source for rotary switches and caps

[agrasyuk]

Hi fellow pit builders.

i recently completed my first set of switch panels, wired, mapped and modified the joystick lua files for the toggles to work properly. and it is great! i find that i really enjoy sim much better this way. so i'm pondering about next set : SAS, CMSP and AAP (with ipad based CDU underneath AAP at some point). and these involve 3, 4 and 5 position rotary switches. adding rotary CDU day/night switch would be awesome as well.

 

while ebay is full of wafer rotaries i find that the available covers/caps do not really resemble the ones used in a10. so suggestions where to look for something more believable are much appreciated :) that and what exactly to look for.

 

thanks in advance.

[Afterburn]

I was so excited to supply my aid I forgot to read that you wanted completely realistic looking switch covers :doh:. Oh well, but for those who may be looking for good enough [for me at least], here's what I got:

 

 

Switches were sourced from Digi-Key. I used the 360-2351-ND for the 4-position and the 360-2350-ND for the 3-position switch. I also used the 360-2366-ND for the black knobs, 21mm high. I found the prices to be fair and selection vast. FYI, I did not purchase the toggles there...

 

I purchased the CMSP mode switch from RadioShack prior to figuring out anything. It was a test run, and was a 6-position switch. I just soldered the last two positions to "auto" in case I clicked it too far, and stuck with it. It's worked well so far.

 

Also, word of the wary...make sure you have enough inputs for ALL of the positions for the 4 & 5 terminal switches. I tried to skimp by having one position "null" with no connection, and the programming didn't work well at all. You can get away with the steer point (3-pos) having only two conductors (plus ground). The middle position will be null and the programming works fine (if any of that made sense).

 

Hope all this helps!

[avlolga]

Hi,

 

Nice Panels.

I can see you have 1-USB and 2 RJ-45.

what is RJ-45 used for?

 

Thanks

[agrasyuk]

Hi and thank you for reply. well, i did not do perfect job on my panels to claim 100% realism. but i kinda did want something that resembles actual switches little better. with that your setup is completely fine.

 

 

Avi, i would guess those are breakouts to connect additional switches outside the panel to the controller board.

and BTW, עבודה טובה על הפרויקט שלך

[Deadman]

IF there was enough demand for knobs i would cast all of my real ones

[Afterburn]

The RJ-45s are indeed for additional enclosures. I have the EEP power panel (with a couple other functions) attached remotely to my first controller (pictured above). This made it easy enough to transport if need be. My second controller has functions for fuel flow, LASTE, APU, and some other misc functions with the AHCP attached remotely. (sorry for the slight hijack...:music_whistling:)

Edited November 10, 2011 by Afterburn

[y2kiah]

IF there was enough demand for knobs i would cast all of my real ones

 

I'm in for a full set if you do

[Deadman]

I will let you know if i receive any more intrest perhaps I should start a poll thread.

I am missing

STEER PT Knob ,and the PAGE Knob off of the Auxiliary Avionics Panel.

The Mode Select Dial off of the CMSP Countermeasures Panel .

 

Perhaps I can bet the NSN for those and get real ones.

[agrasyuk]

i can be in as well. but cost is major factor.

before committing i will need to know at least approximate how much are we talking about

[Deadman]

That depend on how many people order the knobs.The purchase price will have to cover the silicon for the molds and the cost of the clear resin and any other associated cost. A complete set on other sites have run from $185 and up for a complete set for the f-16 knobs.I am not sure how many knobs are in that set i will need to do some research. I have heard from severial form member they were not happy with knobs they have purchased on an other site.Cost is all so a factor for myself the investment could be considerable so we will see if there is even enough interest to proceed thanks

[y2kiah]

Around $4 per knob unpainted is what I paid another guy, I'm guessing it's not going to be too different, but the price is up to Deadman of course.

 

edit: I was one of those guys not happy with the knobs I got from "that guy." Too many imperfections in the casting.

Edited November 11, 2011 by y2kiah
sniped by the man himself

[agrasyuk]

after watching ebay closely for some time i did manage to snag couple 3 position miniature rotaries and they fit my contraption perfectly, installed a pair for MFCD day-night-off instead of encoders. got some generic knobs as well, plan to try and dremel/file them for better resemblance.

the 45 degree rotaries however seem not as widespread, those that appear were quite expensive. gave up and Digikeyed me 4 rotaries at 7$ each shipped, so that question is closed.

 

 

and now for push buttons :)

got a lot similar to this one - generic 12mm round push buttons. no thrill button but after painting will work for stores jettison, fill disable, fuel test etc. 7.5$ for 25 pieces is about the right price for me.

the same button but in square form however is eluding me. given the above "buy it now" deal on round ones this place seems to be outrageous. ebay has that at 10 for 10$ which also bit much, i can pay 1-1.5$ a button but would expect better action then the mooshy spring...

 

so, for those who used economy push-buttons in their panel, which one did you get?

[JCook]

I would also be interested in a complete set of knobs for the A10 - please put me on the list.