Guitar switches as reeds toggles
Posted: 24 Feb 2018, 20:25
Guitar Switches - reposted from 2015
Reeds switches
Postby _AL_ » Fri Nov 06, 2015 12:25 pm
I'm finally pulling my finger out & putting together my Tiny 6.
I can get some simple momentary switches but they are a bit short & would quickly become uncomfortable.
Does anyone have any suggestions for decent switches?
Thanks.
Al
Re: Reeds switches
Postby Phil_G » Fri Nov 06, 2015 12:32 pm
Guitar pickup switches Al !
The short-style ones fit into a shallow case, the longer style feel nicer but need quite a deep case.
I have the 'square' mini-toggles on my own Tiny-6 (the prototype) and in use they do get uncomfortable.
You can get coloured coloured plastic sleeves for them (the model railway enthusiasts use them to identify points switches) but they dont look that good.
Cheers
Phil
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Histone » Tue May 09, 2017 8:35 pm
Two pictures of my modified guitar switches, both types differs in their nuts (and slightly some other details).
To prevent blocking during operating, I reduced the travel of the stick by sliding a short piece (4-5mm) of an RGU-58 cable rubber outercoat over the central serverpin.
As far as possible, but keep the end of the serverpin (contact with the moving contactstrip) sufficient free.
Even a second coat can be applied.
The outer end of the moving contactstrip is straigthened / flatened.
In the bottom picture the switchtype with the (removed) PVC position lock-disk, and allas nearly visible, a black serverpin, but same modification.
Not critical anymore and a safe operation !
Histone
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Fri Jul 29, 2016 1:27 pm
Heres a 'disassembly' photo I took a while back, click to enlarge.
This is a 'before' shot, we simply swap the t-shape and the D-shape so the D is against the toggle. The t shape is adjusted to contact nicely at about half throw.
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby _AL_ » Tue Aug 02, 2016 1:22 am
Could someone please measure the depth of these switches from the mounting to the back of the unit (the bit that sits inside the radio)?
I've got cheap switches in mine but they aren't particularly nice to use for more than a few minutes at a time.
II'll convert if these will fit.
Thanks.
Al
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Spike S » Wed Aug 03, 2016 6:18 am
23.5mm on the "short" variety I obtained.
However, if you are using a metal enclosure, the edge of the leaves are exposed so add a little space for insulation or an air gap
Spike S
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby _AL_ » Thu Aug 04, 2016 3:56 am
Thanks mate.
It'll be close but I think they'll fit.
Al
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Thu Aug 04, 2016 9:41 am
There some 'horizontal' versions of the toggles which are very compact in depth, but they're quite long across-ways which makes it awkward to group a few closely, if you see what I mean.
Cheers
Phil
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Thu Aug 04, 2016 5:05 pm
These are genuine 'Switchcraft' toggles though, not guitar switches. The long ones are really long which is why Orbit reed trannies were so deep!
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby _AL_ » Fri Aug 05, 2016 1:19 am
I've just ordered some short ones to try in my Ron special.
The Impala will be done in time for this years slope festival so hopefully these will arrive in time.
Al
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby ralkbirdy » Mon Aug 08, 2016 10:11 pm
What is the size of the Orbit or RCS 10 channel reed transmitters? Also what is the position of the switches approximately?
Ta
Mike
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Mon Aug 08, 2016 10:57 pm
My Orbit 10 is 193mm high, 165mm wide and 75mm deep.
Before the conversion:
Cheers
Phil
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby ralkbirdy » Tue Aug 09, 2016 8:45 pm
Thanks Phil, I am now starting to make a 10 channel set with Martin.it should use anArduino with a rotary encoder and a tiny OLED display. The guitar switches have been modified and feel good, later in the autumn I hope to build a 70% Uplift.
What size photos can be used, I still get restricted to the lowest resolution my tablet can take?
Mike
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby jmendoza » Thu May 11, 2017 4:43 pm
Here is a Kraft Custom 12 converted with a Phil_G reed emulator. We added some circuitry ( zener diode, 2 resistors) to drive the meter so it would read battery voltage, essentially making it an ESV. The old battery test button hole to the right of the meter was used to hold the status LED off the encoder such that one can do programming and settings without having to remove the rear cover. It works flawlessly , of course!
