Mod switch selection

[jumper]

I have been talking to Breaktru about what switch to get for mods and he uses the C&K 3amp ones from MV. At first I didn't want to spend the money, but the reviews on it were so good that I just had to get it even though it cost more. They are on their way and will be here soon.

Does anyone know of some dealers out there who sell "low profile" switches? I like the idea of the really small switches. I would appreciate any ideas or help.

thanks

[jumper]

In case anyone is interested, I found a really cool button. Don't know if it would work in a 3/4 mod, but it really looks nice!

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/PB-143/HD-METAL-PUSHBUTTON-N.O.-MOMENTARY/1.html

[Breaktru]

In case anyone is interested, I found a really cool button. Don't know if it would work in a 3/4 mod, but it really looks nice!

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/PB-143/HD-METAL-PUSHBUTTON-N.O.-MOMENTARY/1.html

I didn't respond because I was hoping that someone would.

I have a few of those very same switches. Can't be used for a copper tube mod. The hole required is 3/4" (0.75"). Looks good in a box mod.
I like and use the C&K because it is reliable and the plunger has a small diameter. Not a pretty button like the one you linked to.

[CraigHB]

I would have commented, but I've never used a switch like that.  I always use a tactile slaved to a MOSFET or a touch sensor interfaced with an MCU.  It *is* a nice looking switch though, perfect for a box mod.

[jumper]

@Breaktru: Thanks for the info. I figured the switch I linked to was probably too big. Gets a great rating though and it's probably good for your box mods. I've got 4 of the C&K switches coming and I'm going to keep looking around to find some smaller ones.

@Craig: Hi Craig, thanks for the response. I was looking at MV when I was looking at the C&K and saw some tactical switches there. The fact that it had 4 prongs confused me. Can you only use two prongs or do you have to use them like you're doing with the MOSFET? I liked them because they looked small.

[CraigHB]

Tactiles always have 4 prongs.  That's for mechanical support on a circuit board.  There's 2 sets of two electrical connections.  You used to be able to find leaded tactiles for through hole mounting and those have two leads, but you don't see them much anymore.

Tactiles have to be used with a MOSFET to switch high currents.  The tactiles themselves have limited capacity to carry electrical current.  The MOSFET is the power switch and the tactile controls the MOSFET using a very small current.

[jumper]

Thank you Craig. I really appreciate you clearing things up about the switch. Like I said... I was confused At least now I know what there for and how they work a little. I'll get there someday, but I'm not ready for electronic stuff inside a mod. I need to get down making a simple one before I move up. I have the one under my belt, but I have some minor changes I want to make on the next one. One thing I did wrong was make the top cap way too short. That affects the negative connection, so I will do different the next time.

There's a couple of other things, but people probably don't want to hear about it now. I'll save it until I'm finished with my next mod.

Really appreciate the help and info.

[Breaktru]

One thing I did wrong was make the top cap way too short. That affects the negative connection, so I will do different the next time.

The cap on my copper w/ the 08100w is shorter than yours. Is it fitting loose on the tube? If so, make it ever-so slightly out of round for a tight fit. Take a hammer a give it a very slight tap on the out edge. This should be done off the tube and on a hard bench. Use a rag or something to protect against marring. You can also use a vise or large pump pliers to squeeze it out of round. BE CAREFUL and go slow because you can't undo an out of round cap.

See short cap on left of photo here:

[jumper]

Hi Breaktru, the tube on the left in the picture IS shorter than mine. Yes, the top cap is fitting loosely. I'm always checking it to see if it's on good. Thanks for the tip about putting it slightly out of round. That just may solve things. When I get through writing this I'm going to give it a try. I'll go slow too. Don't want to kill it, lol.

Thanks for the info, I'll post again after I try it and see how it goes.

[jumper]

Ok... just tried it and it's working much better now. I went "real" slow and only hit it as hard as I had too. But things are good now. Have a question about the picture you posted. The middle mod has a "very" small hole in it. Is there a set screw there or is it from you using the punch?... just looked again and I don't think it's a set screw because it's so tiny

Thanks for the info and help B.

[Breaktru]

Ok... just tried it and it's working much better now. I went "real" slow and only hit it as hard as I had too. But things are good now. Have a question about the picture you posted. The middle mod has a "very" small hole in it. Is there a set screw there or is it from you using the punch?... just looked again and I don't think it's a set screw because it's so tiny

Thanks for the info and help B.

All my coppers have it on each side. Just can't see it on the other one because it's on the sides.
It's the punch mark. It needs to be deep enough to prevent the stop ring from pushing up when the battery is installed.

[jumper]

Thanks for letting me know. I need to get one of those things. Won't have the money until the first of the month, so will have to wait. My lady said "use a nail", but I think the way you've did it looks really good. Don't know if they're all the same but if not, I will look for a small one

[Phestr]

I got a set of punches at Lowes for $2, not too expensive.  And the silver switch you linked, I got a free sample of it, and it's freaking HUGE.  Very pretty, but too deep for any box mod I'd want to wrap my hand around.

[banshee]

I agree, that switch is nice but huge

[jumper]

@Phestr, Thanks for the info on the punch. I didn't think they would be so cheap. That will be light on my wallet

@Banshee, You're right... too big but really nice looking. Wish they made a mini.

[banshee]

Wish they made a mini.

That would be one cool switch in a mini version