Modular slide/light switches

[Kevin Lightner]

Speaking of bargains: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Grayhill-Rotary ... 4d0e5c3bc7

Geez! I have a couple of those. I'd guess they're actually worth about $15-30.

[noddyspuncture]

I made my own for my Modular... only done red ones for now but will also be making blue, green and white ones soon. I have photo's but cannot seem to upload them...

Cheers,
TOM

[CZ Rider]

I was able to find some of those UID Ultraglow switches. Had to replace two broken ones on the old 1969 Moog when I first found it. They came in yellow too!


Can still find the same parts Moog used if you look in the right places. Just recently sourced that strange 3 pole 6 position Mallory rotary for the 901C clone. All the parts I found are NOS from the old days. They just don't build parts like that anymore.
Parts for the 901C.

[rarecomponent]

Hi CZ

Do you have a source for those coloured slide switches ? I've tried many searches but never found anything..

[CZ Rider]

No source, just have to be vigilant in your search. Many companies used these in the 60's/70's. For me, always finding the correct part name and manufacturer is the key to finding old parts. Up until now no one mentioned the manufacturer was UID and the part name Ultraglow switches.
I found what looked to be a salesmans sample pack of all of the UID line of switches. Had some of those lever type ARP used, and a bunch of lighted Moog type rockers. They are out there.

[Kevin Lightner]

Just a note (especially to Tom) that there's an inherent "bug" in IIIc/ps with these switches.
You see, they're run on AC and that AC is on one set of two adjacent contacts on those switches.
The other set of contacts might be an input to an oscillator or filter and be very sensitive.
So there can be 50/60hz "hum" induced into the CV making it buzz, especially when the lamps are on.
Different systems vary. On some it's tolerable. On others it's horrible.

One possible cure is to rectify the AC going to the lamps and reduce the voltage using a regulator or resistor.
The lamps will still light, but have no AC component to their power.
From what I understand, lamps powered with DC may not last as long as ones powered by AC though.

LEDs can also be used given the proper current resistors.
The advantages of LEDs is that they blow out less, take less current and generate little or no heat.
With the lower current draw comes a cooler power supply.
With less heat from the lamps themselves, there's also less heat build-up in the system.
This can help keep things from drifting.

[oakpal]

I think a company called StackPole used to manufacture the standard sliders. Not sure what happened to this company. I have good overseas contacts and will send some pics and samples
and see what they can find.

Pete Lutz
Woods Cross, Utah

[noddyspuncture]

So Terry, how did you upload some photo's...?
I tried uploading a few and I got a message saying the quota had been reached..!
I see you've managed to upload since my post...!?

Cheers,
TOM

[CZ Rider]

So Terry, how did you upload some photo's...?

I just upload them to my website, then post the link and they show up in the post. Not sure how to uplaod to the Moog Forum?

[noddyspuncture]

See if you can view these photo's... these are my "illuminated switches" that I devised and built myself.
Only have red for now... but I will also be doing blue, green and white ones.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/103197652@ ... 875796526/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/103197652@ ... 875796526/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/103197652@ ... 875796526/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/103197652@ ... 875796526/

Cheers,
TOM

[rarecomponent]

I too thought of doing it that way but never tried it. My method was to dismantle the slide switch and make a silicone mould of the plastic switch bit then cast them up in coloured resin ( I have a vacuum tank). But they are a bit fragile and don't illuminate and reassembly was tricky. They also needed a little lube for smooth operation.

Hey I really like your panels, did you silk screen or have them done pro?

[noddyspuncture]

Hey I really like your panels, did you silk screen or have them done pro?

Ben at Re-Synthesis made them for me.
He's really good, and very nice chap as well..!

[rarecomponent]

Oh.......the "blue"chap. Yes he does a good job ..OK thanks Tom.

[BrianK]

All these lighted options (toggle/slide) turn up now and then. Just never when you want them! There are variations on each type as well, different poles, colors, etc, so be careful - or work with what you get. I found some of the lighted toggles online but with no colored lenses, easy enough to fit some in, and pick your color. I suspect there's entire piles of these things around in places (Florida was where the UID Ultraglow switches were made) so keep an eye out for surplus sales - most of which are fully online by now. In Los Angeles, we have a huge aerospace industry (JPL. Northrop, etc) that unload old stock or did... things often turn up years later at swap meets etc. Just never when you want...!