Good "chonky" slide switches

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'm discovering that one of the shortcomings of my current "K mount" turnout control is the small, delicate, throw of the slide switches I'm using.

Bill Denton (and others who I'm emulating) used larger more substantial slide switches on their attempts and these seem to work much better when it comes to providing turnout locking and, more importantly, pleasant operation for operators.

These are what I'm currently using: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XSJYYYB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1



Radio Shack used to have bigger switches but I'm having a hard time finding something similar through the usual outlets through keyword searches.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to find a modern source for something like this: https://www.ebay.com/p/1700138619

[wvgca]

ebay is your best source, unfortunately you can't physically try the switches first to determine force needed. some switches -may- have the sliding force listed but this can be misleading ...
for what the ones from china are worth you may as well order three sets of them, and then physically try them.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

ebay is your best source, unfortunately you can't physically try the switches first to determine force needed. some switches -may- have the sliding force listed but this can be misleading ...
for what the ones from china are worth you may as well order three sets of them, and then physically try them.

Yeah, that's the bummer and the core of the problem. I guess I'm hoping that maybe someone has found something they like.

[Mark5]

Agree on the force - this is one area where internet shopping sucks.

I assume you looked at this one:  https://www.microcenter.com/product/413923/nte-electronics-54-667-switch-slide-dpdt

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Agree on the force - this is one area where internet shopping sucks.

I assume you looked at this one:  https://www.microcenter.com/product/413923/nte-electronics-54-667-switch-slide-dpdt

I mean, you'd think I had... but no.

Guess I've got another stop on today's errands.

[mmagliaro]

These are some possible choices from Mouser Electronics.  These are all DPDT, at least 3A current rating):

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/CW-Industries/GF-126-3011?qs=YTF9U5lrlUllZ6LLwwoNJQ%3D%3D   about $1 ea

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Switchcraft/C46206LRX?qs=iwvYsH9bSFYXsLnh9I1Nxg%3D%3D  ($2.71 ea, but about $2.20 ea if you buy at least 10, but these are Switchcraft, so I bet they are nice)

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Apem/PM13B022?qs=3wdcRMcQITtqE7NE0IKhRQ%3D%3D ($1.30 ea)

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/CW-Industries/GPI-152-3013?qs=YTF9U5lrlUlEEelMU0oVcg%3D%3D  ($1.35 ea)

I deliberately didn't list the ones that were $4, $5, $6 each.

It's hard to say which of these will have the locking strength you are looking for.  They are all about the same physical size: about 1" long over the ends of the mounting ears, and about 0.4" wide (so a bit over 3/8")

[Rasputen]

Digi-Key has several, like this one:

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/nte-electronics-inc/54-668/11645929

[Ed Kapuscinski]

These are some possible choices from Mouser Electronics.  These are all DPDT, at least 3A current rating):

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/CW-Industries/GF-126-3011?qs=YTF9U5lrlUllZ6LLwwoNJQ%3D%3D   about $1 ea

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Switchcraft/C46206LRX?qs=iwvYsH9bSFYXsLnh9I1Nxg%3D%3D  ($2.71 ea, but about $2.20 ea if you buy at least 10, but these are Switchcraft, so I bet they are nice)

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Apem/PM13B022?qs=3wdcRMcQITtqE7NE0IKhRQ%3D%3D ($1.30 ea)

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/CW-Industries/GPI-152-3013?qs=YTF9U5lrlUlEEelMU0oVcg%3D%3D  ($1.35 ea)

I deliberately didn't list the ones that were $4, $5, $6 each.

It's hard to say which of these will have the locking strength you are looking for.  They are all about the same physical size: about 1" long over the ends of the mounting ears, and about 0.4" wide (so a bit over 3/8")

It's not just locking strength. It's also the size of the throw that seems to matter.

[mmagliaro]

It's not just locking strength. It's also the size of the throw that seems to matter.

Oh!  The throw "distance", you mean?  As in how far the switch slides from one end to the other?
That is in the specs for all the switches.

For my 4 links:
1. 3.6mm
2.  .19"  (4.8mm)
3.  4.9mm
4.  3.3mm

Does that help?

[alhoop]

Here are two to consider - I'm using something sim.. to the ones from GB  They are 3 pole DT that I obtained 30 years ago.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324593192106?hash=item4b93430caa:g:CoAAAOSwG0xgh8xv

https://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G18021

Might be time to hit some of the mil... surplus stores in your area.

Regards
Al