Hi all! I would like to find a keyed switch I could use to control my tortoise switch machines. I want one key that could control a bunch of switches. I am thinking about that keeps kids at shows from throwing switches and gives operators a certain tactile sense when they are working the layout. I'm hoping with all your know how and Internet searching wisdom you can find the right switch ( keyed on-off-on, I think?), and one that won't break the bank as I install a bunch of them. Thanks in advance, Karl
something similar to this? http://www.newark.com/itt-cannon/h201132f205nq/switch-key-lock-dpdt-12a-125v/dp/27M3628
Karl, Depending on how your switches are controlled [a push button of some sort on the front of the setup] you could use a 1/4" headphone jack mounted to the face of the setup that interrupts the circuit, then use just the plug as a key. The plug would be wired so that when you plug it into the jack, it completes the circuit, like this: Would this work
Geep_fan, that is what I'm looking for, I'd like to keep it under $10 a switch though. Bendtracker, I have seen the headphone jacks used, I like how they are visually minimal and can be integrated into track diagrams or switch panels easily. I may end up going that route, but I'd like to have real keys. If a headphone jack would work, why wouldn't a simple on-off keyed switch? Don't the tortoises have to be powered both directions?
Here's a couple I found on ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-x-Panel-M...545?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c19d7929 http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOOK-DPDT-A...697?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cc8996481
A couple of minutes of searching turned up the following. - Jeff Mouser has 1,483 keylock switches http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?N=254118 Digi-Key has 616 keylock switches http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en/switches/keylock-switches/1114205?k=keylock One from All Electronics http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/KSW-30/3-POSITION-KEY-SWITCH/1.html One from Electronic Goldmine http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G8081
It would. Just have it interrupt the common line going to your push-button or toggle. So, no need for a more expensive on-off-on, unless that is the only switch you have. But - the other issue will be getting all the key-locks keyed the same. Not certain how easy or difficult that will be.
