KAVAN Smart PRO KSW18 Kill switch - Instruction manual

KAV32.32006

KAVAN Smart PRO KSW18 Kill switch

Introduction

The KAVAN Smart PRO KSW18 Kill switch is a high-performance digital switch featuring an optically isolated switching circuit. Thanks to its excellent noise immunity and signal separation, it is ideal for use as an independent ignition switch. It can be controlled via an RC channel, a mechanical switch, or both. The device offers a range of configurable options for flexibility in various setups.

Features

• Optically isolated switching circuit with independent power supply
• Supports a variety of loads: motors, relays, lights, heaters
• Compatible with additional magnetic, mechanical, or electronic switches or buttons (optional touch switch support)
• Dual switch inputs for enhanced safety
• Supports Duplex EX and FrSky telemetry for configuration
• Configurable via transmitter or MAV Manager PC software
• Firmware update capability

Technical specifications

Specification	KSW18
Dimensions	50×19×10 mm
Weight (incl. cables)	19 g
Weight (incl. cables and Magnetic/Touch switch)	24 g
Cables	3×1 mm² (17 AWG)
Connectors	—
Continuous current	18 A
Peak current (2 s)	30 A
Operating current	< 10 mA
Operating temperature	−20–85 °C
Supply voltage (Rx input)	4–16 V
Supply voltage (Isolated switching circuit)	5–26 V
Telemetry	FrSky (configuration only), Duplex
Touch switch support	Yes
BEC	No
Selectable touch/mechanical switch/button	Yes
Status LED	Yes

Main section

Installation

Connect the device as shown in (Fig. 1). The switching point and polarity of the RC input signal can be configured in the settings.

Basic wiring with dual batteries

Optional mechanical/electronic switch

The KSW18 allows a combination of two signal inputs to improve operational safety. By default, only the primary input (Rx line) is used. For additional safety (e.g., preventing accidental engine ignition activation), use both primary and secondary inputs. Configure the secondary switch type and its behaviour in the settings menu.

Touch switch installation

• Place the touch button anywhere on your model on the surface made of nonconductive material.
• Make the status LED visible from outside the fuselage.

Activation steps

1. Connect the receiver battery to the KSW18 and briefly touch the button. The status LED should start blinking. If not, please increase the touch sensitivity parameter in the configuration.
2. Touch and hold the button for about 2 seconds. The LED starts blinking. At this moment, release the button. The main output will be activated.

Telemetry and settings

The device is compatible with JETIBOX, and you can use it for programming. The JETIBOX menu is divided into three sections:

• Actual values – Displays real-time telemetry data, including temperature readings and their respective minimum and maximum values.
  • Reset Min/Max – Resets all recorded minimum and maximum telemetry values. To reset, press ⮜ + ⮞ simultaneously.
• Settings – provides access to core device configuration parameters.
  • Language – allows the selection of the display language for the JETIBOX interface.
  • Input type – defines the primary input control for the switch:
    • Servo signal (default) – Uses a PWM signal from the receiver to control the switch state.
    • Voltage level – Uses a logical voltage level on the Rx signal input (2.0–5.0 V = ON, 0.0–0.7 V = OFF). Always supply the voltage through the „Rx“ cable. A pulldown resistor is automatically enabled on the input.
    • Serial bus channel – Uses a specific channel from the serial bus (S.Bus, EX Bus, P²Bus, FPort, FBus) to control the switch. The Rx cable must be connected to the receiver bus output.
  • Servo threshold – Sets the servo signal threshold for switching. Values above the threshold (default: 1.5 ms) activate the output; lower values deactivate it.
  • Serial bus channel – Allows selection of a specific channel when the Input Type is set to Serial Bus Channel.
  • Secondary input (None/Mechanical/Hall/Button/Touch). Optional secondary control input type. The secondary input can include an indicator LED.
  • Touch sensitivity – Adjusts the sensitivity of the touch sensor. Higher values allow installation behind thicker non-conductive surfaces but may increase the risk of false activation.
  • Switch behaviour – Determines how the primary and secondary inputs interact:
    • Only primary input (default) – The switch is controlled exclusively by the primary input.
    • Both primary and secondary – Both inputs must be active to enable the output. If either input is inactive, the switch turns off.
    • Only secondary input – The switch is controlled solely by the secondary input.
  • Invert output – Inverts the logical output state of the switch in response to the control signal.
  • Required startup position – Defines the switch’s behavior at power-up:
    • Any position (default) – The switch reacts immediately to the control signal.
    • Off position – The output remains off at startup and becomes responsive only after the input signal goes off.
    • On position – The output is active at startup and becomes responsive after the input signal goes on.
  • FailSafe Behaviour – Configures the switch’s response to a lost control signal:
    • Repeat – Maintains the last known state.
    • Turn off – Sets the output to OFF.
    • Turn on – Sets the output to ON.
  • FailSafe Delay – Specifies the delay time in seconds between signal loss and fail-safe activation.
• Service – Displays device firmware version and allows resetting to factory default settings.

