Alternate source for Rocker Switches

pequeajim · Post by **pequeajim** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 11:34 pm

I am looking for some rocker switches to use in my airplane. I like what I have found at Gulf Coast Avionics, but they are pushing $39.00 each!

Here are some that are lighted and much less. What do you guys think?

http://search.instawares.com/lighted-ro ... ggodiiuhaa

Also, where do you shop for lighted rockers?

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 5:48 am

Jim,

My guess is that quality from a supplier like that will vary greatly.

Equipment like the ones in the food industry is so random when it comes to specs it is hard to determine what would be quality from a web page. I have worked with many of those switches and some are VERY durable. Some fail the next week.

Buy several and see which one seems the most durable.

CJ

pequeajim · Post by **pequeajim** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 6:20 am

I would agree with you. Generally, I would think that something made for the industrial environment would be pretty robust?

Also, when you are woring your circuits, if you are powering two systems from a single switch, (like com and xponder), are you typically using a DPST?

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 3:29 pm

No, you are using a single pole switch in that case. The wires are "T' connected downstream of the switch.

You know whatamean?

CJ

pequeajim · Post by **pequeajim** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 7:48 pm

captain_john wrote:You know whatamean?

CJ

Yep, I understand...

Typically then, what devices do you need a switch other than a single pole for?

Jim!

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:19 pm

Well, there are many different switches out there for many different reasons.

For instance, let's say you want to have one switch for fuel pump and primer combined. Down=Off, Center=Boost Pump and Up (momentary contact) for primer. A very unique switch indeed!

Another scenario-to switch inputs to a device you need a single pole double throw (SPDT). This means one pole is thrown 2 ways. Usually the common is to the device you want to power and the other two wires could be from 2 other sources like microphone inputs to an intercom or GPS feeds to a common CDI.

A double pole can certainly be used like you suggest, but it is more costly and not necessary. If you needed to separate the loads but switch them simultaneously, the double pole would be a good way to do it.

Does this help?

CJ

pequeajim · Post by **pequeajim** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:22 pm

Yep, thanks for the insight.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:44 pm

You are welcome.

Have a look at some of the www.aeroelectric.com diagrams and you will see the variety of switches out there.

I know that reading schematics is like eating dry toast, but look for as long as you can take it.

Make note of the switch numbers and then locate them on the B and C Specialties website and compare them.

Let me know if you have any questions.

CJ