Toggle Switch - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Jon_G4MDC · 27th Aug 2017, 3:37 pm

Does anyone recognise this type of toggle switch please?
Contacts are DPST on this one but SPST would be just as good in the application. Toggle moves from vertical to 45 degrees - well it did before it broke at the plastic boss.

Maker's logo is impossible to decode. Switches such as this were used by Icom in IC202 and IC215 series of radios, and no doubt in others.

These which mount using a flat face and 2x M2.5 screws used to be common.
To save my life I can't find one to buy now.

Google toggle switches and almost everything has a threaded bush around the toggle with which to mount it. There are some slide switches around with the 2 hole screw mounting.

Does this type of switch have some other name that I don't know I wonder?

Radio Wrangler · 27th Aug 2017, 5:55 pm

Try a look through the web catalogues of Alps and Tocos to start with.

David

Jon_G4MDC · 27th Aug 2017, 6:49 pm

Alps I have tried but Tocos is a new one to try, so many thanks for that suggestion David.

I tried Alco which have been absorbed into TE connectivity.

There is a place in US which offers something similar for Roland synthesisers.

It looks a fair match but at $26 reckon I'll pass on it. The whole radio cost me about that. For a Hi/Low power switch I'll wire it out...

But these were everywhere in late 1970s & 80s...!

Terry_VK5TM · 28th Aug 2017, 1:40 am

They are (or were) known as rocker slide switches at one point but now show up under the generic 'slide switch' moniker.

They show up in the various auction sites.

One example here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Slide-Swit...0AAOSwU9xUTlBJ

Terry
(Mods - please delete if inappropriate)

Jon_G4MDC · 30th Aug 2017, 8:07 pm

Thanks Terry - post is very appropriate...thanks!

I thought that a hi-jack of the name must be to blame.

It's a pity these guys post pictures without giving any dimensions.
Maybe I missed something but <bid in hope> - no probably not...

Terry_VK5TM · 31st Aug 2017, 4:10 am

Size in that particular link was further down the page:-

Approx 26mm L x 10mm W x 30mm H ,round plastic switch handle 14mm long.

Seems to be quite a big switch (and surprisingly, coming from someone a couple of hundred kilometers up the road from me in Adelaide).

Terry

'LIVEWIRE?' · 31st Aug 2017, 9:03 am

The pictures and description in that link don't, to me at any rate, make it clear whether the switches are SP or DP. Quite a while ago now, I was trrying to source similar switches to replace those in a 1970s Sansui HiFi Receiver, in which all the switches are DPST, and couldn't get any anywhere.

Amraduk · 31st Aug 2017, 4:54 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'LIVEWIRE?'

The pictures and description in that link don't, to me at any rate, make it clear whether the switches are SP or DP.

Going by the photo, it looks as though there are 2 rows of 3 terminals, which would make them 2PDT.

Regards,

Dave.

Station X · 31st Aug 2017, 5:32 pm

Why not just ask the seller?

Jon_G4MDC · 31st Aug 2017, 6:48 pm

Thanks to all.

In the ideal case I don't want to deal with "sellers".
I would like to deal with reputable businesses who list things in sensible ways.

If I missed info in the listing my apologies. Is it an indictment that there are questions about "how many terminals can you see in the photo"?

I'm not able to inspect my switch right now but those dimensions seem about right for the "dolly" but perhaps a bit excessive on the LWH.

Later addition - I found some which looked a very good match through image search. Roland RP50 synthesiser used them apparently.
Still not enough info to know if any good for me - they look like they support pcb to front panel (mine do not).

Price $27 - no way! The whole IC215 was cheaper than that...full of crystals.

Terry_VK5TM · 1st Sep 2017, 4:33 am

No need to apologise for missing the info, I had to look twice.

I have an inkling I might have some similar switches somewhere in the shed, will have a dig around later (hopefully, I might find something else I was looking for for someone else at the same time).

Terry

'LIVEWIRE?' · 1st Sep 2017, 8:54 am

The switches in that link have (tapped?)mounting holes for screwing to a panel, and, including carriage, are $6.60Aus each (about £4.06). I'd have to check the dimensions against those used in the Sansui, and in a Wharfedale Receiver used in my workshop, but they may be suitable replacements.

Jon_G4MDC · 7th Sep 2017, 6:34 pm

Thanks for suggestions - nothing that will fit has been found so far, so then the thoughts turned to repairing it.

Obvious 1st choice (probably a stupid one) Superglue. It stuck but it could not take the forces associated with operating the lever. Several tries at that. This plastic is probably too lacking in organics for the Superglue to find any bonding sites...

If Superglue is no good what about something else? I hoped to try Araldite but first the layers of NBG Superglue need to be removed. Web says Acetone dissolves Superglue.

