RE: "Boston Switch" battery control

[Jim Grammer <jimg@domain.elided>]

>Someone mentioned a "Boston switch" out of a fire truck or ambulance.  It
>controls the source of power when using multiple batteries.  Another 
source
>for such a device is a good marine deal who deals in sailboat accessories. 
> These switches are used on "big" sailboats and off shore boats for the
>exact same purpose.

The trailer/marine catalog I have(www.expediter.com)shows this type of 
switch in versions from Hella and another brand(the Boston, perhaps?) with 
a jobber price of less than $40 for either one. McMaster-Carr shows the 
'other brand' in regular, pilot-lit, and key locking versions, but they get 
closer to $60 for the cheapest one. Not only could you use one to control 
the main output of the batteries, you could use one as a winch feed, 
selecting which battery to drain or shut the connection completely(hi-tech 
version of Joel's setup ;)). Cabling would get interesting, but just buy 
50' of 0ga welding cabls and have at....

Jim