How to make an RCA switch!
Here is a list of items you will need to complete this tutorial:
Phono (RCA-Type) Plug (2-Pack) (3.99)
Phono (RCA-Type) Plug (2-Pack) - RadioShack.com
Multipurpose PC Board with 417 Holes (1.99)
Multipurpose PC Board with 417 Holes - RadioShack.com
12VDC 50mA SPST 6.2x6.2 mm SMT Tact Switch, 9.5mm High (3.99)
12VDC 50mA SPST 6.2x6.2 mm SMT Tact Switch, 9.5mm High - RadioShack.com
A dremel tool with cut off wheel
A Soldering Iron
Thin copper wire
Drill and drill bits
Patience
First assemble all of the things you need.
Take the PC board and cut a piece out 2 holes wide by 5 holes long, this is where the dremel tool cutoff wheel comes in handy, other wise it will crack and break:
Take the thin wire and strip off the covering, wrap it through the end holes in a figure X pattern, as such:
Now solder the wire on the ends to look like this:
Next take the tactile switch and bend the opposite corners up, so two opposites are down and two are bent up, the ones bent up cannot touch the board, this will cause a constant short:
Now take the board with the wired soldered x ends and solder the switch to it:
Lay the connectors inline as they would be assembled with the switch behind them, mark a dot on the center barrel that the switch lines up so when it is assembled the switch lines up with the hole. Notice I had to cut an 1/8 of an inch off the switch so it would go into the barrel tube. Only trim off enough to allow it to go into the barrel:
Now drill the end of the RCA connector out with a drill, and drill the hole for the button:
You should have four pieces ready to go together:
Press the battery connector into the barrel, and slide the switch assembly into place, once everything fits properly, use some plastic shim material (ejuice safety ring bent in half) and push it under the switch assembly:
Screw on the RCA male adapter and check for continuity, the two x’s we soldered on each end of our board makes contact with the center pole on both the RCA jack and the battery connector. You should only get continuity between the RCA center pole and center of the battery connector when the button is pushed
Well that is it, this is a modular system so if the switch burns out, I can unscrew it and pull the board out and replace the switch, then put it back together. Final product!
Hope this helps!
Dan