Miniature switches
- Thread starter vdegrazia
- Start date
Where are you located? I have a great source for miniature and sub-miniature switches, but if you're out of the US, then we need to take a different approach.vdegrazia said:
Yeah, their called Circuit Specialists, here's a link to their web site. They have an 800 # you can call and they do ship. Their pricing is great for low quantities. I used to buy from them when we had our electronic mfg business and I still buy from them now, just not as much or as often. 
I've got one advantage in that they do have a local counter that I can go pick up my order if I'm on that side of town.
Other sources are Mouser and DigiKey, but pricing is higher even though their product lines are more extensive than Circuit Specialists.
I've got one advantage in that they do have a local counter that I can go pick up my order if I'm on that side of town.Other sources are Mouser and DigiKey, but pricing is higher even though their product lines are more extensive than Circuit Specialists.
That's handy alright. Me, I have to drive in from Surprise. Usually I hit Roy's Trainworld while I'm there, but I'm getting a bit disappointed in that place.:cry: There's a new train store up on Bell and I-17, I'm going to try to get there tomorrow. TrainNut says he saved big time there and they had lots of N scale stuff too.:thumb: :thumb:caellis said:
Don; I am also looking for some LED's that I can use on a "control panel" to show what position the switches are in as well as indicate function of other accessories. The have to responde to and say on with only a momentary voltage. Any suggestions?
vic D
vic D
Vic,vdegrazia said:
In order to do that you need something to latch. One way would be to use a relay, which could wind up being expensive, another would be to use an electronic flip-flop. That is, when the memenetary switch is thrown in one position, the F/F sets from the mementary pulse that moved the turnout so the one LED lights, when you throw it in the other postion momentarily, the F/F resets and the other LED lights. There may be devices on the market that will do this, but that's what I plan on doing when I get my control panel built. And yes, I bought all my spring-loaded, center off switches for that purpose at Circuit Specialists.
turnout indicator
Good Morning folks, I have tried uploading the schmatic I have been working with from a old copy of a Sam's CMOS cookbook. No luck with the prototype yet, but time well tell.
joe
Good Morning folks, I have tried uploading the schmatic I have been working with from a old copy of a Sam's CMOS cookbook. No luck with the prototype yet, but time well tell.
joe
I guess I'm just not with it, but I've found Radio Shack seems to meet all of my needs. I specially like their little push type rocker on/offs that I use on the facing of the layout so you don't snag you clothes on the lever types.
Allan
Allan
Joe,thumsup said:
Yeah, that's a flip-flop made from a CMOS nor gate. One thing though, if you're using AC operated switches, a series diode in each leg going to the F/F would be advisable, even a small filter cap to keep the F/F from false switching due to noise.
Allan,
Nothing wrong with that if you only want one or two of something and need it in a hurry. You've got to understand that Radio Shack charges anywhere from three to five times as much for the same switch as these other places. Plus, if you need a larger quantity of them, they won't have them in stock. So even if you order by phone, the savings is worth the few days wait and the shipping costs.
ezdays said:
Yeah, I hit Roy's when I need one or two items in a hurry, over priced but they are close to me.
I am hoping to go to An Affair With Trains for my first time next week. I am HO but I guess they carry several gauges.
Getting ready to do scenery and nned some items that I want to touch/feel before buying.
An Affair with Trains is also selling at top dollar. It's been a while since I've been there, but the place is small and has stuff just about everywhere. I found it very hard to find their N scale stuff, it's that cluttered and they have very little N scale anyway. These guys seem to go to every show in town and bring some of the stock that doesn't sell in the store (I'm guessingcaellis said:
) and I think they still try to sell it there for list price. I understand it recently has changed hands, so maybe there's a few other changes in store there.
Don..Yes, I realize RS is no place for quantity buying. It's been a long time since I've had a "control panel". I'll dig up some old pics and show you a control panel! The only switches I use are the before mentioned flush rockers I use to turn all the town blocks on and off. This allows me to run thru trains and still have switchers lurking around the industries. One of my pics in my gallery shows this kind of switch controlling a turntable block. (the table is fixed...just show-biz). Also all of my turnouts are hand throws.
Guys: Who can better explain a Flip Flop and where can I get them? Also I will be using them on a Lionel O gauge setup which is AC. The noted concern with AC, using a series diode, how do you size them, if you do, and can anyone provide a drawing how to wire the whole thing? I'm great at mechanics but a total novice at electronics.
Vic D
Vic D
Guys: Thanks for all the good info. However, not being an electronics guy, can anyone help me understand what that schematic provided by thumsup is saying and where do I get the parts. I need help understanding the symbols and how to size them if they need sizing. the resistor I can handle bu the diodes and F/Fs are all new to me.
How soon do you need something? I started my layout over three years ago and thanks to changes and additions, I'm still not ready to make the control panel.vdegrazia said:
It seems to me that there should be something available to modelers to do this, but my plans are to build my own regardless. If I do it on a PC board, I may make a few extra. If nothing else, I could send you a point-to-point wiring diagram, depends on your need. In my estimation, the control panel is about the last thing you get done. Let me know if you can wait a while.