How to install a Dynamite RC kill switch in your large scale RC car

This video shows the installation of the Dynamite Large Scale safety kill switch (DYNE1240) into a Kraken VEKTA.5. A kill switch is important to have when driving a 40+pound model. Proper installation adds an extra measure of safety that does not rely on a "fail safe" generally built into a radio. This will disable and shut off the engine in the event of a malfunction. The Dynamite switch is a nice addition to other switches on the market. It is simple to install and is available at a great price!
Products used:
Dynamite kill switch (DYNE1240) get yours here! www.davesmotors.com/Dynamite-D...
Kraken VEKTA.5
Zenoah G320RC
Futaba 4PV radio
KillerRC 7200 mAh 7.4V LiPo battery
All these can be found on our website a www.davesmotors.com

[@TorontosF1NEST]

Let me start off by saying you and DDM are a blessing to this hobby. Such an excellent video as always and a much needed one. Everyone running a 1/5 should have a kill switch and your video makes install foolproof.

[@DDMSteveB]

Thank you! We agree, kill switches are a must have for 1/5 guys! As someone with two small kids the thought of an uncontrollable big RC is a terrifying thought.

[@ironmannrc9647]

Awesome vid Steve I guess some people are having problems with the install and it not functioning right but your video makes it plain and simple thanks again Steve.

[@DDMSteveB]

I just hope to take some of the guesswork out of the install! There are critical steps that you need to do or else it totally defeats the purpose of having the switch

[@choke666]

Well ok then! Thankyou for this short, concise, demo. Exactly what i needed. 💯

[@DDMSteveB]

Glad to help out!

[@VeekenBaldeosingh]

thanks man, I was looking for an instructional vid on how to do this! Thanks I appreciate it!

[@DDMSteveB]

Sounds like great timing! Happy I can help. If you hit any snags along the way let me know :)

[@jebernard5]

Good job Steve! Keep the vids coming!

[@DDMSteveB]

Will do! Hoping to get a lot more done during these summer months :)

[@MRBRUSHLESS]

Awesome video very nice how to vid on installing kill switch great job thumbs up!!!

[@fangrc3404]

Great info dude👍

[@markamd1]

Awesome Vid! Thank you )

[@DDMSteveB]

Glad you enjoyed it! Seems it was necessary to get out there.

[@anyrc1425]

Very helpful thx!

[@freddy938]

Hi, further to my previous post, i was told to try another receiver battery 6v this put things right, It worked I also found that if you have a failsafe... already installed it can sometimes go into failsafe.. when connecting the battery, the light went out on the kill switch !! I then reconnected the battery and It worked fine.. its well worth checking the jumpers for correct voltage my thanks go to Richard at King Cobra racing uk for the advice !! Fred

[@kumarpuri7752]

Thank you very much

[@TheRCBiker]

Hi there! I'm hoping you may be able to shed a little light on an issue I'm having. Fitted the kill switch, everything appears to work as it should. Channel 3 is turning on/off the kill switch LED. However, when I start the engine, the kill switch cuts off the engine about 1 second later. I then have to cut the power to the receiver and turn it back on again before I can get any radio control. It sounds like it is an issue with the radio, but It can't be because until the engine starts everything is working as it should! If you could shed any light I'd be very grateful as I'm a bit stumped!

[@tedsmith6137]

Try installing BOTH programming pins. This will deactivate the cutout. The statement in the video is wrong. Both plugs removed, as shown, sets the cutout at 6 v.

[@richardgordon9649]

One of the most important things to note is that this will not work correctly unless the receiver is 4 channel. For example a Losi DBXL comes with a 3 channel receiver and the kill switch will partially work but the car will not turn off when it looses radio signal. The channel has to be a toggle channel 2 way or a 3 way. Basically the channel needs to turn off and the on. So just know that before you buy this. You might need a 4 channel receiver for this to work correctly. For the money this is a excellent kill switch. I have both brands and both perform the same task. The Killer Rc one just has audible tones to it and the option for different color LED lights.

