Help with lightsaber switches.

[Darth Mule]

So I recently got in on the Ki-Adi run that Tricloudwalker had over in the junkyard, and now its time for me to stuff this puppy like a Thanksgiving turkey... Except with electronics. but...

Here's my quandry. I don't want to drill out an extra hole to install a switch. I'd rather work with what is here, keeping the appearance of the existing controls, perhaps altering one to be a functional switch. Here is a pic that shows the existing knobs and boxes.

My initial thought is to make use of the gold knob under the LED. The question is... What would be the best way to go about this? I can alter the existing knob so that I can use it as the button for another switch, but where do I get said switch. Again, my initial thought is to attach the shaft of the knob to some sort of on/off rotary switch, but I wouldn't have the foggiest as to where to obtain said switch.

If anyone has any advice to lend on the matter, I'd be forever grateful.

 

[ItsThatGuy]

If you don't get any hits on this, ask Eddie (Tetmatek).

 

[modelcitizen]

online electronic parts stores, stuff you take apart and hoard, dollar store junk you cannabalize, Thecustomsabershop.com, fxsabers.com and such just to start...
start with that old junk lamp stored away in the garage or attic thats been collecting dust for the past ten or fifteen years. the sources are almost limitless
happy hunting

 

[eraser111]

radioshack has rotary switches. The pots my be a bit to big though.:confused

 

[kursosawa]

if im looking at that thing correctly, it appears that the rilver knob near the pommel is threaded into place right? if the rod is long enough you might be able to mount a momentary switch just beneath that rod so as when its turned in all the way it presses down on the switch.

 

[Son of Skywalker]

Momentary tactile switch under LED bezel

 

[Darth Lars]

Rotational switches often come with a slot for a small flat-head screwdriver. What I have done for a few props, is to hack or dremel a slot in the bottom of the threaded bolt and glue a flat piece of metal into this slot. Then fit the bolt and switch so that the metal gets into the switch's slot.

Momentary tactile switch under LED bezel

Good idea! But he did not write how he did it. I assume that the LED bezel has originally a force-fitted plastic LED holder inside, and that this has been replaced with a rod that touches against a switch mounted inside.

 

[Darth Mule]

Momentary tactile switch under LED bezel

Yeah. I like everything about his rig except the switch. Gotta be a better way around that.

Rotational switches often come with a slot for a small flat-head screwdriver. What I have done for a few props, is to hack or dremel a slot in the bottom of the threaded bolt and glue a flat piece of metal into this slot. Then fit the bolt and switch so that the metal gets into the switch's slot.


Good idea! But he did not write how he did it. I assume that the LED bezel has originally a force-fitted plastic LED holder inside, and that this has been replaced with a rod that touches against a switch mounted inside.

I thought something like this might be the way to go. Now I have to find the switch to do it with. Sadly what I want is for the package to tell me exactly how the switch works, which they don't. Not enough info on electronic items.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Keep em coming.

Now someone go find me all the parts that dude used in his saber. :love

 

[Darth Mule]

If you don't get any hits on this, ask Eddie (Tetmatek).

I was going to hit him up on RCF, BUT IT"S BROKEN! :lol

 

[Dave Porter]

Momentary tactile switch under LED bezel

That was a nice touch.

Not hard to do with the right IC, but it does look very cool.