Hello

I'm trying to visualise that switch.

You say it is a thumbwheel type, then you say it is lever operated.

I see you say you cannot fully describe it.

Correct me if I see a conflict there.

• What length "lever' are you expecting?
• What Voltage/Current rating for Contacts?
• Are Contacts required as Make/Break/More complex?
• How many contacts do you need?

A quick sketch of contacts would be useful, or just advise there is one moveable contact, which operates n turn a single Make contact at each of the 12 switch positions.

Kind Regards....

Its identical to a thumbwheel switch but the wheels are actuated by a lever.

If you've seen one you will know exactly what I mean.

John.

you should open the instruments that you have and find a manufacturer. Otherwise there are many here:

www.mscdirect.com

or http://www.newark.com/

Ahhhh a 'lever wheel' that sounds a good search name for one...

I was searching using thumbwheel and getting thousands of switches, but when I tried to narrow it down to 'lever' none were in the list, so i was stuck for the search name...

Cherry used to be just down the road from me, so I think I will give them a shot...

Thanks folks! ...... John.

How set are you on needing 12 digits? And how set are you on lever actuated? That might be a difficulty although if you look at the digikey link above Cherry does have 16 position pushwheels (hex) so maybe they can be done with levers also.

Also this link is for 10 position lever actuated switch (bcd) from digitran...probably pricey though.

http://www.digitran-switches.com/DigitalSwitches.htm

Hi Switchman - apt name!

Many thanks for the Digitran link they look exactly what I am after - I've just contacted them and asked for availability etc...

Because I'm looking for an easily read number display and the setting of the leverwheel needs to be done quickly a lever wheel type switch is definitely needed, to set up a 10 digit number quickly would take far too long using 'normal' thumbwheel switches.

Thanks again... John

yields 385 pictures in Google Images -

Jim

Sorry, first one didn't 'take'

+thumbwheel +lever +switch

yields 385 pictures in Google Images -

Jim

Yes, and in plain ole Google it gives almost 5000 references to them, but not a single reference to who makes or sells them...

PS it also gives this thread as a search result!!

John.

Oh yes, a lot of pictures (590) but after the first 250 with not a single relevant one I decided it wasn't the best way.

John

Well, years ago, I worked with a company called

"Ark-Les" and had a very complicated 5 layer switch made which made and unmade various sets of windings in a motor based on position -

http://www.ark-les.com/

http://www.ark-les.com/services/custom-engineering/default.html

ITW Ark-Les Corporation | 95 Mill Street, Stoughton, MA 02072

Back in the day, this was a company where you could have any switch designed and made (I think) but you have to buy thousands – or perhaps another division of ITW may be referred to you.

Good Luck.

Jim

That's interesting eagertask, back in the 70s I worked for Marconi's and companies would fall over themselves to supply us with whatever we wanted!!

Doesn't work with a small company.

The reason I want to use these type of switches is to replace some custom made switches on an old General Radio 1615A capacitance bridge, as well as look into making a similar more up-to-date version.

Thanks - John.