Sensata klixon rocker switch group buy?

[Marauder]

I found a source for these switches with blank covers...the link below is the 3 amp version so would be appropriate for Radio Master.  They also carry the 5 amp translucent version, but 10 amp, is only available in white, serrated.

 

I also found a product on shapeways that is the actuator switch only.  These covers were serrated, not smooth.  I asked him if he'd be willing to share his design with me so I could modify them to be smooth.  They could be printed with indentation for text already on them.  They wouldn't exactly match original, but at less than $10 you could change all your operators out if you wanted to.  Not sure about the legality of this, solution so might ask an A&P before you buy.  I am thinking that because they are just friction fit on...one could make they case these are not installed parts.  Also, if you give me guidance on what you are looking for...one could argue these are owner produced parts.

 

 

 

 

Dave C

 

Now we are cooking... I'm interested in both solutions.

[Marauder]

Larry,

 

You could do this easily, but need to make sure that the new switch matches the rating of the old item.  If you want to buy a switch from the link I posted above, I'm sure someone would be happy to subsidize your purchase by taking the blanks off your hands.  I'd take two of the blank covers if the price is right.

 

Dave

 

Larry is correct. The rated ranges vary for each function.

[John Pleisse]

Yes. Switch covers, especially. Roger. are you local (MD-FDK)? I can help logistically if need be. PM me.

[dcastor]

Flame Enterprises has given me an updated quote.  If as a group we order at least 25 switches, the cost would be $175/ea.  We need to order at least 5 of each type.  If we order less than 25, the price is $305/ea.

 

At these prices I think the best option is to order from Peerless (the ones I found with blank covers) and have them engraved separately.  I don't yet have a price for  engraving, but cost for switches is likely $130/ea (assuming we get at least 10 of each rating).  Benefit to this option: I think we'll have switch covers that look just like originals, and if you only use the switch covers now, you'll have spare switches for future use.

 

The guy selling the 3d printed actuators said he is still tweaking the design, but it's very close and he is willing to help us with smooth actuators.  After looking at the site, I think the best option would be to have them engraved vs. printing them with text.  I plan to order one as a test as soon as he can creates a smooth design.  I'll post pictures.

 

Dave

[PTK]

I'd be interested in a couple of these as spares Dave. Looking forward to see what develops.

[Marauder]

Flame Enterprises has given me an updated quote. If as a group we order at least 25 switches, the cost would be $175/ea. We need to order at least 5 of each type. If we order less than 25, the price is $305/ea. At these prices I think the best option is to order from Peerless (the ones I found with blank covers) and have them engraved separately. I don't yet have a price for engraving, but cost for switches is likely $130/ea (assuming we get at least 10 of each rating). Benefit to this option: I think we'll have switch covers that look just like originals, and if you only use the switch covers now, you'll have spare switches for future use. The guy selling the 3d printed actuators said he is still tweaking the design, but it's very close and he is willing to help us with smooth actuators. After looking at the site, I think the best option would be to have them engraved vs. printing them with text. I plan to order one as a test as soon as he can creates a smooth design. I'll post pictures. Dave

Dave -- are we talking about the 20TC series? I would be up for a complete set to match my originals. Are you ready to start counting? If so, I will let you know what mine are and the ratings.

[dcastor]

Yes...20TC series, ready to start counting if you know you want complete switches...don't worry about rated amounts, just tell me what functions you need NAV lite, STROBE, etc... Don't just tell me full set, some came with different configurations. Please send with your real name and mailing address in a PM. Thanks.

If you only want the actuator, give me a bit more time...

Thanks,

Dave

[spaz]

FYI.  I bought two of the shapeways 3D printed part, but it was not a good fit for the radio master.  It would not actually actuate the switch off, only on because it didn't seat well on the switch actuator.

 

Mike

[dcastor]

Spaz, thanks for the feedback.  I assume based on the timing that you bought version 0.4 of the switch.  I spoke with the designer who said he made a modification to the design the other day and version 0.5 should be a better fit.  I have one of printing now and will let everyone know my experience with that one.  If it's a good fit, I'll send to the engraver and we'll see how well that turns out.

[rbridges]

Spaz, thanks for the feedback.  I assume based on the timing that you bought version 0.4 of the switch.  I spoke with the designer who said he made a modification to the design the other day and version 0.5 should be a better fit.  I have one of printing now and will let everyone know my experience with that one.  If it's a good fit, I'll send to the engraver and we'll see how well that turns out.

that would be great to get a pirep.

