RE: Modding Radio Switches [TANKS]

[Bill Hamilton <seeker-at-phoenyx.net>]

On Sun, 29 Jan 2006, Jeremy Caylor wrote:

> Yes, I am trying to replace the toggle switches with buttons on my Tx. 
> After thourougly reading the article, I found it to be for the Tamiya 
> 1/16 scale tanks, and doesnt suite my purpose.
>  Im guessing you just have to un-solder the old switch and solder the 
> push button on with the right polarity. Just a guess though, but it 
> seems as if it would work, anyone know if it will?

Polarity isn't an issue with most switches.  You do, however, need to 
determine if the "off" position of the existing switch is open or closed. 
Make sure you can tell which position is "off" for the switch once you 
have removed it from the wiring of the transmitter.

Once it is disconnected, switch it to "off" and use a continuity tester (a 
multimeter can do it as well) across the now unsoldered tabs of the 
switch.  An open circuit (no tone, or max resistance on a multimeter) 
means that "off" is normally open.  A closed circuit (tone, or 0 
resistance) means that "off" is normally closed.  (Off is just a logic 
state, and can be represented either way.)

Connect the "common" tab of your pushbutton to one of the transmitter's 
wires.  The other wire depends on the results of your test:  either 
normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC), matching what you determined 
from your switch.


-Bill Hamilton