JETIBOX menu structure

FrSky/KAVAN integration

The KSW18 is compatible with FPort and FBus capable receivers, allowing both control, telemetry and configuration capabilities. The switch receives channel information and sends back telemetry data. It can decode all channel data from FBus 8 up to FBus 24, but only the first 16 channels can be used for internal functions, such as switch control.

To configure the KSW18, the Ethos system (minimum version 1.6.0) is required. You need to download the corresponding Lua application to your transmitter and place it in the scripts folder. Launch the application from the second page of the Configuration menu. Note that only one KSW18 should be connected to the telemetry bus at a time to avoid address conflicts.

The KillSwitch Config app is available in the Configuration menu.

The KillSwitch main menu displays the device status and offers links to all submenus.

Statistics screen.

Control Settings.

Fail-Safe Settings.

Service menu.

Safety information

• Protect the device from moisture, dust and prolonged direct sunlight.
• Always operate the KSW18 in a dry environment and within the device limits stated in this guide. Never expose the device to excessive heat or cold.
• Do not remove the plastic cover from the device, and do not try to implement any changes or modifications. This can lead to destruction and the denial of any warranty claims.
• Always check the polarity of the cables. Never invert the polarity – this could lead to destruction.
• Always use a sufficient power source according to the consumption of the attached load. Never exceed the maximum allowed operating voltage of the attached load.

Firmware update

Firmware updates for the KSW18 are transferred from a PC via the USB interface. The required programs and files are available at www.mavsense.com.

Install the MAV Manager software and the USB drivers on your computer. Check the system requirements.

1. Disconnect all devices attached to the KSW18.
2. Connect the USB interface to your PC, run MAV Manager, open Tools → Device Updater and select the correct COM port.
3. Connect the KSW18 to the USB interface using its Rx port.
4. Select the appropriate *.BIN file and press Update.
5. Wait for the update to complete, then disconnect the device.

PC configuration

It is possible to use the MAV Manager software (1.16.0 and later) to conveniently configure all device settings, display real-time telemetry and make a backup copy of your settings. The top toolbar includes the following configuration buttons, shown in (Fig. 14):

• Refresh – forces the configuration to be reloaded from the device.
• Import – imports the settings from a file. If you have several devices and want all of them with identical settings, import the same settings to each device.
• Export – exports the settings from the device to a file. You can easily create a backup configuration stored on your PC. After creating a backup, you may easily experiment with the settings and later revert to the original configuration by pressing the Import button and choosing the original exported file.
• Reset default – resets the device to factory defaults and reloads all the settings.

Connect the device to your PC using the USB interface. The device will be automatically detected by the MAV Manager. See (Fig. 13).

The device properties are available after pressing the Configure button. See (Fig. 14).

Real-time telemetry with temperature min/max values. By enabling the real-time control, you are able to confirm the correct behavior in response to the input signal value. The MAV Manager is also able to create a log file from the real-time telemetry data, which can be viewed, analyzed, imported and exported. See (Fig. 15).

The KillSwitch settings. Every time you make any change in the configuration, the new value is immediately transferred to the device and saved to memory. There is no need for additional confirmation. See (Fig. 16).

Appendix

Manufacturer

KAVAN Smart PRO KSW18 Kill switch is made in Czechia by MAV Sense s.r.o.

E-mail: info@mavsense.com | Web: www.mavsense.com

Recycling and waste disposal note (European Union)

Electrical equipment marked with the crossed-out waste bin symbol must not be discarded in the domestic waste; it should be disposed of via the appropriate specialised disposal system. In the countries of the EU (European Union) electrical devices must not be discarded via the normal domestic waste system (WEEE - Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Directive 2012/19/EU). You can take your unwanted equipment to your nearest public collection point or recycling centre, where it will be disposed of in the proper manner at no charge to you. By disposing of your old equipment in a responsible manner you make an important contribution to the safeguarding of the environment.

EU declaration of conformity (European Union)

Hereby, KAVAN Europe s.r.o. declares that the KAVAN Smart PRO KSW18 Kill switch is in compliance with the essential requirements as laid down in the EU directive(s) concerning electromagnetic compatibility. The full text of the EU Declaration of Conformity is available at www.kavanrc.com/doc.

Guarantee

The KAVAN Europe s.r.o. products are covered by a guarantee that fulfils the currently valid legal requirements in your country. If you wish to make a claim under guarantee, please contact the retailer from whom you first purchased the equipment. The guarantee does not cover faults which were caused in the following ways: crashes, improper use, incorrect connection, reversed polarity, maintenance work carried out late, incorrectly or not at all, or by unauthorised personnel, use of other than genuine KAVAN Europe s.r.o. accessories, modifications or repairs which were not carried out by KAVAN Europe s.r.o. or an authorised KAVAN Europe s.r.o., accidental or deliberate damage, defects caused by normal wear and tear, operation outside the Specification, or in conjunction with equipment made by other manufacturers. Please be sure to read the appropriate information sheets in the product documentation.

For service, contact the retailer from whom you purchased the product. Use the original packaging if available. Include a dated description of how the product was used and the fault, together with your full address and telephone number.

Incorrect installation, inadequate mounting or cooling, cable strain, reversed polarity and operation beyond the specified limits are not covered. Protect the device from excessive heat, moisture and dust, and do not leave it in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.