[spaz]

Is v 0.5 smooth or serrated? engraving them may be a challenge if serrated.

 

Mike

[dcastor]

Yes, I asked him to make a smooth version...v 0.5 comes in smooth and serrated .  He was also willing to add text to the switches before printing, but I think engraving will give the best quality.

 

Dave.

[NotarPilot]

Put me down for one of the 3D printed switch covers as well.

[dcastor]

Put me down for one of the 3D printed switch covers as well.

If you want a blank 3d printed switch covers, you can order one direct from shape ways...if you want it engraved, you'll need to tell me what you want on it...NAV, STROBE, etc. I'll post photos of mine when it's done so you can decide.

Dave

[Seth]

I'm interested.  Need a NAV Lite, Boost Pump, and Taxi Lite if the order goes through.  1983 M20J.

 

-Seth

[BillC]

Thanks for all the work your doing Dave.

[rbridges]

If you want a blank 3d printed switch covers, you can order one direct from shape ways...if you want it engraved, you'll need to tell me what you want on it...NAV, STROBE, etc. I'll post photos of mine when it's done so you can decide.

Dave

 

Do the covers fit the existing mooney switches?  they look different to me.

[aviatoreb]

Ill buy in for a nav switch please

[Marauder]

If you want a blank 3d printed switch covers, you can order one direct from shape ways...if you want it engraved, you'll need to tell me what you want on it...NAV, STROBE, etc. I'll post photos of mine when it's done so you can decide. Dave Do the covers fit the existing mooney switches? they look different to me.

There are at least two versions of the switches. The Klixon version Dave is working on. These were on Mooneys from the 70s' until sometime in the 80s' when they moved over to the E-T-A version. There may be a third version for the later model Mooneys. They are similar in size but do NOT work interchangeably. The buss connections is different for one. Here are pictures of both. Top one is the Klixon, bottom E-T-A.

[rbridges]

There are at least two versions of the switches. The Klixon version Dave is working on. These were on Mooneys from the 70s' until sometime in the 80s' when they moved over to the E-T-A version. There may be a third version for the later model Mooneys. They are similar in size but do NOT work interchangeably. The buss connections is different for one. Here are pictures of both. Top one is the Klixon, bottom E-T-A.

 

 

thanks.  My panel was redone in the late 90's.  My switches look like the ETA's.  

[dcastor]

I received my order from Shapeways on Friday, And took the printed switch cover out to the plane for a test fit yesterday. There were a few issues. First I wasn't excited by the texture of the plastic, even though I ordered the polished version it was still kind of rough. The switch appears to be exactly the same size as other switch covers but it just didn't fit as well. There was significant play in the cover. I think the printed plastic might not flex as well as the original plastic covers.

So my plan is to get the klixon switches with blank covers and get those engraved...those that have sent requests, I'll add yours to the list and we can see where we stand.

Dave

[dcastor]

After letting this languish for a few months, I hope to get this effort back on track.  I found some used Klixons on Ebay that I thought would solve all my issues, but it turns out one of the covers arrived broken and the other broke while I was trying to install it.  I also considered seeking approval to use a different type of circuit breaker rocker switch.  I found a toggle style some commonly used in certified airplanes (Cessna, Beechcraft, etc), but I just don't like that look and it would require some sort of seperate mounting plate and placards.  Another switch I found that is not commonly used but had similar performance characteristics would also require a seperate mounting plate and placard (insufficient room on the actuator for engraving).  So, I'm back to the group buy idea.

 

Here is what I consider a complete set, please advise if your installation is different:

 

STROBE LITE  10A

NAV LITE          7A

LAND LITE        25A

BOOST PUMP  10A

PITOT HEAT     10A

 

I'm most interested in the first two, but if we get enough people to join the buy, I'll be glad to handle purchase of "full sets".

 

Dave

[Marauder]

Yep, that will almost cover it. Don't need the landing light one. Now "GET ER DONE!" I'm in...

[aviatoreb]

I need one too pls.

[dcastor]

I've got a quote for the blank switches, 1-9 pieces of each switch rating is $168, and 10-24 is $119. This doesn't include the cost to engrave them. Still working that part, can't imagine it will be more than $40 per switch. Delivery for the switches they don't have in stock is 10 weeks.

I think we certainly will be able to get the discount on the 10A size, but probably not on others...unless we have more buyers than those that have previously shown interest.