[@DDMSteveB]

This kill switch works fine with 3 or 4 channel receivers. You need to have a radio that is at least 3 channels though. The DBXL has a 3 channel receiver, but it is only a 2 channel radio. If you had a 3 channel Spektrum radio it would work without issue. I also agree the Super Bee is the kill switch of choice, but it is nice to have another option when your first pick isn't available.

[@richardgordon9649]

DDMSteveB thanks for the correction that is what I meant to say! Brain fart. Thanks Steve you guys are the best!

[@tomrc4328]

I have a 2ch radio w/ 3ch rx and this kill switch works with loss of power or signal. You don't have a switch available to turn the motor off, but you can turn the TX off and the engine will die. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKeypX-LZtyoh5o

[@Bathurst_1000]

hi is this kill switch the same as this one -- HPI KM ROVAN BAJA 1/5 5T 5B DBXL FM MCD REMOTE ENGINE KILL SWITCH thank you for your help

[@rdlockrey]

I have an engine kill for my Losi 5ive and the box looks the same but it doesn't have the spade connectors, it terminates with a red futaba servo plug. Do you know if the button has a Normally open or closed circuit?

[@emoreno956]

Thanks. Very informative. What tool is the three sides tool that you used?

[@tiezel5656]

Hi i have a problem with my dynamite killswitch of i install it it Works but if i turn off the controller i have to asign it again to the aux1 2p .. whats wrong ?

[@pranashmaharaj]

@DDMSteveB I have purchased this Dynamite Kill Switch from DDM,I need help programming the Sanwa M17 with the Killswitch. Allocating a button for the kill switch isn't easy.Please assist.

[@coreypaver3263]

Hi there I have a rovan baja q shorty with a 29cc engine in and I’m using the fly sky GT3C controller and have installed the kill switch following this video and I’m having trouble setting it on my controller if anyone can help would be great thank you

[@tiezel5656]

Hi thx for the reply . I can kill my engine but when the system is installed and then turn off my controller it losses the setting it is on inhibet again it does not remember my setting wtf thats strange

[@freerangehuman7016]

You removed both of the low-voltage jumpers which would mean no voltage protection. I thought this Killswitch was capable of Lipo low voltage protection.

[@moorrc7086]

Hey Steve great vid, to the point. Can u explain or show the direction of the jumpers? I have a 6.6 liFe and don't know which to remove (black one, red one or both)

[@derekbarr1783]

Moor Rc Did you ever get your question answered I just hooked up mine now I'm confused also on which to remove or move around for the correct voltage I'm looking for the anything lower the 4 voltage how to set the jumpers up for that voltage.Any help would be much appreciated.Thank you

[@nardo2354]

Moor Rc I had the same question Im running a lipo, or a life. And am confused on how the little voltage plugs work , and what connection is to be fitted in red or black?

[@chris-ip4pk]

Is the stop.button on engine open circuit when not pushed,closed when pushed.mines reading closed on multimeter pushed or not

[@stephencarter1411]

is it ok not to have no protection on it still work,

[@dwwallace4976]

I installed this on my HPI Baja 5T and the light doesn't come on for me and it just seems to have no spark I don't know if maybe I did something wrong but the engine won't turn over at all and I just got the engine running about a month ago and it has a new spark plug in it it's just been out of gas and I put the kill switch in today so I can go drive it and now I can't get it going maybe you can help? Please and thank you

[@titotorrezn]

Works with any brand of engine?

[@Thetimer-mw2xy]

Do you have to have a remote to make it work

[@hallobyebye699]

How do i set it up if i'm using a Nimh battery?

[@paintendaveextremecollisio8057]

Thanks Steve, DDM Rocks.

