If you use a JetMax MIP, you are well aware of the power switch location. For everyone else, this switch is located on the power supply, on the back, under a support beam, and near the floor. In my opinion, this is not a very convenient or easily accessible location. I  was usually feeling around blindly to find it every time. So, I discovered a solution that turned out to be easy and successful.

MATERIALS

• Some wire, I used 22GA red/black speaker wire
• A pair of red female blade connectors
• A pair of red butt connectors
• A wire cutting/crimping tool
• Electrical tape/heat shrink tubing

PROCESS

NOTE: Please turn off and unplug your simulator before starting. Even though the voltages here are low, don’t take the risk!

The JetMax includes a Nose Wheel Steering switch on the left of the MIP. This is a real guarded toggle switch, but is not wired to anything. I thought this was a perfect option to use as a power switch.

The Nose Wheel Steering switch is a SPDT (single pole, double throw) switch, which means it can close a circuit in either position.

Since I wanted the normal ON position to be when it is ‘closed and covered’, I used a voltmeter to check the continuity of the terminals when it was in this closed position. The result ended up being the two terminals on the right side in the image above (pilot’s left, towards the backlighting plug).

Next, I crimped a few red female blade connectors on some speaker wire, and insulated them with electrical tape.

The switch terminals are screw type, and were not meant for blade connectors. So, I had to ‘open up’ the blade connectors a little to fit them on the switch.

Then, I ran these wires across behind the monitors to the JetMax’s power supply. Behind the power supply you will find the wiring harness. There is a green wire connected to a black wire and covered with heat shrink tubing. This is the power trigger, which JetMax grounded to always be on.

I pulled this wire out of the harness ties and cut the joint. After removing the heat shrink and stripping the ends, I then crimped on the other ends of the speaker wire using red butt connectors. It doesn’t matter which wire goes where. Cover these joints up with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing.

Finally, after tucking the wiring back into place, I was done! I can leave the JetMax power supply switch on all the time now, and leave it plugged into the outlet as well. The Nose Wheel Steering switch controls the power now and works perfectly. No more climbing behind the sim to turn it on!