Roger Ford Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I'm aiming to lose the ignition barrel for my new setup - and intend getting something like this: Doomsday switch panel Now the idea of these, if I understand it correctly, is that you can kill the engine just by hitting the big red switch cover. But I'm a bit concerned about hitting it by accident. I had to move my indicator switch because I frequently turned them on while trying to save a big slide - if I manage to kill the engine while doing that it's going to be bad news. Is this likely to be a problem? Do I just need to make sure I mount the switch panel well away from the wheel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECR Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I have an aircraft style switch to cut my ignition but I have modified it to cut the ignition when the cover/switch is in the Up position. To my mind this is a lot more sensible. When I am driving the cover is down and ther is no way I can cut the engine without the positive action of raising the cover and operating the switch. It's easy to modify, turn the switch through 90 degrees and file off a small tab as I remember .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6speedmanual Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 That's an interesting alternative, Roger. My "understanding" of redcovered switch is a) cannot knock on by mistake as two deliberate actions required b) can be used as a cut out in emergency by slamming down the cover. Having used mine the normal way round for 5 years and never accidentally knocked it off (or on for that matter) I shall be leaving it as is. As my switch is placed over towards the passenger side. I sometimes offer passengers the opportunity to start the engine - Arm - lift cover, raise toggle switch... Fire - press Big Red Button! Always adds to their enjoyment of the 7 experience 😬 Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Whitley Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 I did have mine near the wiper switch and inadvertently killed the engine a few times when switching them on or off before re-siting it further left. It's not too serious : kill engine, flip switch back on, engine restarts, driven by rear wheels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlesElliott Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 It is serious if you are in the middle of a race (which is what Roger will be using it for) 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Whitley Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 😶🌫️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Support Team Shaun_E Posted October 21, 2011 Support Team Share Posted October 21, 2011 I've never knocked mine accidentally although my passenger has once or twice . It's sited well away from any of the normal controls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noet Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 Hi. I can recommend Cartech electonic battery isolator. Exellent when yo go for keyless ignition. Main push button hidden behind dash. Kill swich well placed in reach of both driver and passenger, - if neccesary. Expensive but brilliant. Egil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Ford Posted October 21, 2011 Author Share Posted October 21, 2011 Not keen on that idea. It might pass scrutineering, but there's no visual indication of when the power is cut, unlike an FIA switch. Edit: and if you don't have a separate ignition switch, isn't this equivalent to turning off the power by the FIA switch rather than the key? That's reputed to be bad for MEMS ecus as they don't get a chance to save current settings to flash ram. Edited by - Roger Ford on 21 Oct 2011 11:45:52 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myles Posted October 22, 2011 Share Posted October 22, 2011 It might pass scrutineering, but there's no visual indication of when the power is cut, unlike an FIA switch. On that point, won't scrutes be less than impressed if they find the doomsday switch works the 'wrong way round' as in ECRs case? It's a little bit like wiring your brake-lights to be push-to-kill rather than push-to-make - they'd still serve the purpose but confuse the hell out of anyone unfamiliar with the car! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myles Posted October 22, 2011 Share Posted October 22, 2011 Oh - and I've never knocked the switch accidentally in either of my current two sevens over 10 years (combined) ownership. The Blackbird Westie has its switches in the center of the dash - so well out of the way of everything but the passenger. The Caterham has the switch close to the steering-wheel - but has never been a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Ford Posted October 22, 2011 Author Share Posted October 22, 2011 Yes - I think there's a safety issue on wiring it upside-down. In the event of a crash, marshals might well assume they can hit the switch cover and kill the ignition. Not an issue for a road car, but probably not a good idea on a race car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECR Posted October 22, 2011 Share Posted October 22, 2011 If my switch is in the up position the engine won't be running (no fuel pump and no ignition) so they would have no cause to touch it. The marshals won't be fiddling around on the dasboard anyway, they'll hit the external master switch to kill everything. That's what it's for ... Edited by - ECR on 22 Oct 2011 12:38:32 Edited by - ECR on 22 Oct 2011 12:39:08 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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