[@DDMSteveB]

Thank you for your kind words! Very appreciated :)

[@paintendaveextremecollisio8057]

Steve i for got to ask you, is there any tips on getting the Killer Rc reciver 7200 pack in the radio box of the Vekta, i found mine to be verey tight fit , all most to tight..any thoughts? thanks.

[@DDMSteveB]

The 7200 will fit, but you are right it is definitely tight! I have the 7200 and Futaba receiver as noted. I have the battery pushed back with the wires to the front, I slide the receiver into the box in front of the battery kind of up and at a slight angle. The kill switch fits above the battery and the wires are kind of smooshed in with as much order as I can conceive. In hindsight I wish I would have used the 6000 for a little more room.

[@paintendaveextremecollisio8057]

Right , I was going to get the 6000 from your store , but saw the 7200 at your store and grabbed that one. But yes super tight. Thanks man!

[@savagess69turbo79]

I am trying to configure the kill switch of the dynamite brand in a futaba 3 pv control, I want that when I turn off the control the kill switch cuts the power to the. engine but I turn it off and it stays on

[@DDMSteveB]

You have got to program the failsafe position of channel 3 on your transmitter. You want it to be where the light is turned off. Make sure you have your channel three set as a 2 position switch.

[@gavinbleackley7071]

Great video. Are these switches any good as have seen a couple bad reviews but maybe due to incorrect install? cheers

[@DDMSteveB]

Gavin Bleackley I’ve had the same one in my VEKTA for three plus years now. It works just fine for me 🤷‍♂️ the super bee is still my preferred switch but it’s nice to have an option.

[@charis.s]

So i want to buy a kill switch but wanna find a way to make it work without buying a 3+ channel radio(the one i have is 2 channel). Could i use the radio system from one of my other buggys to trigger the kill switch?(like when i steer with the remote control it kills the engine?)

[@DDMSteveB]

this requires a 3 channel radio, but the MOD switch is available for radios where you only have a two channel system: www.davesmotors.com/MOD-5th-scale-kill-switch_2

[@bushwalker2673]

love the red T-handle tool set. do you sell it on your website? thank you

[@DDMSteveB]

Yes we do! www.davesmotors.com/complete-ddm-hex-driver-set-standard-and-ball-end-with-handles-and-socket-holder

[@crazycarl3821]

Just curious so let's say the battery on the car dies will the switch kill the engine still?

[@DDMSteveB]

If it is set up correctly then it will also kill the engine if the battery voltage gets too low. The jumper pins can be removed for different voltage cut off.

[@ironmannrc9647]

Hey Steve I see in your Vekta 5 you have a stock servo and a Hitec servo is this a kit or a RTR kit and if it is a RTR did one of the stock servos fail on you just wondering because if you buy the stock servo by its self it's pretty expensive ?

[@DDMSteveB]

Hey Darwin! This VEKTA started life as a pre-assembled model, it is the V1 axle and all (I still have had no bearing issues). I chose a different steering servo more out of boredom to try something new as the Hitec was a brand new servo that had really impressive specifications (700 oz of torque!) for such a reasonable price. I have been perfectly happy with the decision, make sure you get the Full Force RC servo mounts. They work like a champ!

[@ironmannrc9647]

DDMSteveB thanks for the information about the fullforce servo mount

[@freddy938]

Hi, I just installed my kill switch, but when I connect to the receiver, the light failed to come on, after checking the whole system I then found that the light came on ..then off on connecting to the reciever..I changed the reciever but got the same result, I dont know what to do...Ideas ?? faulty ?? Fred

[@tiezel5656]

I have the same thing .. if i connect it it Works but if i turn of the controller and then turn it on it stops working

[@aaronfonseca6031]

@@tiezel5656 Hey there mate, I reckon your transmitters failsafe is inverted. This means that the killswitch allows the engine to run when the transmitter is off and vice versa. Depending on the brand of transmitter, you will have to reset the failsafe positions for the killswitch channel. On Futaba systems, there is a 'F/S' or 'failsafe' option which you can cycle through each channel and set the position (like you can set it so full brakes activate when radio connection is lost), and you might just have to fiddle with it to get it right. Just refer to the transmitter's manual and if you don't have the manual, look online for it or simply google 'how to set failsafe on *brand* *model*". Hope this helps :)

[@tedsmith6137]

I correction for you. The diagram for the voltage cutout programming pins is extremely unclear, so I followed your advice that removing both plugs deactivated the cutout. Wrong. REMOVING both pins sets the cutout at 6 v, INSTALLING both plugs deactivates the cutout.

