Digitrax DT402 On/Off Switch Upgrade

I got tired of taking the batteries in and out of the throttle.  I saw someone else do something similar to their throttle, so I went ahead and ordered the parts and did it in about an hour or two.

I also went ahead and bought some rechargable 9V batteries from Allelectronics.com in addition to the microswitch.  Here are some photos of the brand, and that it provides enough juice to the throttle.

 Opening the throttle is a pain, but this is what it looks like.  The idea is to take one of the wires from the battery contacts and run the switch in series with it.

 For the most part I used an exacto and a zona saw to cut out that notch that allows the switch to fit in snug into the notch.  I glued it as well with gel loctite ACC.

 This photo shows how I ran the wiring around behind the connectors as well as reinforced the switch with either .01" or .02" styrene strip glued in place.

I made sure the bend the wires so they don't interfere with battery placement in and out of the space after you put the controller back together.

 

I also put some Kapton tape over the area to ensure the wires cant short through whatever battery may be placed into the space.

 

Picture of finished switch in place.

 Picture of how much the switch sticks out.  Didn't need to adjust my throttle holder.

 The brand of battery from Allelectronics.com.  Had to buy a charger too.  Somewhat pricey, but should economically do better over time as long as these last.

 Proof that this brand provides enough juice to the remote.