Data Sheet

1. Overview

The Pololu RC switches allow you to turn devices on and off using standard radio control (RC) pulses. These switches

can be used with standard hobby RC systems for radio-controlled switch applications. Example applications include

using extra channels on an RC receiver or servo controller to turn on lights, motors, or irrigation valves.

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 switch. 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 on all RC switches except the RC Servo Multiplexer.

The RC Switch family

The Pololu RC Switch with Digital Output [https://www.pololu.com/product/2801] is the most basic RC

switch. This extremely compact (0.4″ × 0.4″) board can fit on a U.S. dime and has two digital outputs

that indicate whether the switch is active and whether the input signal is valid. (These outputs are also

available on all the other RC switches.)

The Pololu RC Switch with Small Low-Side MOSFET [https://www.pololu.com/product/2802] has an

integrated low-side MOSFET that allows it to drive small loads (up to around 3 A). It ships with male

header pins included but not soldered in.

The Pololu RC Switch with Medium Low-Side MOSFET [https://www.pololu.com/product/2803] has an

integrated low-side MOSFET that allows it to drive moderate loads (up to around 15 A) and a voltage

regulator that allows more options for powering the board. The included screw terminal block makes

it easy to connect the load and load supply wires directly to the board. This RC switch ships with a

1×4 terminal block and male header pins included but not soldered in.

The Pololu RC Switch with Relay [https://www.pololu.com/product/2804] features a single-pole, double-

throw (SPDT) relay, allowing it to drive large, electrically isolated loads. This board also has an

integrated voltage regulator. It is available fully assembled [https://www.pololu.com/product/2804] or as a

partial kit [https://www.pololu.com/product/2805]. Please note that relays make a clicking sound when they

are turned on or off, so the RC Switch with Relay might not be suitable for applications requiring quiet

operation.

1. Overview Page 2 of 35