Cool Switches

[MidnightSensi]

Anyone have a good source for neat looking switches?

I'm looking for some unique knobs, toggles and so forth.

Any recommendations?

 

[njedpx3]

switches

These LED switches aren't bad
http://www.delcity.net/documents/distributors/switch_npa.pdf
http://www.minute-man.com/acatalog/Lighted_Toggle_Switches.html

Soem Automotive ( don't necessarily need to be used in automotive functions )
http://www.urban-neon-car-lights.com/car-lighting/automotive-switches/

electronics wholesaler Digikey has a large selection of switches.
http://www.digikey.com/

The Shack ( formerly Radio Shack) has a good assortment of switches, but I wouldn't necessarily call then cool or unique.

Good Luck!

Forest Man

 

[highfigh]

Anyone have a good source for neat looking switches?

I'm looking for some unique knobs, toggles and so forth.

Any recommendations?

What are they going to be used for? Stereo, guitar amp, death ray,...?

 

[MidnightSensi]

What are they going to be used for? Stereo, guitar amp, death ray,...?

I want to build a 1U fan controller for my rack. Basically a couple of thermalcouples, a LCD readout, and some knobs for on and off. Not really sure how I'm going to do it yet beyond that.

The ultimate goal is to get my feet wet in DIY electronics. I'm not really sure what projects I want to do yet. Just, browsing.

 

[Rickster71]

Maybe something like this: http://www.rjselectronics.com/?gclid=COWEs53YzooCFSYSQgodixBXgw

 

[BigSkreen]

I want to build a 1U fan controller for my rack. Basically a couple of thermalcouples, a LCD readout, and some knobs for on and off. Not really sure how I'm going to do it yet beyond that.

The ultimate goal is to get my feet wet in DIY electronics. I'm not really sure what projects I want to do yet. Just, browsing.

I'm not sure on your skill level but there is a microcontroller called an aurdino. It requires a little bit of programing but its pretty cheap. There are a lot of tutorials. It gives you a lot of flexibility if you are interested.

Check here: http://www.adafruit.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17&products_id=68&zenid=3ad97660ca54232424e1bb2e37b448d4

 

[MidnightSensi]

I'm not sure on your skill level but there is a microcontroller called an aurdino. It requires a little bit of programing but its pretty cheap. There are a lot of tutorials. It gives you a lot of flexibility if you are interested.

Check here: http://www.adafruit.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17&products_id=68&zenid=3ad97660ca54232424e1bb2e37b448d4

Wow! That's awesome! That's a perfect platform for attempting some projects.

I've been looking at it for the last hour. Neat stuff. I wish I had more time for projects. Over the holidays I hope to build something.

 

[Haoleb]

www.mouser.com is a good source for electronics parts. They have tons of cool crap, And their prices are usually quite a bit cheaper than digikey. Ive ordered from them numerous times and they have excellent service. And no minimum order.

 

[MidnightSensi]

www.mouser.com is a good source for electronics parts. They have tons of cool crap, And their prices are usually quite a bit cheaper than digikey. Ive ordered from them numerous times and they have excellent service. And no minimum order.

Thanks! I'll look through that. 47,000+ switches

 

[BigSkreen]

If you looked around I'm sure you saw that the Arduino has tons of shields that you can buy for motors or even wireless plus plenty of places to get help so you can let your imagination run wild.

 

[MidnightSensi]

If you looked around I'm sure you saw that the Arduino has tons of shields that you can buy for motors or even wireless plus plenty of places to get help so you can let your imagination run wild.

I bought the starter kit and the tool kit from that place. They shipped same day which is rare and nice, so it will be here by the weekend for me to play with.

I'm going to learn the basics and then figure out what sensors I need and order those.

It's nice that these boards are pretty cheap also.

I have a urge to make a GPS tracking device that I found some tutorials on, but, I don't want to jump the gun. Gunna start with some fans and thermo-sensors haha.

 

[njedpx3]

Edmund Scientific

MidnightSensi,

Sorry my first entry was not what you were looking for.

However, now that you have mentioned learning electronics this site has a very good electronics lab including microprocessing for $199. 500-in- Electronic Lab.The Most Complete Electronic Teaching Kit Available
Hard-Shell Carrying Case Doubles as Electronic Board
Perform and learn the fundamentals of electronic circuitry as you complete over 500 experiments covering a wide range of topics, such as analog and digital circuitry and software design. Complete with 8 LEDs, LCD (liquid crystal display), a speaker and an earphone, plus light sensitive elements (phototransistors and CDS).


http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_3081015


Also, this company has some really neat stuff iI think you might like.

http://scientificsonline.com/default.asp?sid=nov1809EDMU&eid=nov1809EDMU&lm=edmu


If I am completely off base again, mea culpa, for the second time.

Have a Great Day

Forest Man

 

[MidnightSensi]

MidnightSensi,

Sorry my first entry was not what you were looking for.

However, now that you have mentioned learning electronics this site has a very good electronics lab including microprocessing for $199. 500-in- Electronic Lab.The Most Complete Electronic Teaching Kit Available
Hard-Shell Carrying Case Doubles as Electronic Board
Perform and learn the fundamentals of electronic circuitry as you complete over 500 experiments covering a wide range of topics, such as analog and digital circuitry and software design. Complete with 8 LEDs, LCD (liquid crystal display), a speaker and an earphone, plus light sensitive elements (phototransistors and CDS).


http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_3081015


Also, this company has some really neat stuff iI think you might like.

http://scientificsonline.com/default.asp?sid=nov1809EDMU&eid=nov1809EDMU&lm=edmu


If I am completely off base again, mea culpa, for the second time.

Have a Great Day

Forest Man

Nah, your first one IS what I'm looking for. I got a bit sidetracked, but I still am on the lookout for cool switches. I have a couple ideas in mind now. I actually found a Digikey catalog here at work, they have a lot of stuff, its just complicated to look through and I haven't had much time until this weekend.

On the bigger picture, I've been looking to learn more about electronics, so, that's how I got sidetracked on that.

 

[BigSkreen]

On the bigger picture, I've been looking to learn more about electronics, so, that's how I got sidetracked on that.

The whole Arduino thing is a rabbit hole so be careful. I haven't had much time to play with it but I spend a lot of time around my house thinking hey with the proper sensors......

If you build something you really like you can print your own circuit board and basically build a MUCH smaller system (or buy them) for more permanent projects.