| Author | Message | ||
     Corporatemonkey |
I am working on a project right now, and I can't seem to find the right type of 12v switch for my needs. I do not really know what the kind of switch I need is called. It makes it a little difficult to search google... My project: I am replacing a backlit 12v momentary switch used to release pressure in an airbag (the project is not important to the question). The current switch is a simple 4 spade momentary switch. 2 spades are 12v +/- for the backlight, and 2 are to connect a connection to the control computer. The backlight is triggered with the ignition. What I am trying to do it replace the momentary switch with a single pole on/off switch with an status LED. I have the system currently rigged up with a simple automotive LED switch (like below)  The switch I have is a 3 spade switch. One +, one to accessory, and a ground connection. This switch assumes you are using something like aux fog lamps. So the + would be 12v with sufficient amperage. The 12v ground spade is only used for the LED status light. What I need is a 4 spade switch. I need 2 connectors to for the computer, and a separate 2 for an status light. I cannot draw any power from the computer connection, but I can draw from the "backlight" connection. I know I could rig up a relay to make this work, but I figure it would be more KISS to use a simple switch. So what kind of switch is this? Where do I get one? | ||
| Firebolt32 |
http://www.thermodisc.com/uploads/specs/McGill%20R ocker.pdf look at the last rocker switch. This is what I believe your looking for. | ||
| Reepicheep |
What about slipping a simple transistor on the ground lead from the switch you have? It would go something like this:  (sorry for the sloppy drawing) The resistor would be something like a 2N2222 (cheap even at Radio shack). The resistor would vary depending on if the "turn on voltage" was 5v or 12V, and the beta of your transistor. Its an easy calculation, but if you put a 5k resistor in there, it would probably work fine everywhere. | ||
| Reepicheep |
(of course that does not make it a momentary switch...) | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Reep, I will have to PM you a few questions after I get back on my feet. Thanks for the ideas thus far. | ||
| Reepicheep |
No problem! Good luck in surgery, I'll be praying for you. I can program PIC microcontrollers now, so I can make this as cool as you want it to get!  | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Switch? Do things properly, buy yourself an illegal alien & have him do it for you :-) |
