Hobby PCB range switch - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rkoval
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 12:53:05 am
content: Is it possible to incorporate a multimeter style range switch into a hobby project?I imagine the rotary switch parts would need to be custom manufactured.Has anyone done this with their own project as an example?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 01:08:29 am
content: Sure its possible, but what is the goal?You might be able to 3D print the knob, and use acheap contact.But you can buy a rotary switch for a few dollars:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000899492267.htmlhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/32907959214.htmlSo question is, what do you want to do that an off the shelf rotary switch doesn't accomplish.Generally hobby projects don't have 5+ feature modes, so, complex switching like this wouldn't be used.

author: rkoval
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 01:21:44 am
content: Curiosity, to see if hobbyists have incorporated it into their own projects. I have purchased the types of switches you mentioned for my own projects.it would seem with easier to get professional pcb’s and cases this would be an alternative.Interested if people have gone this route for their own projects.

author: rea5245
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 01:40:30 am
content: I wanted the same thing for my Logic Meter. I ended up just going with a rotary switch. It worked out nicely for a hobby project, but it wouldn't be so good for mass production.Check out my article and video demo:https://www.galacticstudios.org/the-logic-meter/

author: MasterT
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 03:16:54 pm
content: I find one switch, that "prototype board friendly". Soft pins easy to bend, to match 2.54 board pitchhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/32932753781.html

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 08:01:25 pm
content: A lot of rotary switches are covered by patents. When I'd looked into it, the metal leafs for the wiper could not be found. They are not generic parts.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 08:50:28 pm
content: Quote from: rkoval on March 11, 2022, 12:53:05 amIs it a one-off or do you want to mass produce it?You might be able to re-purpose an "830" multimeter -- you know one of these:Here's an instructable showing one of these meters in kit form:https://www.instructables.com/Digital-Multimeter-Kit-Build-DT830B-DMM-Electronic/

author: rkoval
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 09:30:50 pm
content: That generic multimeter kit with the case is interesting. That type of case is close to what i was asking. Would be nice to just get a case like it or in a variety of sizes.I could design a board that fits the case. Create the pads on the pcb and just add the metal spring contacts to the back of the rotary knob needed for that project.I have seen hobby cases that have more of a custom design. Holes for keypads, displays. More ergonomic. Just none with the rotary switch.I have several one off projects that use a rotary switch. Kinda wanted to use the multimeter form factor with the pcb rotary switch style. It may not be practical but i like the form and it’s my hobby and why shouldn’t i be able to have what i want.People do all kinds of crazy things.

author: rea5245
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 09:38:33 pm
content: You could just harvest the rotary knob, with its spring contacts, from a cheap multimeter. Then, take any enclosure you want, make any layout you want, and just use the meter's knob. The one drawback is the colors might not match.

author: rkoval
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 11:23:24 pm
content: Maybe repurposing a cheap harbor freight or the like might be something to try.