[@tjpolo]

you are right....i can't believe its not videos out here that correctly explains this voltage shit....so annoying!!!

[@hallobyebye699]

Steve i got a though nut to crack for yahh. I have s spektrum DX4C with a SRS4210 receiver but some how the kill switch don't work??? Matter of fact then it's hooked up the spark plug does not fire.... do you have any advise of how to crack this nut

[@DDMSteveB]

Hi there! As noted (at least on our website) the Dynamite kill switch is incompatible with ANY of the Spektrum AVC receivers. This is even explicitly noted on our website listing of the Dynamite switch and calls out your specific receiver as being incompatible. You will need to get a receiver WITHOUT AVC. This would be something like the Spektrum SR415: www.davesmotors.com/Spektrum-SR415-DSMR-4-Channel-Sport-Receiver-SPMSR415.html

[@hallobyebye699]

DDMSteveB ahh dat sucks! Alright then i have to switch it. On the kill switch i'm missing the pluggs that are on the kill switch unit the two plastic ones. I run a 4600mah nimi battery.... can i buy these jumper pins separtly or do i have to buy a new unit😒😒

[@philkennedy1]

Hi brill vid but what was that about business card ?

[@DDMSteveB]

philkennedy1 use a business card to gap the flywheel and ignition coil. You want the coil close to the flywheel but not so close that it touches. Just putting a business card between the those two things then tightening the bolts of the coil will give you the space you need.

[@jarronkelm6095]

hey Steve, I know this is kinda of a late message. I’m having trouble with the kill switch. I installed it to my exceed 1/5 scale buggy, and when I went to go plug in the NIMH battery and turn it on with the controller ( which is the factory set) nothing happen. I don’t know if it’s because I have the standardized controller. What would you think it is Steve/suggest ?

[@DDMSteveB]

What radio are you using?

[@JarretLaMark]

That's not how this switch works on a gas/magneto driven ignition system A manual off/on switch should be in between your battery and the receiver. The Dynamite kill switch is powered by your receiver once your manual on/off switch is flipped to activate your electronics. The Dynamite kill switch is just a grounding tool to deactivate the engine magneto (an engine that is running). It's not supposed to be (and cannot) switch your receiver and servo electrical states. The Dynamite needs power from that same source That would be a disaster otherwise. Remember, there's no relationship between your electronics and your engine ignition. Not in this case anyway.

[@christiankrey1201]

Well the only thing that works there is the red led that you switch on and off if the led is on then the motor is on if the LED is off then the motor continues to run

[@skycorrigan6511]

Where did you get that t handle screwdriver? I cannot find it for the life of me

[@DDMSteveB]

The red one is no longer available but we have a new version that is blue: www.ddmracing.com/DDM-2-in-1-Magnetic-Hex-Driver-T-Handle-for-1-4-Drivers-280120

[@ethancolaco5596]

When choosing the voltage cut-off on the killswitch does removing both the red and black pins mean No protection or 6v Cutoff?

[@DDMSteveB]

Both removed = 6V cutoff

[@tomrc4328]

So what happens if power is completely lost to the RX? Broken wire or bad switch scenario? Will the engine still shut off?

[@DDMSteveB]

@@tomrc4328 If power is lost to the RX then the engine will shut off. A properly set up kill switch will only allow an engine to run when things like radio contact, voltage etc are all working correctly.

