Hello,
I am looking for a source of a rotary spring loaded 'return to center' switch. I want to replace the traditonal volume potentiometer in a preamp that I am building with a digital switch. The appearance will remain the same as if I had used a traditonal pot.
It works this way ...
The user rotates the 'spring return to center' knob left a few degrees to close a switch. The switch closure is monitored by a PIC that steps down the gain. Similarly rotating the knob to the right closes another switch and the PIC increases the gain. I've got the PIC code worked out. What I am looking for is a source of switches. The switches needs to have a shaft that accepts standard knobs. Anybody know of a source??
I am looking for a source of a rotary spring loaded 'return to center' switch. I want to replace the traditonal volume potentiometer in a preamp that I am building with a digital switch. The appearance will remain the same as if I had used a traditonal pot.
It works this way ...
The user rotates the 'spring return to center' knob left a few degrees to close a switch. The switch closure is monitored by a PIC that steps down the gain. Similarly rotating the knob to the right closes another switch and the PIC increases the gain. I've got the PIC code worked out. What I am looking for is a source of switches. The switches needs to have a shaft that accepts standard knobs. Anybody know of a source??
Mouser part number 690-E3G0603N-2.
It has more poles than you'll need and it costs $42.30, but it will do what you're looking for.
This has come up a couple times before and that's the only readily available switch of that type that anyone's so far been able to find.
se
It has more poles than you'll need and it costs $42.30, but it will do what you're looking for.
This has come up a couple times before and that's the only readily available switch of that type that anyone's so far been able to find.
se
Hi
I don't think the Electroswitch is good for low voltage and current of is application, because of its open design (not seal). But I can be wrong.
Here is 2 threads about rotary switch for volume control.
Rotary encoder instead of buttons
Two position rotatory switch with spring return wanted
I don't think the Electroswitch is good for low voltage and current of is application, because of its open design (not seal). But I can be wrong.

Here is 2 threads about rotary switch for volume control.
Rotary encoder instead of buttons
Two position rotatory switch with spring return wanted
Thanks for the pointers!
I saw these threads when I searched the forums. I don't like the Rockwell industrial switches because, well ... they feel and look industrial! They are more appropriate to a fork truck than a preamp. I am looking for a switch with a quarter inch shaft that I can put a traditional aluminum knob on.
Surely there is something out there that we've all missed.
I saw these threads when I searched the forums. I don't like the Rockwell industrial switches because, well ... they feel and look industrial! They are more appropriate to a fork truck than a preamp. I am looking for a switch with a quarter inch shaft that I can put a traditional aluminum knob on.
Surely there is something out there that we've all missed.
Rotary Switches
Can anyone enlighten me on how dual deck rotary switches work? Might seem a daft question, but then I'm not very familiar with them. This one is made by Elcon and appears to be a dual deck. It has 30 pins on each deck.
Can anyone enlighten me on how dual deck rotary switches work? Might seem a daft question, but then I'm not very familiar with them. This one is made by Elcon and appears to be a dual deck. It has 30 pins on each deck.
I realize its been 4 years since this question was asked but I was looking for same thing as the original poster. I believe a center return pot instead of a switch would be a easier thing to find. The pot could still be used with the PIC, just us an A/D channel to read the wiper voltage. Here is an example pot I found
SAJ2515 Spring return potentiometer- Precision Sales Inc.
SAJ2515 Spring return potentiometer- Precision Sales Inc.
Just a thought, instead of searching for "center return" switches, try searching "momentary" switches.
Look for old car radios and cassettes with digital tuners. Some of them have rotary switches for tuning that work like that. Auto wrecking yards may have bins full of old decks. No-name brands may be better bets; I had an Alpine that used a sort of rotary encoder rather than a centre-off switch.
I have an old GrayHill 4 pole 3 position spring return to center used switch that you can have. I was looking through the junk box the other day for a 3 position sw and I found this one. It's momentary left or right and returns to centre. I'll test the contacts to see if they still work. If you still need it let me know.
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