I'm looking for clues to help me find a special type of switch.

What I want is a normally central lever that will make a momentary connection no matter which way it is pushed. The lever should be about 2 or 3 inches long (but I can modify if necessary). Current carrying capacity max 1A.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Otherwise I'll have to make my own (and life's really too short).

cheers,
David

Flasher switch any good? If not try Maplin

a flasher switch can be pushed on one direction only - so no good.

I've just been to Maplins - nothing there (apart from possible components for my own version.

David

Something like this???

http://rswww.com/
search for P/N 317-673
(at bottom of list)

That's a 100% improvement, being 2-way instead of 1-way!

However, it's still not activated in ANY direction...

David

this any closer???

RS part # 398-6749

That's another 100% improvement!

Bit too grand for what I need... I think I'll be making one...

cheers to all,
David

Just had a thought on home made switch. Can you base it on an old computer joystick. I'm sure I have one of these somewhere if you want it (FOC) / canibalise it for your use!

[Edited on 18-5-2006 by Donners90]
Rescued attachment 96_1_b.jpg

sell centring jobbies can be found on the handsets for model cars/aricraft.

they are not switches but variable resistors - maybe easy to modify?

There has to be someting better out there...

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.co.uk/VWPweb2000/switch-1/switch-1.html

49600 and extend the shaft?

Really curious as to what you want it for

Will you explain

Sounds interesting

Nothing too exciting...

At the moment my horn button is hidden by the steering wheel, so I want to replace it with a lever switch that can be hit from any direction (well, up, down and in anyway). I also had problems finding the horn button, especially when driving with thick gloves. I just want to be able to wave my hand around in the right general area to operate the horn.

Currently I have an idea in mind: a brass tube with a rubber bung in one end and a metal rod through the centre - push the lever, the bottom end touches the side and makes the connection. The rubber bung should be springy enough to keep the lever central. probably quite easy to make in a short time.

And before anyone suggests the obvious - I don't want to move the horn somewhere else!

But don't worry too much - I get these bright ideas now and again! I might just end up with a normal flash switch.

David

What about one of those joystick type switches that you use to adjust electric mirrors? I dare bet you could wire up all for directions to the horn - or fit 4 horns????
Im not sure if they return to the centre when you let go.


Or something like a savage horn switch with a more sticky out stalk fitted so its easier to press.

[Edited on 18/5/06 by DarrenW]

quote:

---

Originally posted by DarrenW
What about one of those joystick type switches that you use to adjust electric mirrors?

---

quote:

---

- or fit 4 horns????

---

Like the idea of the wire in a tube - up until the time you hit a rough road!
How annoying would that be, with your horn going off every couple of seconds

Marcus

How about a sprung metal bar to earth centred in a washer wired to the horn via live so you can just push it to touch the washer and set the horn off. A medium strong spring would stop accidental action.

Marcus - I was planning to use a fairly solid rubber bung at the top, so I'd have to give it a solid push to operate (which is what I want).

pete - I'd thought about what you suggested, but I would be worried about water getting in the top. At least the rubber bung would keep the water out!

cheers,
David