I gave it some of that -dabbed with a cotton bud - it was clear that a good layer remained. So I soaked it for 10min...a bad move. It dissolved the plastic to the point it distorted, so there is no hope to glue it now.

Warning for others - don't try it!

McMurdo · 7th Sep 2017, 7:08 pm

Roland used those on a number of things. I also found them an expensive deal. On a guitar amplifier, I took a mini toggle switch of the correct elec.spec and mounted it on a tiny square of aluminium, connecting it to convenient points with small wires. The aluminium was fastened through the front panel. A serious fiddle but it worked a treat!

Terry_VK5TM · 8th Sep 2017, 2:20 am

Finally got a chance to look in the shed.

What I thought might be similar are in fact pcb mount slide switches with a long actuating handle.

Terry

Jon_G4MDC · 8th Sep 2017, 11:19 am

Thanks for looking Terry!
I suppose another place these might turn up is in PMR or CB equipment.
None of my scrap chassis seem to have anything like it though.

I'm pleased I'm not looking for the Roland ones given the prices they fetch.

Modification to use threaded bush type might be an option but as the switch is mounted behind a plastic facia the throw of the toggle has to match the slot. Changeover type with a centre off position might suit perhaps, just using one side of it.

Br

G6Tanuki · 8th Sep 2017, 11:54 am

That switch looks very much like the same as the one used as AFC on/off on my Teleton GT-202 tuner (still going strong here) and the matching SAQ408 amplifier (which alas I no longer have!) ; similar ones are used on 1970s JVC tuners/amplifiers.

Photo of the front of some Teleton gear here: https://i.imged.pl/wzmacniacz-teleto...3509415988.jpg

Alas for you Teleton stuff, though thought-of as cheap-n-cheerful when new, actually works rather well and has a cult following in some circles, which makes killing one just for its switch would be rather unkind.

27th Aug 2017, 3:37 pm	#1
Jon_G4MDC Nonode Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 2,015	Toggle Switch Does anyone recognise this type of toggle switch please? Contacts are DPST on this one but SPST would be just as good in the application. Toggle moves from vertical to 45 degrees - well it did before it broke at the plastic boss. Maker's logo is impossible to decode. Switches such as this were used by Icom in IC202 and IC215 series of radios, and no doubt in others. These which mount using a flat face and 2x M2.5 screws used to be common. To save my life I can't find one to buy now. Google toggle switches and almost everything has a threaded bush around the toggle with which to mount it. There are some slide switches around with the 2 hole screw mounting. Does this type of switch have some other name that I don't know I wonder? Attached Thumbnails

27th Aug 2017, 5:55 pm	#2
Radio Wrangler Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fife, Scotland, UK. Posts: 22,901	Re: Toggle Switch Try a look through the web catalogues of Alps and Tocos to start with. David __________________ Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done

27th Aug 2017, 6:49 pm	#3
Jon_G4MDC Nonode Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 2,015	Re: Toggle Switch Alps I have tried but Tocos is a new one to try, so many thanks for that suggestion David. I tried Alco which have been absorbed into TE connectivity. There is a place in US which offers something similar for Roland synthesisers. It looks a fair match but at $26 reckon I'll pass on it. The whole radio cost me about that. For a Hi/Low power switch I'll wire it out... But these were everywhere in late 1970s & 80s...!

28th Aug 2017, 1:40 am	#4
Terry_VK5TM Nonode Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tintinara, South Australia, Australia Posts: 2,340	Re: Toggle Switch They are (or were) known as rocker slide switches at one point but now show up under the generic 'slide switch' moniker. They show up in the various auction sites. One example here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Slide-Swit...0AAOSwU9xUTlBJ Terry (Mods - please delete if inappropriate)

30th Aug 2017, 8:07 pm	#5
Jon_G4MDC Nonode Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 2,015	Re: Toggle Switch Thanks Terry - post is very appropriate...thanks! I thought that a hi-jack of the name must be to blame. It's a pity these guys post pictures without giving any dimensions. Maybe I missed something but <bid in hope> - no probably not...

31st Aug 2017, 4:10 am	#6
Terry_VK5TM Nonode Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tintinara, South Australia, Australia Posts: 2,340	Re: Toggle Switch Size in that particular link was further down the page:- Approx 26mm L x 10mm W x 30mm H ,round plastic switch handle 14mm long. Seems to be quite a big switch (and surprisingly, coming from someone a couple of hundred kilometers up the road from me in Adelaide). Terry

31st Aug 2017, 9:03 am	#7
'LIVEWIRE?' Rest in Peace Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: N.W. Oxfordshire(Chipping Norton) Posts: 7,306	Re: Toggle Switch The pictures and description in that link don't, to me at any rate, make it clear whether the switches are SP or DP. Quite a while ago now, I was trrying to source similar switches to replace those in a 1970s Sansui HiFi Receiver, in which all the switches are DPST, and couldn't get any anywhere.

