Rocker Switches replacement

[DC_Brasil]

Hello.

I have seen some installations with some more modern and better looking rocker switches. Some of my switches are old and the locking in either position is not very strong anymore. So I began thinking of changing some of them.

I'm thinking of changing some to a new style like we see in some RV10s. I know those are experimental. So question is: do any of you have a suggestion of brands that have PMA replacement switches I could replace my original PN #930023 switches?

A second thing would be to change the ignition key for 2 independent switches for each magneto and a starter pushbutton. The magneto switches I'm thinking of one of those toggle switches that lock in place (you have to lift and then move). 

Has anyone made this kind of installation? I'm guessing it would be a minor alteration and no STC might be required, right?

Thoughts? 

 

[47U]

56 minutes ago, DC_Brasil said:

A second thing would be to change the ignition key for 2 independent switches for each magneto and a starter pushbutton. The magneto switches I'm thinking of one of those toggle switches that lock in place (you have to lift and then move). 

@Pinecone

 

[Pinecone]

I switched to ALL toggle switches in my panel.  

I did replace the magneto/start switch with toggles.  The mags are locking toggles.

 

[DC_Brasil]

Thanks @Pinecone for the info. Do you have a Part Number for those locking toggles?

[Pinecone]

I asked my shop, and posted it to someone else asking the same question.  Check the other thread that was linked.

I did check, and it was not in an email, so probably just phone call. But they are common switches.

[PT20J]

Just be aware that most of the rocker switches are also circuit breakers powered from the aux bus which is powered from a single breaker on the circuit breaker panel. So, unless you replace them with appropriately rated circuit breaker switches, you will need to do some rewiring and install additional circuit breakers somewhere.

[Pinecone]

True, we put in CB toggle switches where needed.  And with all the stuff, there is NO room for any additional CBs in the panel.

The only thing is, the standard toggles are rounded a the tip.  The CB ones are flat with the amp rating on it.  Not a big deal.

BTW, the locking ones are larger diameter than the non-locking ones.

[ArtVandelay]

I went with modern mini rocker switches, and there’s plenty of room for CBs without old legacy engine gauges.

[Pinecone]

Do a pic of just your CB panel.  I am wondering why I have so many more.

But I have Alpha Eagle AoA and 750Xi (in addition to the 650Xi) at least.

[DC_Brasil]

@ArtVandelay Did you also replace the ignition key-switch for any other system (toggles or rockers)?

[ArtVandelay]

[mention=11849]ArtVandelay[/mention] Did you also replace the ignition key-switch for any other system (toggles or rockers)?

No, the problem is the space the extra switches will take up. FYI, The long body Mooneys have a larger (higher) panel, mid and short bodys don’t.

[Pinecone]

If you just do the switches, it doesn't take up much more room than the key switch.

The ElectoAire panel is HUGE.

[CCAS]

On 2/12/2025 at 12:52 AM, ArtVandelay said:

I went with modern mini rocker switches

@ArtVandelay Do you recall where you found your mini rocker switches or have a part number. I’m trying to see if one could work installed on the top of my yoke’s right horn. 

[ArtVandelay]

[mention=11849]ArtVandelay[/mention] Do you recall where you found your mini rocker switches or have a part number. I’m trying to see if one could work installed on the top of my yoke’s right horn. 

C&K 16amp SPST switches available at any electronics retailer (digikey, mouser,etc).

[theanswriz42]

On 2/10/2025 at 1:17 PM, Pinecone said:

I switched to ALL toggle switches in my panel.  

I did replace the magneto/start switch with toggles.  The mags are locking toggles.

 

Out of curiosity, what went into installing the electronic ignition in your Mooney? This is something I'd like to do on my J.

[Pinecone]

No electronic ignition.   Yet.

Plenty of threads on them here on MS.

@jetdriven runs electronic and has installed a number of systems.  I am planning on him installing one at my annual in May

[jetdriven]

We are an authorized installation specialist of Surefly. No buyers remorse yet.  Lots of fans.

[jamesm]

I had SureFly situation while flying a IFR training flight at night luckily it was VFR. we made it back safely.  The engine started running rough I thought carb ice, tried switching tanks nope. Inflight mag check  when switched to Bendix (Right) mag ran fine. I thought to myself it can't be the Electronic Ignition system. switched  all to Left Mag  again (SureFly)  started cutting in and out. flew on right Mag (Bendix). All spark plugs are fine wire plugs. I was able to reproduce on the ground (big sigh of relief) I hate Intermittent problems especially flight critical components but I was confidently  prove to myself that problem was 90% or higher solved before I took flight.  I followed the Surefly troubleshooting guide/ instructions and was in contact with Surefly great support.  I have flown  the Mooney for about 7 Hours since the Plug cleaning and about 640 Hrs on SureFly prior to this event.  I have had the SureFly  installed since  2019 with no problems. Best I can tell that is when I was flying and doing My IFR training, I wasn't leaning like I should too busy flying. I took out the SureFly Plugs soaked them in Hoppes #9 (cleans out carbon from plugs)  for an hour or so  cleaned the plugs and blew them out the plugs. I saw something fly out couple of the plugs while blowing the out, what looked to be a ring of carbon.

lesson learned: I quit flying at night in winter conditions while potential IFR conditions could occur.  Yet another delay in my training until work schedule allows oh well. not worth the risk.

James '67C