Thanks Phil,
Jay
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:45 pm
John I've just got a guitar toggle (just one, my fault, mis-read "3 way toggle" for "three toggles") and I've straightenend out the plates, rearranged them into "reeds" order but at full throw it sticks - I was wondering do you bevel the lever at all where it pushes on the spring contact?
Ta
Phil
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Glyn » Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:59 pm
Hi Phil
I bevel my switches where you have marked them, I got this tip from PaulJ, it also helps to remove a bit of slop around neutral.
Glyn
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Thu Apr 03, 2014 9:07 pm
Brilliant thanks Glyn
I was just thinking I should ask before I permanently file it away....
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby singlechannelman » Thu Apr 03, 2014 10:26 pm
Hi Phil,
On mine I just pulled the tube a little lower on the operating lever that cured it.
John. Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Fri Apr 04, 2014 1:04 am
Ah I didnt realise you could do that John!
I've ordered 3 more, that first one was my mistake, same switch but it was a combination of being three times the price, plus I misread the description thinking it was a pack of 3. So I paid £7 for one switch! Just ordered 3 more from another supplier, £2 each & free p&p.
Got a lovely new die-cast case from CPC, having seen René's C&S 10, I'm going to try to replicate this:
Cheers
Phil
Last edited by Phil_G on Wed Feb 04, 2015 10:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.
www.singlechannel.co.uk
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby ozrs » Fri Apr 04, 2014 2:30 am
On ebay at the moments are some genuine "switchcraft" momentary contact versions (i.e. no bending or changing or contact order necessary) - price seems reasonable as the genuine switcraft units often are sold for about $20 each:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/221364858023 ... 1438.l2649
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/321311172036 ... 1438.l2649
Also some industrial versions?:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/201047355770 ... 1438.l2649
ozrs
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby singlechannelman » Fri Apr 04, 2014 9:01 am
That looks nice Phil I also like the green reed transmitter in Franks post from Germany.
John.
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Sat Apr 05, 2014 12:09 am
Followed Glyn's advice, filed a small bevel just like in the photo above - perfect!
Thanks chaps
Phil
www.singlechannel.co.uk
Reeds switches
Postby _AL_ » Fri Nov 06, 2015 12:25 pm
I'm finally pulling my finger out & putting together my Tiny 6.
I can get some simple momentary switches but they are a bit short & would quickly become uncomfortable.
Does anyone have any suggestions for decent switches?
Thanks.
Al
Re: Reeds switches
Postby Phil_G » Fri Nov 06, 2015 12:32 pm
Guitar pickup switches Al !
The short-style ones fit into a shallow case, the longer style feel nicer but need quite a deep case.
I have the 'square' mini-toggles on my own Tiny-6 (the prototype) and in use they do get uncomfortable.
You can get coloured coloured plastic sleeves for them (the model railway enthusiasts use them to identify points switches) but they dont look that good.
Cheers
Phil
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Histone » Tue May 09, 2017 8:35 pm
Two pictures of my modified guitar switches, both types differs in their nuts (and slightly some other details).
To prevent blocking during operating, I reduced the travel of the stick by sliding a short piece (4-5mm) of an RGU-58 cable rubber outercoat over the central serverpin.
As far as possible, but keep the end of the serverpin (contact with the moving contactstrip) sufficient free.
Even a second coat can be applied.
The outer end of the moving contactstrip is straigthened / flatened.
In the bottom picture the switchtype with the (removed) PVC position lock-disk, and allas nearly visible, a black serverpin, but same modification.
Not critical anymore and a safe operation !
Histone
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Fri Jul 29, 2016 1:27 pm
Heres a 'disassembly' photo I took a while back, click to enlarge.
This is a 'before' shot, we simply swap the t-shape and the D-shape so the D is against the toggle. The t shape is adjusted to contact nicely at about half throw.
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby _AL_ » Tue Aug 02, 2016 1:22 am
Could someone please measure the depth of these switches from the mounting to the back of the unit (the bit that sits inside the radio)?
I've got cheap switches in mine but they aren't particularly nice to use for more than a few minutes at a time.
II'll convert if these will fit.
Thanks.
Al
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Spike S » Wed Aug 03, 2016 6:18 am
23.5mm on the "short" variety I obtained.
