|
Author
|
Topic: Space shuttle-type toggle switches
|
X-Plane Fan
Member Posts: 150
From: CA, USA
Registered: Jul 2007
|
posted 04-03-2016 03:49 PM
  
Does anyone know of a good source for replica toggle switches similar to those used in the space shuttle cockpit.I'm trying to restore an overhead panel but can't find this style of switch. The switch guards were an easy find though.  |
Rocket Chris
Member Posts: 342
From:
Registered: Nov 2009
|
posted 03-06-2018 06:16 AM
Also looking for these. Has nobody a clue were to find or how to get these tips of the toggle switches? Do they have a name? |
Chariot412
Member Posts: 156
From: Lockport, NY, 14094
Registered: Jun 2011
|
posted 03-06-2018 07:56 AM
May be a long shot, but Airbus uses a very similar switch on their A321 for several lights. I think of the CM nearly every time I turn on the cockpit domes. |
Rocket Chris
Member Posts: 342
From:
Registered: Nov 2009
|
posted 03-06-2018 09:03 AM
Well this answers not where to get these ones... |
oly
Member Posts: 905
From: Perth, Western Australia
Registered: Apr 2015
|
posted 03-06-2018 10:30 PM
I have found similar items on older aircraft but these items are no longer available for purchase. They are threaded internally and screw to the switch. I have seen people manufacture them for displays and home simulators. Any aviation items still in production would be expensive. Maybe an aircraft salvage yard or breakers. |
moonguyron
Member Posts: 191
From: Trinity, FL USA
Registered: Jan 2011
|
posted 03-18-2018 01:25 PM
How about 3D printing? |
BrianB
Member Posts: 118
From: Kamloops BC Canada
Registered: Oct 2001
|
posted 03-18-2018 07:04 PM
Otto and Honeywell both offer toggles with a similar red seal. Perhaps start with one of these and 3D print a "skin" for the switch body and bat? |
BrianB
Member Posts: 118
From: Kamloops BC Canada
Registered: Oct 2001
|
posted 03-18-2018 07:20 PM
See here (or about two-thirds of the way down the page). |
oly
Member Posts: 905
From: Perth, Western Australia
Registered: Apr 2015
|
posted 03-19-2018 08:30 AM
I have made similar items to the blade type knob on these toggle switches previously. In my case I used an epoxy resin with fine aluminium powder mixed in. You could also add aluminium silver enamel paint mixed into the resin. This could either be glued or screwed to a standard toggle switch. You could also use an orange/red RTV sealant, usually called high temp RTV to manufacture a simulated hermetic seal of the original switch. I believe Permatex 7087 Silicone is a similar colour, but I am sure there are many other manufacturers available. Additional photos on this thread. |
Rocket Chris
Member Posts: 342
From:
Registered: Nov 2009
|
posted 03-20-2018 01:37 AM
You made them? Would you make them again and sell some? |
oly
Member Posts: 905
From: Perth, Western Australia
Registered: Apr 2015
|
posted 03-20-2018 07:35 AM
Unfortunately, I don't have the available time to do this type of work at the moment. The best method to quickly manufacture some would be to purchase some toggle switches that suit your purpose. Source some dental moulding putty, make a blank washer shape mould in some dental putty that you can set some RTV washers into. Carefully glue these RTV washers into the switches. Manufacture a blank switch now to the desired shape and detail you want (dental moulding putty will retain fine detail including your fingerprint so make sure your blank is of good quality). Make a mould of your blank design so you can set the switch into the mould during cure. Mix a good quality clear epoxy with ultra fine aluminium powder (for the best results) or aluminium enamel paint. Pour your epoxy into mould, set switch into mould making sure it is straight and allow to cure. Remove and repeat. Made this way, the switch knob will remain aluminium coloured even if they get chipped or worn. If you use another material as a mould besides dental moulding putty you will need to apply some mould release agent each time, You could try plasticine as a mould however this does not handle repeatability very well. The dental moulding putty is fast cure, safe, cheap and if your into making these types of things, is very handy. |
Rocket Chris
Member Posts: 342
From:
Registered: Nov 2009
|
posted 03-21-2018 01:51 AM
Thanks for sharing your instructions, have to check it out. Meanwhile I found a 3D printed version in the web. |
moonguyron
Member Posts: 191
From: Trinity, FL USA
Registered: Jan 2011
|
posted 03-25-2018 08:35 PM
Would you mind sharing where you found the 3D printed version of the switches? |
oly
Member Posts: 905
From: Perth, Western Australia
Registered: Apr 2015
|
posted 03-25-2018 09:19 PM
I did a quick search and found this site. |
Rocket Chris
Member Posts: 342
From:
Registered: Nov 2009
|
posted 03-26-2018 05:57 AM
That's it! |
advertisement