31st Aug 2017, 5:32 pm	#9
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,289	Re: Toggle Switch Why not just ask the seller? __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

31st Aug 2017, 6:48 pm	#10
Jon_G4MDC Nonode Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 2,015	Re: Toggle Switch Thanks to all. In the ideal case I don't want to deal with "sellers". I would like to deal with reputable businesses who list things in sensible ways. If I missed info in the listing my apologies. Is it an indictment that there are questions about "how many terminals can you see in the photo"? I'm not able to inspect my switch right now but those dimensions seem about right for the "dolly" but perhaps a bit excessive on the LWH. Later addition - I found some which looked a very good match through image search. Roland RP50 synthesiser used them apparently. Still not enough info to know if any good for me - they look like they support pcb to front panel (mine do not). Price $27 - no way! The whole IC215 was cheaper than that...full of crystals. Last edited by Jon_G4MDC; 31st Aug 2017 at 6:57 pm.

1st Sep 2017, 4:33 am	#11
Terry_VK5TM Nonode Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tintinara, South Australia, Australia Posts: 2,340	Re: Toggle Switch No need to apologise for missing the info, I had to look twice. I have an inkling I might have some similar switches somewhere in the shed, will have a dig around later (hopefully, I might find something else I was looking for for someone else at the same time). Terry

1st Sep 2017, 8:54 am	#12
'LIVEWIRE?' Rest in Peace Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: N.W. Oxfordshire(Chipping Norton) Posts: 7,306	Re: Toggle Switch The switches in that link have (tapped?)mounting holes for screwing to a panel, and, including carriage, are $6.60Aus each (about £4.06). I'd have to check the dimensions against those used in the Sansui, and in a Wharfedale Receiver used in my workshop, but they may be suitable replacements.

7th Sep 2017, 6:34 pm	#13
Jon_G4MDC Nonode Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 2,015	Re: Toggle Switch Thanks for suggestions - nothing that will fit has been found so far, so then the thoughts turned to repairing it. Obvious 1st choice (probably a stupid one) Superglue. It stuck but it could not take the forces associated with operating the lever. Several tries at that. This plastic is probably too lacking in organics for the Superglue to find any bonding sites... If Superglue is no good what about something else? I hoped to try Araldite but first the layers of NBG Superglue need to be removed. Web says Acetone dissolves Superglue. I gave it some of that -dabbed with a cotton bud - it was clear that a good layer remained. So I soaked it for 10min...a bad move. It dissolved the plastic to the point it distorted, so there is no hope to glue it now. Warning for others - don't try it!

7th Sep 2017, 7:08 pm	#14
McMurdo Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Staffordshire Moorlands, UK. Posts: 5,273	Re: Toggle Switch Roland used those on a number of things. I also found them an expensive deal. On a guitar amplifier, I took a mini toggle switch of the correct elec.spec and mounted it on a tiny square of aluminium, connecting it to convenient points with small wires. The aluminium was fastened through the front panel. A serious fiddle but it worked a treat! __________________ Kevin

8th Sep 2017, 2:20 am	#15
Terry_VK5TM Nonode Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tintinara, South Australia, Australia Posts: 2,340	Re: Toggle Switch Finally got a chance to look in the shed. What I thought might be similar are in fact pcb mount slide switches with a long actuating handle. Terry

8th Sep 2017, 11:19 am	#16
Jon_G4MDC Nonode Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 2,015	Re: Toggle Switch Thanks for looking Terry! I suppose another place these might turn up is in PMR or CB equipment. None of my scrap chassis seem to have anything like it though. I'm pleased I'm not looking for the Roland ones given the prices they fetch. Modification to use threaded bush type might be an option but as the switch is mounted behind a plastic facia the throw of the toggle has to match the slot. Changeover type with a centre off position might suit perhaps, just using one side of it. Br

8th Sep 2017, 11:54 am	#17
G6Tanuki Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 14,007	Re: Toggle Switch That switch looks very much like the same as the one used as AFC on/off on my Teleton GT-202 tuner (still going strong here) and the matching SAQ408 amplifier (which alas I no longer have!) ; similar ones are used on 1970s JVC tuners/amplifiers. Photo of the front of some Teleton gear here: https://i.imged.pl/wzmacniacz-teleto...3509415988.jpg Alas for you Teleton stuff, though thought-of as cheap-n-cheerful when new, actually works rather well and has a cult following in some circles, which makes killing one just for its switch would be rather unkind.