Switch Panel for Dash Board....Advice

Dave Siegel · February 05, 2007, 07:30:57 AM

Presently I have several different types of switch panels in our coach, I would like to make the dashboard look neat, presentable and be safe while doing it. Consolidation is the answer. I have looked at all kinds of switches and I ran across this set the other day. http://www.cmsquick.com/prod_59_pt_sw.html (The panel I am considering is the 8 position switch panel in the top right. They want $128 plus shipping. I was wondering if this is a good price or too expensive? Any advice would be appreciated. Or is there another way?

Thanks,
Dave Siegel

H3Jim · February 05, 2007, 08:02:29 AM

Do it your way. While they are nice looking switches, thats $16 a switch and seems on the high side. You say you've looked at a lot of switch, so if they do what you want, and you like the looks etc, go for it.

Can they be labled specifically for your use? I don't think you want bilge pump etc on your bus.

kyle4501 · February 05, 2007, 08:46:22 AM

What are your fabricating abilities?
The price seems high until you look at the clean & finished package complete with fuses & lables.

If you like the look GET IT.
If the look/ style doesn't fit & you are able to do the work, I'd suggest a local electronics supply house to find the switches that fit your style. Just make sure the switch is rated for the load.

For switch labels, there are all kinds of self-adhesive plastic sheet that you can laser print on & make your own custom overlay. Just check local print shops till you find something that works for you. The better ones can take your 'art work' & do some neat stuff.

Dale MC8 · February 05, 2007, 11:10:16 AM

If you are looking for a one-off panel, you could do worse than making a rough drawing [with switch opening dimensions] and taking it to your local trophy shop. They usually have blank panels, engraving tools/ability's, etc., etc.

The one I had done has only one problem, I decided that I could make the switch cut-outs myself and botched it. My fault totally.

Something to think about

Dale MC8

Lee Bradley · February 05, 2007, 11:58:32 AM

I like the 'Anchor Light'! Is that a reference to our 2 cycle power plants?

FloridaCliff · February 05, 2007, 12:06:34 PM

Dave,

I went to a marine closeout store.

All the pieces and parts guy.

Bought a a whole console for under $75, 20 switches, fuse holders, etc and you can get the mylar to print new switch lables on.

Cliff

gumpy · February 05, 2007, 03:53:00 PM

I'm going to suggest you get a copy of the Waytek catalog waytekwire.com, if you don't already have one.

All the parts except the backing plate shown in your link are available from Waytek. The switches are Contura Rockers. They have
~~two~~ three colors (Red and Black, and I just noticed they recently added Grey) of actuators available, and you can get lighted and multiposition switches. The mounting system makes it a snap to build a control panel. They slid together. All you have to do is measure and cut a rectangular hole.

Here's a photo of one I used in my battery box. http://www.gumpydog.com/bus/MC9_WIP/Electrical/Battery_Rack/040522.10.24vdc-12vdc_converter_switch.JPG

And here's a temporary panel I made for my heating system.

Hartley · February 05, 2007, 06:16:14 PM

Quote from: gumpy on February 05, 2007, 03:53:00 PM
I'm going to suggest you get a copy of the Waytek catalog waytekwire.com, if you don't already have one.

All the parts except the backing plate shown in your link are available from Waytek. The switches are Contura Rockers. They have
~~two~~ three colors (Red and Black, and I just noticed they recently added Grey) of actuators available, and you can get lighted and multiposition switches. The mounting system makes it a snap to build a control panel. They slid together. All you have to do is measure and cut a rectangular hole.

Here's a photo of one I used in my battery box. http://www.gumpydog.com/bus/MC9_WIP/Electrical/Battery_Rack/040522.10.24vdc-12vdc_converter_switch.JPG

And here's a temporary panel I made for my heating system.

Them Square drill bits are hard to find at HFT... Maybe JCW has some??

You are just about forced to have someone cut the panels of your design that has a punch press or CNC router.
The tricks to getting accurate squares or rectangular holes is in having everything line up when you are done.

I suppose that some handy and delicate work with a plasma cutter would work, Have to try that with mine and see.

DrivingMissLazy · February 05, 2007, 06:54:39 PM

Square and oblong chassis punches are readily available, although somewhat spendy. I have built many pieces of equipment using these items and they look as good as any punch press or CNC router panel. Just takes a bit longer and only good for one or two panels, not for making dozens of them.
Richard

Don4107 · February 05, 2007, 07:40:15 PM

I have a little hand nibbler from Radio Shack that works great for making those rectangular holes. It is not quite as old as the bus but close. Used it to make the panels for my plane and many other things like holes for panel meters ect.

How about that, they still carry it.

http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=nibbler&origkw=nibbler&sr=1

JimC · February 05, 2007, 07:49:08 PM

I agree with Gumpy, order the Waytek catalog and set up your own switch panel. You can gang as many as you like together with their trim packages. I think I ended up paying about $7 -$8 each when all said and done. You can order any amp switch you want, lighted or not, they are all about the same price. Much cheaper than buying retail, so you can order extra, I think I have enough to do another bus!

I would think just about any bus nut can handle a jig saw, thats all you need to cut the holes, they are fairly forgiving when you use their trim, plus, you can make it larger than needed and fill with blank plates, or you can add some later if you need to.
The attached photo shows them in 3/4 inch board, with foam and vinyl over it.
Waytek does have a minimum order amount, but with a bunch of switches, that should not be a problem. Just make up a company name when you order and they will not question it.
AS always, do it your way, its your bus!
JimCallaghan

gumpy · February 05, 2007, 08:38:04 PM

Quote from: DrDave-Reloaded on February 05, 2007, 06:16:14 PM
You are just about forced to have someone cut the panels of your design that has a punch press or CNC router.
The tricks to getting accurate squares or rectangular holes is in having everything line up when you are done.

A metal cutting bit in a jigsaw works great. Triangular and flat files to clean things up.

The hole doesn't have to be perfect because the mounting panel has a bezel that overlaps the edges of the hole. It just needs to be pretty tight because they have plastic nubs that lock them into the the hole.

H3Jim · February 05, 2007, 09:32:55 PM

or get round switches which make it easy to drill a large hole and just slip the switch in - no cleanup required.