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I've built a smoke stopper circuit that I want to use once my first quadcopter will be built. It's basically a simple circuit that sits between the LiPo battery and the drone, that lights a lamp if a short happens on the quad's end.

I've slightly modified the circuit from what is visible at the link above. A second switch (Hi) includes the higher power lamp.

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

I have two questions in regards:

  1. Is the indicator LED correctly placed? I tried the circuit without it and it works as intended. I wanted a confirmation on this part. The LED should light up if I connect the battery and the "Power" switch is ON, so I can have a visual feedback.

  2. What if I want to use a DPDT switch (momentary type, ON-OFF-ON), as a test for the lamps? Without attaching the drone, I would use it to test the two lamps, based on the side I engage. Is it possible at all?

enter image description here

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    \$\begingroup\$ Please add the DPDT switch to your schematic to show where you intend to add it. Also, is the resistor really 10 kilohm? \$\endgroup\$
    – Elliot Alderson
    Commented Jun 28, 2018 at 20:44
  • \$\begingroup\$ Well I don't know where to add the switch. I only thought that would be cool to test the lamps before seeing if they actually light up due to a short. I have this switch and I thought to use it, one side per lamp. If it's possible. Yes sorry the R is 1k: I tried the LED I want to use with it under 12V. It still gives a sufficiently bright light. \$\endgroup\$
    – dentex
    Commented Jun 28, 2018 at 20:52
  • \$\begingroup\$ The problem with testing the lamps is that you'd need to know a suitable current. Too little and they just get warm, then a medium range where they get warm enough to glow visibly, and then one where they act as fuses. If you know the voltage the lamps are intended for, then applying that across them could work. \$\endgroup\$
    – Chris Stratton
    Commented Jun 28, 2018 at 20:56
  • \$\begingroup\$ So why are you asking about a DPDT switch? Is that just what you happen to have on hand? \$\endgroup\$
    – Elliot Alderson
    Commented Jun 28, 2018 at 20:56
  • \$\begingroup\$ @ChrisStratton I know my LiPo it's 2200mAh (65C) and around 12V (depending on the charge level). Lamps are automotive ones at 12V, 20W and 8W. \$\endgroup\$
    – dentex
    Commented Jun 28, 2018 at 21:02

1 Answer 1

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I used a simple SPST momentary bush-button to test the lamps, with the hi-low switch to test one or both lamps. Circuit enter image description here

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