[@tomrc4328]

@@DDMSteveB I understand what properly set up kill switch will do, I was asking how this one functioned; which you answered. The kill switch I got (RRC-05 from Redcat) only killed the engine with loss of signal, low/no voltage had no effect. Thanks.

[@themfknightrider420]

now do you get the failsafe to set? i have tryed over and over and mine will not work. can shut it off at the remote with the switch. but if i turn the remote off the light stays on.

[@DDMSteveB]

You need to set the failsafe position of your auxiliary channel that your kill switch is plugged into to toggle to the "engine kill" mode. If you have a Spektrum radio your failsafe point on each channel is set during the bind process. If you have a Futaba you can set the failsafe point for each channel via the menu

[@themfknightrider420]

@@DDMSteveB im running a traxxas TQ 2.4ghz 4channel. im guessing this is the reason why i cant get it to work

[@DDMSteveB]

@@themfknightrider420 Probably the reason yep

[@mikebecker1491]

Will the kill switch work on a MTXL if you're using stock transmitter ?

[@DDMSteveB]

You need a 3 channel radio. The stock MTXL radio is only a two channel so it will not work.

[@mikebecker1491]

Ok thanks

[@josiahh.5131]

I have a dbxl and I have to use a tqi traxxas remote because I got it second hand and I am scared to use it because it ran off twice when the battery died I don't know how to set it up

[@DDMSteveB]

I do not have any experience with the Traxxas radios, I don't know of their compatibility to any of the kill switches on the market. I know that the Traxxas radios do not work with the Super Bee switch.

[@josiahh.5131]

DDMSteveB I am broke. Do u know any radios that will work that are cheap

[@DDMSteveB]

The Futaba 3PV is pretty reasonably priced.

[@josiahh.5131]

DDMSteveB alright thanks for the help man I will look it up keep up the good work

[@Harvz78]

Hey DDMSteveB, is that kill switch better than the Killer RC super bee kill switch?

[@DDMSteveB]

Others have asked the same question, my preference is still the Super Bee because it is a more compact design and has a few more features but it is nice to have another option easily available when your first pick isn't available.

[@Harvz78]

DDMSteveB Thanks!

[@Frosty4370]

Hi Steve, Where can I buy one of those three end hex tools?

[@DDMSteveB]

Those are made by Zenoah. We used to sell them a long time back. They were incredibly expensive and even more expensive to ship. They have not been for sale for years.

[@Frosty4370]

DDMSteveB Thank you

[@josiahholmberg2868]

Hey I bought a dx5c and I don't know how to program it to work with this

[@DDMSteveB]

Are you using an AVC receiver? You will want to set up your radio aux channel as a "2 position" switch for the channel with the kill switch.

[@josiahholmberg2868]

DDMSteveB no I am just using a sr415 with no avc

[@josiahholmberg2868]

DDMSteveB thanks for the help man

[@short5stick]

looks like a RCEXL Optical Large Scale Safety Kill Switch

[@faniss1380]

I know its not a killer bee install but i have a question. So, I installed a killer bee on my Baja. I have the RF 45 3 channel receiver and TF 45 transmitter. When i push the 3rd channel button from the transmitter, it shuts off the engine like it should, but when I turn OFF the receiver, the kill switch wont kill the engine, and the only safety measure is the failsafe. Anybody know the solution to my problem? Also, after i installed the kill switch I noticed my engine wasnt running correctly... Its throttle response was garbage, the rpms were dropping very slowly and it had a higer idle than normal, though I didnt touch the screws, and the servo was working fine. Could it be an ignition issue (after reinstalling the coil) or its got nothing to do with the kill switch or the coil reinstall?

[@DDMSteveB]

It might have to do with the radio you are using. KillerRC has a radio compatibility chart that can be seen here: www.killerrc.com/pages/radio-kill-switch-compatibility-chart I would reach out to Kent over at KillerRC and see if he has any ideas on your question. It might be the lack of features of the transmitter or something.

