Problem with Kadee pushbuttons.

[Hunkiedoo]

I have been having switch machine problems and traced the problem to non-functioning Kadee pushbuttons on my control panel. (If I go under my control panel & touch a wire to the PB case and the PB "stinger" the switches throw fine. Pushing the button with my finger however results in erratic or no action).

- Has anyone else had this problem?
- Is there a genetic flaw in Kadee PBs that I don't know about?
- I use a capacitor discharge for switch machine power; Could this be relevant?
- can the PBs be brought back to life? I was thinking of spraying them with WD40 or alchol, or something. (I find their tiny size aesthetically pleasing & would like to salvage them if I could).
- Are there good, reliable alternative PBs on the market?
- What about a spring loaded center-off toggle? Such a thing? Suppliers?

 

[jim currie]

don't know squat about the KD push buttons but sounds like you have dust or dirt in them .

 

[ezdays]

I'm not familiar with the Kadee pushbuttons, but if they are like any other, once they go bad, it's best to just throw them away. Using them on a CD unit shouldn't screw them up thought.

'm using some old pushbuttons on a temporary panel I built to test my new tracks, but I eventually will go with the three-position, spring-loaded miniture toggles. I get them at Circuit Specialists. I bought a lot of switches from them when we had our electronic manufacturing business and you can deal with them on the net or by phone. I paid a little over a dollar each for them. Another source is Demar Electronics that adveertise in MR mag. Prices there are a bit higher. I can't vouch for them since I've never bought there, but they advertise all the time.

 

[60103]

I have a couple of Kadee pushbuttons left, but they're out of use. Kadee stopped making them a while ago, I'm told. Never found anything else that size.
Are these the ones with the big metal clip that goes around the barrel? I had problems with that when I tried to solder to it.
Not sure about replacements. Radio Shack buttons seem to expire quickly; I think there are identical looking ones that are sturdier.

 

[CalFlash]

You can't always be sure of what they have available but http://www.allelectronics.com/ has good variety and prices