Replacement Power Micro-Switches?

Joe asks: "I ordered a case over the internet and had to let it sit for a while before I got to it. Thus the Internet retailer will have nothing to do with me. As I examined it I noticed one of the wire leads to the power micro-switch was broken. given the nature of the break it would be more work than it is worth to fix it. after searching the net, I found plenty of electronics suppliers but they were all searchable by product number only. I need to know where I can find just the micro-switch. By the way this is the most frustrating hold back to building a machine I have encoutered." I too have run into problems with power switches and machines. Fortunately I had a local computer store who had clerks-with-a-clue to help me out. Where else can one go to find replacement power switches, both on and offline?

Comments

Obviously, Radio Shack is not the answer...

[Raetsel]

The place you're looking for is called Digi-Key (800) 344-4539. They're based in Thief River Falls, MN, and do a whopping mail order business.

Their catalog is browsable based on categories, from product to manufacturer, and online in Acrobat format:

• Individual catalog sections
• Switches section of the catalog (bottom of the page)
• Entire 698 page catalog (This is a link to the actual .PDF (28 MB!) catalog)

If you decide to go through the thing page by page, know that some pages are just lists of part numbers (which you appear to be sick of). Download the sections (or the entire thing!) and you'll find mechanical drawings of all the parts with dimensions included.

Good luck -- I have a case I have to convert from AT to ATX power (thankfully, the motherboard isn't changing -- it's one of those dual-power ones). Thus I need to replace the big honkin' power switch on the front with a little momentary that'll connect with the motherboard. Fun, huh? I was worried until I found this place.

Come on!

[cr0sh]

This is an "Ask Slashdot"?

Ok, while I can understand your frustration at not being able to find a switch to fit, it shouldn't really stop you, if you know what you are doing.

You are either using a AT or an ATX powersupply - more than likely the latter, since you say it is going to be a new PC. But let us examine each version, and what can be done:

1) AT Case/Power supply - uses a DPST switch. Simply buy one somewhere (www.allelectronics.com) and put it in! Don't fit? That's what Dremels were made for! Put it somewhere else on the case, if you have to - it is just a power switch - it doesn't need to be pretty (heck, I wish they were still on the back of the box, to keep users from turning them off easily). Replace the switch, or wire it permanantly on, and hook up an inline powercord switch, or into a switchable powerstrip. Better yet, use a UPS, and don't turn the machine off...

2) ATX Case/Power supply - in this case, the powersupply is "smart" - and is controlled by the motherboard. A header is supplied on the MB for the switch, a simple momentary contact SPST switch. A doorbell button would work fine here (hey, cool case mod - light up doorbell button for turning the power on). I have used a screwdriver to simply bridge the contacts to start ATX based PCs (not the smartest thing, but nifty in a pinch on a bare motherboard). A paperclip would suffice as well. Dremel the case to fit, or rig the switch up on the front as needed. You can't do the inline powerswitch thing like on the AT system, though it might be remotely possible if your BIOS has a setting to restart the power supply after a power failure (forced reboot), then it might be OK. Another possible case mod here (fits in with the whole rice boy theming of boxen), get one of those remote control finding remote controls - you know, the ones made by All-In-One, that have a beeper to stick on the back of the remote control (if ever there was a stupid product, this is it), and you hit the large single button on the remote to cause the beeper on the lost remote to sound, and wire the beeper to a relay, and the relay contacts to the switch contacts (thus, a remotely powered on PC - "Dude, stand back, I am about to power it on!").

Heck, if it is ATX, there are a lot of modding options available, due to its simplistic power sequence nature. Don't bust your balls looking for a switch, especially if the case doesn't cost more than $50.00 - it isn't worth it! Break out he Dremel, duct tape, epoxy and thinking cap, and go!

Worldcom - Generation Duh!

Another place I use:

[ThunderBucket]

Jameco elecronics is pretty good -- I've never used Digikey, but Jameco certainly has an extensive catelog.

www.jameco.com

A recommendation

[Carlos Laviola]

Chily Precision Industrial is a good online pick.

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Your turn it off?

[jon_adair]

Just hotwire it and never turn it off. Most of mine are that way, but then I have a 18 month old who loves to push buttons.