View Full Version : Buying or Building a Rotary Swithc with Push and Pull function
Goose
12-07-2007, 04:06 PM
Hello.
Any one know where to buy Rotary Switch with Push and Pull function?
Or maybe there is a guide on how to build it?
I have some ideas on how to build such switch but wanted to know if there is someone who done it before or if there is a alternative to building.
Matt Olieman
12-07-2007, 04:31 PM
I designed this about 1 1/2 years ago, was going to have a friend reproduce the plastic pieces, but unfortunately he went out of business :)
So here it is, possibly this is a good time to share it :) You might have to fine tune it, but.... It's inexpensive and most importantly, it works ;)
Check out the PDF file attachment with dimensions....
http://mycockpit.org/photos/MattO/Encoder-MJO-001.jpg
http://mycockpit.org/photos/MattO/Encoder-MJO-002.jpg
http://mycockpit.org/photos/MattO/Encoder-MJO-003.jpg
http://mycockpit.org/photos/MattO/Encoder-MJO-004.jpg
Goose
12-07-2007, 04:42 PM
Great Matt, thank you:)
But could you explain more how it works?
Matt Olieman
12-07-2007, 05:10 PM
Great Matt, thank you:)
But could you explain more how it works?
I don't do well in describing how mechanical objects work, I'm good at showing how it works..... but, unfortunately....
Anyway... I ask you to look at the drawing at the top of the PDF file in combination of the pictures and hopefully it all comes together for you ;) If not, I'll work on something else, just give me some time.
Tomlin
12-07-2007, 05:16 PM
Very simple, yet an elegant solution Matt! You simply build a small holder for both the encoder and the momentary switch to mount in and on the bottom of the encoder you make an additional mount that allows the momentary to attach to. Then, when you need to use your 'press' function, the encoder's shaft is pushed on and it triggers the momentary.
Matt Olieman
12-07-2007, 05:19 PM
Thank you Eric, VERY WELL explained :)
Goose
12-07-2007, 05:24 PM
Yes but this will give you 2 push buttons + rotary, as Encoder has push build in, or am I completely wrong?
Matt Olieman
12-07-2007, 05:44 PM
I've added a photo to my original post (first pic). Hope this helps. Oh, and the answer to your question, it is not 2 push buttons, the back button becomes the pull button.
Goose
12-07-2007, 05:50 PM
I see, I don't see it right now, but i will study later today.
Thank you.
Michael Carter
12-07-2007, 06:27 PM
Matt, that is a great design!
You could work for Korry or Honeywell with talent like that.
Matt Olieman
12-07-2007, 07:30 PM
Thanks Mike. I designed to be used with the EFIS/FCU, fits real nice :)
Goose
12-07-2007, 07:35 PM
Oki, I may be stupid, blind or just tired, but I can see how you pull in the encoder shaft end then you activate momentary switch.:roll:
brianwilliamson
12-07-2007, 09:49 PM
Hey Matt, that is very clever. It takes a lot to get any better than that. Congratulations.
Regards...................Brian W.
Trevor Hale
12-07-2007, 10:27 PM
Oki, I may be stupid, blind or just tired, but I can see how you pull in the encoder shaft end then you activate momentary switch.:roll:
The pull would be built into the rotary. Push hits the micro switch I believe.
Matt Olieman
12-08-2007, 12:13 AM
Brian, thanks for your kind words, means a lot coming Mr. Ingenuity himself :)
Trev, "Pull" actually hits the micro switch against plate "I"
Note the Pic below.
The sides marked in red is one piece, the switch is on the back side of this section. The encoder is glued to the red sides. The white area "I" is stationary separate from the red area. So pulling the encoder pulls all that is in red, hence the switch presses against the white stationary plate "I"
Did I totally confuse everybody :)
I can't begin the countless hours I spent figuring this out and yet it's so simple, go figure.
http://mycockpit.org/photos/MattO/Encoder-MJO-002-b.JPG
Westozy
12-08-2007, 01:11 AM
Good stuff Matt, impressive!
Gwyn
Goose
12-08-2007, 06:11 AM
AAA, You move whole internal piece, now I understand.
Thank you.
Trevor Hale
12-08-2007, 09:42 AM
I can see it now. I didn't realize that the rotary was glued to the red sides, Excellent.
And as you say. So simple.
:mrgreen:
Very nice design Matt. I love seeing the great ideas that you guys come up with.
I just saw on Ebay a grayhill push pull encoder. Very rare to see these on Ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Grayhill-Optical-Encoder-Series-62B-Push-62B22-SPP-030C_W0QQitemZ170168399851QQihZ007QQcategoryZ67005QQcmdZViewItem
Now this one is an exceptionally good price too. If you can use optical encoders with your interface then this one is a definate no brainer ;)
Gary
sstusek
12-09-2007, 03:45 PM
UAU... great and simple design, thank you Matt for sharing it. I`ll try to replicate for my EFIS/FCU and finaly realize push/pull :D.
Simon S.
ap1190
10-27-2008, 02:22 AM
Sorry to re-open an old thread, but better than starting a new one i guess.
I'm about to start building an A320 FCU.
Could the push pull function also be done with a normal rotary encoder and a toggle switch with some sort of connection made?
Goose
10-27-2008, 12:44 PM
Yes it can work, but I think it will be very complicated to use.
If I understand you correctly.
You want one rotary to do a function, of LEFT rotary, RIGHT rotary, PUSH and PULL buttons, using a one ratory and a mode switch button.
Then I you switch mode for rotary the LEFT rotary can be used as push and RIGHT as pull?
If so, like I said, I could be complicated to use.