Switch for snowblower chute control

[tsteahr]

Hello,

I'm looking for some help finding a multi throw momentary switch that I can use to control both electric chute rotation and electric deflector on my 48" RAD blower. Ideally I'm looking for something weather tight. I found this which looks like it might work, but it does not look very weather resistant.

Has anyone come across a nice switch for this application?

Thanks

 

[Marveltone]

Electronic Components Distributor | DigiKey Corp. | US Home Page Their catalog is HUGE. They have switches for just about any imaginable situation, including weatherproof. Just have patience when navigating through the online store because it is massive!

Joe

 

[955Lincoln]

You can also buy a one piece weatherproof boot that is molded onto the securing nut for the switch. They are usually a grey silicone type rubber that slips over the switch lever. Might be listed separately from the switches.

 

[mjncad]

You can also buy a one piece weatherproof boot that is molded onto the securing nut for the switch. They are usually a grey silicone type rubber that slips over the switch lever. Might be listed separately from the switches.

That's an option for weather resistance.

Try Del-City. Del City - Wiring Products and Professional Electrical Supplies

or... OTRATTW

 

[irvingj]

Have you checked with your dealer? Might be more $$, but the ones they used on my 2310 work and seem to be holding up well.

You can see the two switches in the pic, one on either side of the dashboard area. They're both rubber-coated. On mine, the switches were dealer-installed-- they might have them in stock.

 

[tsteahr]

Thanks for the links guys. Looking at this I realized a 4 pole double throw is NOT what I need. I'm looking to combine four functions into a single switch, like a toggle joystick. So I can have up/down and left/right available on the same switch by moving the switch in any of four directions.

Now I'm not sure exactly what I need. I'm thinking I need perhaps 6 poles. Two poles for voltage input (12v hot and ground). Then another 4 poles for control of each of the two motors. Am I on the right track with this? :confused2:

 

[JMynes]

I used two DPDT momentary switches. One controls up/down, the other left/right. Found them at Radio Shack. Not weatherproof, they are inside the cab. I used one of RS's project boxes to mount them at hand height when turned sideways in the seat. But then, I snowblow in reverse. And warmth.

 

[Craig Clayton]

Where you buy your switch from think in terms of availabitily if you ever break the new switch. Remember you will be wearing gloves when you are operating the switch.

Craig Clayton

 

[tsteahr]

I used two DPDT momentary switches. One controls up/down, the other left/right. Found them at Radio Shack. Not weatherproof, they are inside the cab. I used one of RS's project boxes to mount them at hand height when turned sideways in the seat. But then, I snowblow in reverse. And warmth.

Yes, that is an option for me to just install a second, seperate DPDT. I may have to go that route if I can't find a a switch that lets me combine all functions into one.

Where you buy your switch from think in terms of availabitily if you ever break the new switch. Remember you will be wearing gloves when you are operating the switch.

Craig Clayton

Good point. I would plan on buying one or two spares just for that possibility. Most of these switches are around $10-$15 so getting a couple spares won't break the bank. I'd order a few spare weather boots as well.

 

[RoyBrooks]

What about going with a retro joystick from a video game? Would have to hook up some relays to increase current ratings, but if they had 4 micro switches mounted in the base it should work. You could also look at the joystick from a honda 928 snowblower. I have this blower and it uses a joystick form the chute and damper. or maybe this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Joystick-4-way-...ultDomain_0&hash=item4156ee7173#ht_500wt_1156

 

[JoeL4330]

snow plow control?

 

[955Lincoln]

Thanks for the links guys. Looking at this I realized a 4 pole double throw is NOT what I need. I'm looking to combine four functions into a single switch, like a toggle joystick. So I can have up/down and left/right available on the same switch by moving the switch in any of four directions.

Now I'm not sure exactly what I need. I'm thinking I need perhaps 6 poles. Two poles for voltage input (12v hot and ground). Then another 4 poles for control of each of the two motors. Am I on the right track with this? :confused2:

You are not going to find this type of operation in a standard toggle. Either go with a joystick as others have suggested or seperate switches.

 

[tsteahr]

You are not going to find this type of operation in a standard toggle. Either go with a joystick as others have suggested or seperate switches.

Yep, you are right. That is the conclusion I am comming to. I'm going to go with a seperate DPDT switch. If I get into a joystick and relays I'm getting close to the cost of the linear actuator (just for control function) and I don't feel like making this more of a project than it needs to be.

Second switch it is. Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the replies and info. TBN is great. When when someone has a question, Bam! folks step up to the plate and help out. Awsome!

 

[Jay4200]

What about going with a retro joystick from a video game? Would have to hook up some relays to increase current ratings, but if they had 4 micro switches mounted in the base it should work. You could also look at the joystick from a honda 928 snowblower. I have this blower and it uses a joystick form the chute and damper. or maybe this?
Joystick 4-way toggle switch, Industrial/Medical UNUSED - eBay (item 280631341427 end time Feb-23-11 14:42:29 PST)

Brilliant. I wanted to build a joystick control for my hydraulic chute control, but couldn't find one that fit my application.

JayC

 

[cotter]

What about going with a retro joystick from a video game? Would have to hook up some relays to increase current ratings, but if they had 4 micro switches mounted in the base it should work. You could also look at the joystick from a honda 928 snowblower. I have this blower and it uses a joystick form the chute and damper. or maybe this?
Joystick 4-way toggle switch, Industrial/Medical UNUSED - eBay (item 280631341427 end time Feb-23-11 14:42:29 PST)

This switch is NC. Make sure that will work for you...

Like you said most video games are very low current, think ~10 mA. So you would need a relay for sure, perhaps a relay for the relay I looked into a joystick to run a plow and was for the most part let down at what I could find; either very low amperage rating or HIGH $$$. This was the 'best' thing I found JOYSTICK 1000 MICROSWITCH 6A - 1D27F1500 It handles 6 A and $60, comes with a rubber boot for the joystick but I am not sure how weather proof it would be.
Chad

 

[pat32rf]

I'd just go with two DPDT center off toggle switches OR two winch controller pushbutton pendants such as a Ramsey or Warn remote. They are weather proof but quite a bit more money than a normal McGill toggle.
I've always found that its easier to just replace a standard switch when it starts to act up. Keep it sprayed with penetrating oil and it will last for years even out in the weather, as long as it has enough capacity for the load.(and doesn't get salted)

 

[moship]

In another link for a different issue someone posted a link to this site. It looks like they have what you want.

Industrial Joysticks - Industrial Controls Joystick - JS-2050-HD