However, if you are using a metal enclosure, the edge of the leaves are exposed so add a little space for insulation or an air gap
Spike S
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby _AL_ » Thu Aug 04, 2016 3:56 am
Thanks mate.
It'll be close but I think they'll fit.
Al
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Thu Aug 04, 2016 9:41 am
There some 'horizontal' versions of the toggles which are very compact in depth, but they're quite long across-ways which makes it awkward to group a few closely, if you see what I mean.
Cheers
Phil
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Thu Aug 04, 2016 5:05 pm
These are genuine 'Switchcraft' toggles though, not guitar switches. The long ones are really long which is why Orbit reed trannies were so deep!
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby _AL_ » Fri Aug 05, 2016 1:19 am
I've just ordered some short ones to try in my Ron special.
The Impala will be done in time for this years slope festival so hopefully these will arrive in time.
Al
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby ralkbirdy » Mon Aug 08, 2016 10:11 pm
What is the size of the Orbit or RCS 10 channel reed transmitters? Also what is the position of the switches approximately?
Ta
Mike
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Mon Aug 08, 2016 10:57 pm
My Orbit 10 is 193mm high, 165mm wide and 75mm deep.
Before the conversion:
Cheers
Phil
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby ralkbirdy » Tue Aug 09, 2016 8:45 pm
Thanks Phil, I am now starting to make a 10 channel set with Martin.it should use anArduino with a rotary encoder and a tiny OLED display. The guitar switches have been modified and feel good, later in the autumn I hope to build a 70% Uplift.
What size photos can be used, I still get restricted to the lowest resolution my tablet can take?
Mike
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby jmendoza » Thu May 11, 2017 4:43 pm
Here is a Kraft Custom 12 converted with a Phil_G reed emulator. We added some circuitry ( zener diode, 2 resistors) to drive the meter so it would read battery voltage, essentially making it an ESV. The old battery test button hole to the right of the meter was used to hold the status LED off the encoder such that one can do programming and settings without having to remove the rear cover. It works flawlessly , of course!
Thanks Phil,
Jay
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:45 pm
John I've just got a guitar toggle (just one, my fault, mis-read "3 way toggle" for "three toggles") and I've straightenend out the plates, rearranged them into "reeds" order but at full throw it sticks - I was wondering do you bevel the lever at all where it pushes on the spring contact?
Ta
Phil
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Glyn » Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:59 pm
Hi Phil
I bevel my switches where you have marked them, I got this tip from PaulJ, it also helps to remove a bit of slop around neutral.
Glyn
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Thu Apr 03, 2014 9:07 pm
Brilliant thanks Glyn
I was just thinking I should ask before I permanently file it away....
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby singlechannelman » Thu Apr 03, 2014 10:26 pm
Hi Phil,
On mine I just pulled the tube a little lower on the operating lever that cured it.
John. Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Fri Apr 04, 2014 1:04 am
Ah I didnt realise you could do that John!
I've ordered 3 more, that first one was my mistake, same switch but it was a combination of being three times the price, plus I misread the description thinking it was a pack of 3. So I paid £7 for one switch! Just ordered 3 more from another supplier, £2 each & free p&p.
Got a lovely new die-cast case from CPC, having seen René's C&S 10, I'm going to try to replicate this:
Cheers
Phil
Last edited by Phil_G on Wed Feb 04, 2015 10:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.
www.singlechannel.co.uk
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby ozrs » Fri Apr 04, 2014 2:30 am
On ebay at the moments are some genuine "switchcraft" momentary contact versions (i.e. no bending or changing or contact order necessary) - price seems reasonable as the genuine switcraft units often are sold for about $20 each:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/221364858023 ... 1438.l2649
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/321311172036 ... 1438.l2649
Also some industrial versions?:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/201047355770 ... 1438.l2649
ozrs
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby singlechannelman » Fri Apr 04, 2014 9:01 am
That looks nice Phil I also like the green reed transmitter in Franks post from Germany.
John.
Re: Guitar Switches
Postby Phil_G » Sat Apr 05, 2014 12:09 am
Followed Glyn's advice, filed a small bevel just like in the photo above - perfect!
Thanks chaps
Phil
www.singlechannel.co.uk