[@faniss1380]

@@DDMSteveB I actually did send a message to them, but no reply yet and that's why I asked on KZbin Edit: Thanks for the reply

[@PatisserieRoyale]

how do i setup the jumpers if i have a 5cell nimh battery?

[@DDMSteveB]

remove the jumper near the outer edge of the switch. Keep the jumper on the inside installed. That would have a cutoff voltage of 5V. You can go as low as 4V for NiMH but I wouldn't suggest it. No point in risking it!

[@PatisserieRoyale]

DDMSteveB thank you Mr.Steve always helpful!

[@rtoebak76]

@@DDMSteveB Answered my question right there :-)

[@Chafalota]

HOW DO YOU INSTALL A KILL SWITCH ON AN ELECTRIC RC CAR? PLEASE ANSWER🙏🏻

[@DDMSteveB]

Electric cars don't need a kill switch. This is for gasoline powered engines.

[@Chafalota]

@@DDMSteveB THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ANSWERING MY QUESTION👍🏻👍🏻💯💯. COULD YOU EXPLAIN TO ME WHY AN ELECTRIC CAR DOESN'T NEED A KILL SWITCH?

[@stephencarter5808]

l have done all this & not starting, don"t know why,

[@DDMSteveB]

These are polarized plugs on the ignition coil. Try swapping those wires around on the ignition coil and see if you get the correct operation then.

[@stephencarter5808]

@@DDMSteveB hi l done that & still no luck.?

[@Ryan-gf3jf]

Whats the difference between the dynamite and killer bee switch?

[@yugorc9386]

Ryan $30

[@Ryan-gf3jf]

oh its cheaper but does the same?

[@richardgordon9649]

Ryan works equally as well just not all the bells and whistles!

[@richardgordon9649]

4 channel receiver is a must for correct operation!

[@MrKillerRC]

Ryan www.killerrc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=690

[@skirmich]

To anyone that owns one of these.. I installed the kill switch and the red light stays on but If I try to start the engine there is no spark.. If I remove the killswitch cable from the module the engine starts fine but the moment I plugged it in the engine cuts off. The 3rd channel switch works fine I can turn the LED ON and OFF depending on the status of my 3rd channel but it seems even with the RED light on the engine wont start... Again If I remove the killswitch cable the engine will start. If I plug the killswitch cable into the module (Even if the RED Light is ON) the Engine will die immediately. Someone Help? Horizon repair and service dept takes forever to respond.

[@DDMSteveB]

Sounds like it could be a dud switch, it happens from time to time. What transmitter and receiver were you using? Were you able to get through to Horizon? If you purchased it through me get in touch and we can get you sorted out.

[@skirmich]

Hi DDMSteveB! Thanks for the Reply.. After messing with it I found that the Killswitch is INDEED polarity sensitive, I went back and flipped the cables on the Magneto and BAMM it started working as it should. Horizon Support actually gave me the tip to do so, Even though the instructions clearly say that its not polarity sensitive it actually is so there is that.. I hope someone who is in the same boat try this before submitting an RMA..

[@jonnantau9354]

@@skirmich thanks for the tip man, I am having the same problem you had, so I'm going to switch the wires on the coil and hopefully that solves it, thanks.

[@skirmich]

@@jonnantau9354 No problem man! Mine has been working just fine for these 9 months I had it! One tip though: Remove the "Lost Signal" safety switch on your receiver if you have one because the Kill Switch kills the engine in the split instant you lose signal its a PITA for speed runs in the Baja.

[@crxsleeper18]

@@skirmich thank you so much for this comment. I have tried almost everything and was giving up. And I tried this asap and it worked right away. Now I can sleep tonight 😂😂

[@DimaGuitar]

You showed here how a standard failsave works, but not the killswitch. I kinda wasted my time

[@tezy0193]

its the biggest piece of trash switch of all time... the question isn't even if it will get stuck, but when