SW-1 Configurable Switching Unit
The SW-1 Switching Unit makes it possible to select between 2 GPS data sources using a panel mounted toggle switch. Many glider pilots have multiple GPS units in the cockpit, but only a single PDA or flight computer. But they don't usually have a convenient way to switch between the 2 GPS data sources. The SW-1 allows you to connect up to 2 GPS input sources (such as Cambridge 302, GPS-NAV, Colibri, EW MicroRecorder, FLARM, etc.). The switch is used to select which source is supplying data to the PDA or flight computer. For example, if you have 2 Cambridge 302 units in your glider, the SW-1 will allow you to instantly which 302 you want to use to supply both GPS data (transmit and receive) and 5V power and ground to the PDA.
Alternatively, since the unit switches both transmit and receive lines and is not "directional", it could be used to switch the data from a single GPS between 2 PDAs. However, that is usually not necessary as a the data from a single GPS unit can be split to supply data to 2 PDAs at the same time. But the switch would make it possible to switch between PDAs sending task declaration data or downloading flight logs. While that may seem like a good idea for use in a 2 seat glider, the problem is that only 1 PDA would receive data at a time such that one of the PDAs would be receiving no GPS data, and GPS units that provide 5V power don't supply enough current for 2 PDAs. Therefore, for 2-seat gliders I highly recommend the Goddard SPS-1 rather than the SW-1.
Larry Goddard did a brilliant job of designing this unit to be completely configurable so that it can be modified to work with any combination of GPS data and power sources. You can easily modify it if you want to change the type of connections to switch. For example, if you are using a Cambridge 302 and a Colibri, you would want to switch the GPS data source, but not the 5V power source because the Colibri can't provide 5V power. That is not a problem. Also, the SW-1 uses standard DB-9 power and data connectors so your existing Goddard PDA and GPS cables will work fine with it. For example, a standard Nimbus PDA cradle with DBCAI connector will connect directly to the SW-1's PDA connector. To connect to a Colibri you would use a standard PFC cable. To connect to a Cambridge 302 you would use a CAI-CAI-0.3 cable. If you are using 2 GPS sources that do not provide 5V power for the PDA (such as 2 Colibris or 2 Volksloggers) you would use a CAI-CAI-0.3 cable to connect the SW-1 to a PS-5a power converter. It is also possible to pass both 12V power and 5V power from the PS-5a through to 2 different GPS units. For example, a Garmin GPS that requires 12V power and a low voltage GPS that requires 5V power.
The unit is pre-configured for use with 2 Cambridge 302 or GPS-NAV units. Both data and power connections are switched.
The manual below shows how to modify the unit to match your particular needs. If you don't feel up to doing it yourself, I can do it for you for $30. If you want me to do it for you, please send me an e-mail listing the 2 devices you will be connecting to.
Dimensions: 3.5" long x 3.3" wide (including mounting tabs) x 1" thick
Source 1 and Source 2 (input) Data and Power Connectors: DB-9m
Switched Signal (output) Data and Power Connector: DB-9f
Switch: The 3PDT (three pole, double throw) switch is mounted at the end of a 0.5 m (19.7 inch) long cable.
Dimensions of the Switch: 18 mm (0.71 in) wide x 15 mm (0.59 in) tall x 28 mm (1.1 in) behind the panel (plus the cable), The distance from the flat face of the switch that is mounted up against the back of the panel to the tip of the toggle switch is 19 mm (0.75 in).
Related Products
Goddard-CAI-CAI-0.3
Cable, 0.3 m (11.8 inches), Cambridge 302, 302A, GPS-NAV or Goddard PS-5a to SW-1 Switching Uni..
$36.00
Goddard-SPS-1
High Efficiency Dual Power Conversion Unit and GPS Data Splitter, 5 VThis is a nice two-seat glider ..
$195.00