How to wire this illuminated switch

[SmokinScott]

http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-4895022w345.jpg

SPST 125VAC/3A Illuminated Pushbutton Switch - RadioShack.com

It has four legs. I think it's intended to be illuminaged all the time, but I just want it illuminated when it's depressed.

The picture on the back shows the north leg is + and the south is -
the west is labeled with the number 1 and the east leg number2.
It also shows a diagram of an open switch bewteen the east and west legs. N and Load on the west leg and the right looks like an open switch pointing to the west. I wish I had a better camera phone.

So is this suitable for a battery box mod? It's the perfect size, rated 1/1.5A - 125/250 VAC. Would it work with a battery (DC)?

Which leg should be wired to the positive side and which to the negative?

 

[framitz]

It is so deep, nearly 3cm that fit might be a problem, but it should work. LED is always on (I assume wired separately), but you should be able to just wire it through the switch. Need to see the back side or pin out to be sure.

 

[nash076]

I encountered this problem before . . .

The "125VAC" is 125 volts, alternating current. I'm not 100% sure it's possible to wire that to work properly with a battery powered (direct current) device.

Someone else might be able to dispute me on this, though . . .

 

[framitz]

I encountered this problem before . . .

The "125VAC" is 125 volts, alternating current. I'm not 100% sure it's possible to wire that to work properly with a battery powered (direct current) device.

Someone else might be able to dispute me on this, though . . .

It will work, the illumination is by LED and should just need to be wired through the switch (or direct to battery if you want it on all the time).

You could just as well use a switch rated at 100amps @ 50KV, but the size would be monstrous.

 

[kinabaloo]

The LED is between the + and - pins. Add a resistor in series, say 100 ohms.

The switch and the LED are electrically seperate.

Just wire them up as though they were physically separate and then the LED will come on when the button is pressed.

Pins 1 and 2 ( the switch) can be either way around.

Here's another type of illuminated button; this one is very low profile.

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_1998.html

This type of switch is really cool; they are used on elevators and such. 22mm diameter.
Rated for only 50mA at 24v though, so would be like using a tactile switch (opinons vary); could be used with a FET or mini relay though; FET better as relays are part mechanical and wear out; an electronic relay is an expensive alternative to a FET that could also be used; in these ways the button takes low power only and the atty gets the full whack.

 

[SmokinScott]

I really like that one Kinabaloo; It's very sleek looking, but it's a little pricy.

 

[mnealtx]

Pretty big, though...almost an inch diameter.

 

[funkybozu]

The LED is between the + and - pins. Add a resistor in series, say 100 ohms.

The switch and the LED are electrically seperate.

Just wire them up as though they were physically separate and then the LED will come on when the button is pressed.

Pins 1 and 2 ( the switch) can be either way around.

Here's another type of illuminated button; this one is very low profile.

Kustom PCs Lamptron Lighted Switch (Momentary) Silver / Blue Ring

This type of switch is really cool; they are used on elevators and such. 22mm diameter.
Rated for only 50mA at 24v though, so would be like using a tactile switch (opinons vary); could be used with a FET or mini relay though; FET better as relays are part mechanical and wear out; an electronic relay is an expensive alternative to a FET that could also be used; in these ways the button takes low power only and the atty gets the full whack.

now that is nice!! i wish they made them smaller though

 

[kinabaloo]

Not too big (wide) - Just right for the finger

Better than pressing on a mail head

The part outside the case is only a couple of mm and the moving part does not protrude.

 

[SmokinScott]

Not too big (wide) - Just right for the finger

Better than pressing on a mail head

The part outside the case is only a couple of mm and the moving part does not protrude.

Now you've given me an idea.
I used this switch
Mini SPST 1.5-Amp Momentary Pushbutton Switch (2-Pack) - RadioShack.com
and took off the black part where the finger makes contact. It just protruded too much. Then I cut down the white post and that's what I've been pressing on. This could be improved by getting an old fassioned thumbtack (not the pushpin kind, the flat metal disk) and just pushing it in the white plactic. Hmmm.

 

[kinabaloo]

Now you've given me an idea.
I used this switch
Mini SPST 1.5-Amp Momentary Pushbutton Switch (2-Pack) - RadioShack.com
and took off the black part where the finger makes contact. It just protruded too much. Then I cut down the white post and that's what I've been pressing on. This could be improved by getting an old fassioned thumbtack (not the pushpin kind, the flat metal disk) and just pushing it in the white plactic. Hmmm.

As long as the join is strong, should work

 

[framitz]

Now you've given me an idea.
I used this switch
Mini SPST 1.5-Amp Momentary Pushbutton Switch (2-Pack) - RadioShack.com
and took off the black part where the finger makes contact. It just protruded too much. Then I cut down the white post and that's what I've been pressing on. This could be improved by getting an old fassioned thumbtack (not the pushpin kind, the flat metal disk) and just pushing it in the white plactic. Hmmm.

I have used a similar switch. The button was hard on my fingers, so I found a little fake plastic jewel, it's flat on the bottom and only about 2.5mm thick, I drilled into the back so it sits down over the rod (button) and super glued it in place. Next I painted it with black nail polish. It's rounded on the top and very comfortable on the fingers.

 

[mnealtx]

So that made it about like this one, then?

3A 125V SPST Pushbutton Momentary Switch - RadioShack.com

 

[SmokinScott]

So that made it about like this one, then?

3A 125V SPST Pushbutton Momentary Switch - RadioShack.com

I tried one that looks very similar to that, but found it's too fat to fit in one half of the battery box.

 

[mnealtx]

I tried one that looks very similar to that, but found it's too fat to fit in one half of the battery box.

Probably a different one, then...this is the one from the nicostick mod, so it definitely fits.