Hello all, I'm building a simple pedestal, to try and get the hang of all the I/O stuff before I jump into a whole pit. (will be using PM Systems / Phidget cards) I have a quick question. Has anyone been able to find magnetic release rotary switches? (ie: on the 737 overhead, the engine start switches are 4 position rotaries (Gnd, Off, Cont, Flight). If you move it to Off, Cont or Flight it stays there. If you move to position Gnd, it stays there until you either move it, OR apply power to the switch, which releases it back to position Off) I have been looking everywhere, but I can't seem to find a switch that can handle this.Thanks, -Chris

Hi Chris,I had luck to get two of them for free for my setup.They are COLE switches!From time to time they show up at ebay. Then they are approx. 200 to 300 US$ for one....See enclosed JPEGBest from ViennaHans G. SchuetzProject777---------------------------------------http://www.project777.com[email protected](LOWW - Vienna)http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/115171.jpg

$200 for ONE SWITCH :-eek :-eekDang, that's incredible. (I wonder what makes them so special...)Oh well, so much for that idea. I'll keep an eye on Ebay (maybe someone will post them not knowing what they are. Picked up a 200 gig HDD for $10 as 'broken'; been running it for 6 months now :) (needed a jumper)Thanks for the info -Chris

Maybe this won't work but here is an idea that someone might me able to impliment. See atatchment picture, sorry I'm not a draughtsman!1) Take a normal 4 position rotary switch and attatch a pivot bar below the panel.2) Attatch a solenoid to the other end of this pivot bar.3) Make the fixed end of the solenoid so it can rotate a little.4) Use SIOC, CCC, or PMSystems to apply a momentary voltage to the solenoid and push or pull the pivot arm and hense the rotary switch back to a certain positionBy fixing the end of the solenoid so it can rotate a little the normal manual movement of the switch would still be posable.The Porcupineaka Simon Webbwww.desktopflying.co.ukVery slowely putting together a generic twin desktop unit.

Yea, I've been thinking about something of my own design also. That's actually an excellent idea. I hadn't considered using a solenoid. The only concern I have for that, or any design I have been able to come up with, is I would have VERY limited space in the rotary switch. The more I think about it, I would probably have to construct my own switch (or GREATLY modify an existing one) Will have to look into thatThanks -Chris

How about just an electromagnet that pulls it back to the stopped position.?And Chris, you don;t have to put the swing bar IN the switch - just move the switch back 1/8" from the panel and fix the arm to the shaft. Shouldn't have to modify the switch at all.Richard

Thank you for pointing that out, maybe I was not so clear in my original suggestion.Giving the problem a little more thought at work today, if you replaced the solenoid in the diagram with a servo, you could control the switch to any position you wanted.The Porcupineaka Simon Webbwww.desktopflying.co.ukVery slowely putting together a generic twin desktop unit.

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oops :-doh I was looking at the diagram backwardsThat's actually a really great idea (and simple too, I like that) Just extend a lever off of the switch shaft and hook a servo up to it. Wouldn't even have to be a particularly powerful servo, if the bar is long enough. Thanks guys, I have a few servos coming in (from a friend of mine who's into RC) Will definitely be playing with this-Chris*edit* spelling