Desperately seeking square ptm switch buttons

[JD_LincsUK]

Hi Guys (Gals?)

I have been going nuts looking for some square ptm switches to use in a UFC build. I want to build the kind you see in modern fighters, and am basing it on the A-10C one.

After much searching I found the I-0-II rocker switches. I have the small round ptm switches (http://www.strahan.ie/shop/viewitem.php?productid=50) and as a last resort I will use them with squares cut from plasticard glued on top - but I hope it won't come to that. Square covers would do nicely, though.

The typical 14x14mm ptm ones that you see around (usually in red, but also in black) are a bit on the large side. The type of soft button that you see on a big calculator would be ideal - but would not be suitable for my interface, which is a Leo Bodnar BU0836X.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i57/D_Day_Dawson/UFC.jpg

I'm using these (total 380x110mm)

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i57/D_Day_Dawson/ufcboxes.jpg

Really appreciate any pointers (in the UK).

Chars

[Sean Nixon]

I'm not 100% sure what you are after from your description, but something like these?

Switches - Push Button Square (http://www.esr.co.uk/electronics/switches-push-square.htm)

[JD_LincsUK]

Thanks for the reply and link - those are the type that I meant would be a bit on the large side - though I may end up having to use them.

They are the type that always come up in the searches I made, both Google and within shop websites, which was why I asked here, although I did find some white ones the same size.

I'll keep looking, but it isn't looking like I'll find what I need. If I knew more about setting up keypads from the basic parts it would help, I guess, for the alpha-numeric keypad style entry section at least. I would need to have each individual key as an I/0 switch to work with the BU0836.

Being a pensioner means financial resources are restricted - otherwise I'd just buy a commercially available console and adapt it to my needs.

[JD_LincsUK]

The idea is for the UFC to go in between the two MFDs above the throttle quadrant and CPL (I just replaced the G940 with a TM Warthog HOTAS)

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i57/D_Day_Dawson/Signatures/thepit320x240.jpg

[birdyguy]

Thanks for the reply and link - those are the type that I meant would be a bit on the large side - though I may end up having to use them.

They are the type that always come up in the searches I made, both Google and within shop websites, which was why I asked here, although I did find some white ones the same size.

I'll keep looking, but it isn't looking like I'll find what I need. If I knew more about setting up keypads from the basic parts it would help, I guess, for the alpha-numeric keypad style entry section at least. I would need to have each individual key as an I/0 switch to work with the BU0836.

Being a pensioner means financial resources are restricted - otherwise I'd just buy a commercially available console and adapt it to my needs.

Just a thought, but Open Cockpits sells a key kit for the FMC. Would they be close to the right size you are looking for?

Kit componentes FMC (http://www.opencockpits.com/catalog/kit-fmc-components-p-121.html)

[JD_LincsUK]

They are far too small, thanks.

I have settled for some I found at CPC - though I wasn't happy that after taking my money and supposedly having despatched most of the order so it can't be cancelled (on a Saturday evening!) they then told me I'd have to wait a month until they get some more in.

That's after saying they don't charge for postage but still hitting me with a £6 "handling charge".

Don't think I will ever shop there again - nor will anyone I know ;)

TS0A22 - -- - SWITCH, PUSH BUTTON, SQUARE, SPST | CPC (http://cpc.farnell.com/_/ts0a22/switch-push-button-square-spst/dp/SW03317)

Also ordered some of these, in case I like them better despite the shroud:

SW03222 - -- - SWITCH, SQ PB, MOM, BLACK | CPC (http://cpc.farnell.com/_/sw03222/switch-sq-pb-mom-black/dp/SW03222)

then these ones for the round ptm's:

PPSW-527M - MULTICOMP - SWITCH, PB, W/P, SNAP IN, MOM | CPC (http://cpc.farnell.com/multicomp/ppsw-527m/switch-pb-w-p-snap-in-mom-6a/dp/SW03625)

with a couple of these for the same reason as the square ones:

TS0B22 - -- - SWITCH, PUSH BUTTON, ROUND, SPST | CPC (http://cpc.farnell.com/_/ts0b22/switch-push-button-round-spst-black/dp/SW03320)

Couldn't find any momentary rockers, unfortunately so had to settle for these two:

C1520ATAAA - ARCOLECTRIC SWITCHES - STD ROCKER NON-ILUUM SPDT CENTRE | CPC (http://cpc.farnell.com/arcolectric-switches/c1520ataaa/std-rocker-non-iluum-spdt-centre/dp/SW01553)

MC33412-041-11 - MULTICOMP - ROCKER SWITCH SPDT CENTRE OFF | CPC (http://cpc.farnell.com/multicomp/mc33412-041-11/rocker-switch-spdt-centre-off/dp/SW02351)

I like these ones - but they are a bit on the large side:

IP65 Centre Off Rocker Switch : Rocker Switches : Maplin Electronics (http://www.maplin.co.uk/ip65-centre-off-rocker-switch-98092)

Hope these are of use to someone, bearing my experience in mind. Desperate times and all that...