engine no problem. The only down side is yes, the cable could break or you just do not wear it, other wise I think it is fail safe and pretty straight foward. I think a lot of things have to be working against you for it not to work...take care
pcrussell50 posted 04-25-2010 03:54 PM ET (US)
Perhaps I shouldn't have used the word, "RF". "RF" stands for radio frequency. I was referring to the "wireless" kill switches.
-Peter
David Pendleton posted 04-25-2010 04:11 PM ET (US)
The Autotether system "works" because radio signals do not travel through water.
When the fob is submerged, the reciever loses the signal and activates the kill switch.
Once the fob is within range again (or out of the water), it will function normally.
If for some reason the unit is malfunctioning, you can just remove it and revert back to your lanyard. The installation isn't permanent.

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Author	Topic: RF kill swtiches, failsafes?
pcrussell50	posted 04-25-2010 02:41 PM ET (US) Is there any basis for worrying that these new RF kill switches might somehow fail into a "nuissance" kill? Further, what if you fell overboard, and the water contact closed and killed the motor just as designed... then you climb safely back aboard, so far so good. Will the now-wetted remote allow an engine start? These seem like basic design considerations to a competent engineer, but... So, the question for you guys who have them is, does the brand you have, account for "nuissance", no-starts? -Peter
contender	posted 04-25-2010 03:34 PM ET (US) The one that I have grounds out the engine. The switch/button is off when open, the key holds the switch open, pull the key(spring loaded) and contact is made and grounds the engine off/out. Put the key back in and you can start the engine no problem. The only down side is yes, the cable could break or you just do not wear it, other wise I think it is fail safe and pretty straight foward. I think a lot of things have to be working against you for it not to work...take care
pcrussell50	posted 04-25-2010 03:54 PM ET (US) Perhaps I shouldn't have used the word, "RF". "RF" stands for radio frequency. I was referring to the "wireless" kill switches. -Peter
David Pendleton	posted 04-25-2010 04:11 PM ET (US) The Autotether system "works" because radio signals do not travel through water. When the fob is submerged, the reciever loses the signal and activates the kill switch. Once the fob is within range again (or out of the water), it will function normally. If for some reason the unit is malfunctioning, you can just remove it and revert back to your lanyard. The installation isn't permanent.