Switch question

[Zhi-don]

I bought a switch sometime ago from a now defunct lightsaber building company. This switch is different from most of my other switches although outwardly looks the same.

The difference. When this switch is off and you touch it or gently hold it without turning it on, the blade lights up.

When it is turned on, touching the switch does nothing, the blade doesn't wink out.

Most of the other switches I have do just the opposite, including those on most parksabers. Do you have this type of switch and exactly what is it called compared to the normal switches?

I prefer this switch for dueling, because if you accidently touch the button the blade doesn't wink off. You have to actually push the switch to make the blade go off.



Zhi-don Aquintas
XO RL Sunrider Base
Treasurer/Head Instructor
Lightsaber training OCSWS

[GreytaleNovastar1138]

I can't answer exactly what switch you have, since I cannot see it, nor test it.

What I can tell you is that there are both momentary and latching switches, some are SPST (single pole, single throw), and others have double-throws (and double poles, etc.).

If you already knew that, great... but if you want good switches for duelling, search for switches on mouser.com or apem.com, etc. Also for good duelling:

1. Switches that are recessed (more flush with hilt or grip) are better.
2. Smallest switches are usually best.
3. To use FX boards, you must have a latching switch.

Whether or not you use a latching switch or a momentary really doesn't make a big difference for duel-ability... although (most) latching pushbutton switches may be better since once they are depressed, the button is "lower" than normal, and therefore harder to press.

Hope it helps. I'm currently looking at good, small recessed switches as well.

** The Cutting Edge **
http://www.thecuttingedge.s5.com
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"Well... if there's a bright center to the universe, you're on the planet that is farthest from..." -- Luke, ANH

[Zhi-don]

Wow! Thanks. The switch type is one that is offered here in the shop. At least it looks like it. I was only wondering what the one I described was called, so I can order more. A switch that looks like the one on Obi-wan's EP1-2 saber [the red one] is what I am really looking for. I am using the guts out of a MR saber, so a switch that operates their electronics is what I need. Any ideas on that?

Zhi-don Aquintas
XO RL Sunrider Base
Treasurer/Head Instructor
Lightsaber training OCSWS

[james3]

Get the switch in the store and then go to Lowes or Home Depot and pick up the red screw cover and glue that on the head of your switch and ya got a great Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon red switch.

"Only a Sith deals in absolutes. I will do what I must." - Obi-Wan Kenobi

[Zhi-don]

What switch cover is that? And where in Lowes do I find it. The major problem is that I don't know what kind of switch I have [see above discription] If anyone knows what it is called let me know. It looks like the ones here in the shop, but exactly what type?

Zhi-don Aquintas
XO RL Sunrider Base
Treasurer/Head Instructor
Lightsaber training OCSWS

[james3]

I am going over tonight or tomorrow morning, I'll post the part # for you.

A pic of the switch would probally help a bit, but I have used several switches from tim's store and I have not had any winking problems. From you description it would seem you have a well built latching switch, most likely spst(does it have just 2 contact points or wires?) Something along the lines of Maglite, you can depress about halfway and get a connection or depress untill it locks and it is latched, Tim's switches are the same concept but if there is any winking it would be due to the fitting inside the switch so you could buy 10 switches and 8 are tight and wonderful and 2 are a little loose and wink.

Hope that helps.

"Only a Sith deals in absolutes. I will do what I must." - Obi-Wan Kenobi

[wood7588]

If I am reading Zhi-don's post correctly the 'winking' he mentioned is not a defect in the switch but how the switch is made. The wink happens when the switch is latched on and you push the button in partially by accident. The switch will turn off but not unlatch much like the switch will turn on from the off position if the button is depressed partially. I have noticed this with my sabers as well(they use tims spst switches). On one the switch is to close to the grip and my fat fingers keep hitting it when I change hands or holds. unfortunatly I dont know of any switches that stay on until they are fully depressed and released.

[Zhi-don]

Ok.....I must be getting this message across wrong.

The switch is fine. I just need more. There are two kinds that I have on sabers.

One. With the switch off, touch the switch gently...not enough to lock it on and it lights up. With the switch locked on, touch the switch gently and nothing happens. I need more of this kind.

Two. All the other switches I have seen, including those on other sabers I have. With the switch off, touch the switch gently and nothing happens. With the switch locked on, touch the switch and the blade winks off. I don't want any more of these.

Am I clear now? *Walks away and bangs head against the wall* ARGH!

Zhi-don Aquintas
XO RL Sunrider Base
Treasurer/Head Instructor
Lightsaber training OCSWS

[UltraSWG]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Zhi-don
One. With the switch off, touch the switch gently...not enough to lock it on and it lights up. With the switch locked on, touch the switch gently and nothing happens. I need more of this kind.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

I know what you're talking about. Radio Shack has the type of button you want:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062544

When the saber if off, you will need to make sure nothing presses on that button, because the saber will power on even if the switch doesn't latch. I made sabers for my kids with these and you gotta be careful, if the saber rolls over onto the button, it will turn on and a couple hours later you got a dead saber. But when it's on, the saber won't blink unless you press the button all the way down.

http://www.ultrasabers.com
Corbin|Strydur|Ultra
The Holy Luxeon Trinity

[Zhi-don]

Radio Shack???? Thanks Ultra.

I thought I could get these here, as they look exactly like the ones shown. I will take a trip down there. Oh...do these switches look like the ones here?

Zhi-don Aquintas
XO RL Sunrider Base
Treasurer/Head Instructor
Lightsaber training OCSWS