JoyStick Knob w/12V Momentary Switch

Scotty370 · Apr 6, 2009

Does everyone have the same problem finding a reasonably priced Knob w/ a 12v button, to activate a Solonoid Diverter/Selector (Grapple) valve that I'm having? Think I saw one of you folks carving one out of wood. JR Meritt (OEM-supplier) has them, but I think I'd have to buy a hundred

! I've checked the Motor-Head, racing sites, and Hurst Shifters, and B&M, have some for fifty bucks, and I still can't get the 1/2"-13TPI that I need, plus, I doubt they're waterproof. They use them for Nitro-Boost activation. Hey........wait! Maybe the 'ole JD would pick up a little more 'kick'!!

~Scotty

6sunset6 · Apr 7, 2009

yeah, I am the woodchuck. What a PITA trying to find one.. but it was fun and it works. I got a quote of $130 plus outrageous shipping. Look in my posting there was a guy in AZ who did a really nice job with bondo on a wire frame with a rocker switch.
You only need one button to pick that valve I think.
I keep my tractor inside so I was not to worried about weatherproof.

JDeerekid · Apr 7, 2009

Have you looked at Scorpion Technologies.

They have lots of handles and switches to choose from and will custom make them also. I contacted them last fall to get some switches for a 3rd function hydraulic kit. I have a handle that has knock outs in it and they hooked me up with the button switches to put in it. They are really reasonable and nice people to work with.

6sunset6 · Apr 7, 2009

Did you buy direct from Scorpian?

Scotty370 · Apr 7, 2009

Thanks JDK! I shot them an e-mail. I kind of like the trigger concept. I also found a weatherproof momentary locally ($10), and a block of Aluminum 1.25x1.25x4" long (free) to play with! Need to drill a 7/8" hole, 1-1/2" deep in the top to mount the switch, then Drill and tap the bottom. Then drill a wire raceway! Just seems like some thing so simple, should be ....."out-there".......! ~Scotty

JDeerekid · Apr 7, 2009

6sunset6 said:
Did you buy direct from Scorpian?

Yes I did buy directly from them. We talked a great deal about what I wanted and then they emailed me a diagram and parts list. I gave the ok and they put it together and mailed it to me.

JDeerekid · Apr 7, 2009

Scotty370 said:
Thanks JDK! I shot them an e-mail. I kind of like the trigger concept. I also found a weatherproof momentary locally ($10), and a block of Aluminum 1.25x1.25x4" long (free) to play with! Need to drill a 7/8" hole, 1-1/2" deep in the top to mount the switch, then Drill and tap the bottom. Then drill a wire raceway! Just seems like some thing so simple, should be ....."out-there".......! ~Scotty

No problem Scotty. I found out about them from 3RRL.
Here are a couple pictures of my handle and the switches I got. I can't find pictures of the switches installed but will get them tomorrow.

Redneck in training · Apr 7, 2009

Scotty370 said:
Does everyone have the same problem finding a reasonably priced Knob w/ a 12v button, to activate a Solonoid Diverter/Selector (Grapple) valve that I'm having? Think I saw one of you folks carving one out of wood. JR Meritt (OEM-supplier) has them, but I think I'd have to buy a hundred ! I've checked the Motor-Head, racing sites, and Hurst Shifters, and B&M, have some for fifty bucks, and I still can't get the 1/2"-13TPI that I need, plus, I doubt they're waterproof. They use them for Nitro-Boost activation. Hey........wait! Maybe the 'ole JD would pick up a little more 'kick'!! ~Scotty

Try Pilot Supplies, Avionics, and Homebuilt Aircraft Parts from Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Co. or other airplane supply. Airplanes use them for radio and flap control. Perhaps some of them would work for you.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/ottopistolgrips.php
Some are pricey but there are few cheap one.

Scotty370 · Apr 7, 2009

Darn, RIT, Ya 'bout had me choking when I popped up that site and saw a $500- joystick! The cost of the sleeve is more what I had envisioned! I was joking about the 'Nitro' comment, so 'wings' are totally out of the question! Seriously though, they did have some momentary switches that could be used. I kind of like the one I picked up. Just came up from my basement "Machine-Shop", (read that as, drillpress, assortment of unorganized drills, couple C-clamps,......well you get the picture...) and was able to drill out the top of the aluminum billet, 7/8" x1-1/2" deep. Think it's going to work! I've got to get a 27/64" drill and 1/2"x13 tap tomorrow. We'll see! I'll also see what Scorpion has to say! Thanx! ~Scotty

Redneck in training · Apr 7, 2009

Scotty370 said:
Darn, RIT, Ya 'bout had me choking when I popped up that site and saw a $500- joystick! The cost of the sleeve is more what I had envisioned! I was joking about the 'Nitro' comment, so 'wings' are totally out of the question! Seriously though, they did have some momentary switches that could be used. I kind of like the one I picked up. Just came up from my basement "Machine-Shop", (read that as, drillpress, assortment of unorganized drills, couple C-clamps,......well you get the picture...) and was able to drill out the top of the aluminum billet, 7/8" x1-1/2" deep. Think it's going to work! I've got to get a 27/64" drill and 1/2"x13 tap tomorrow. We'll see! I'll also see what Scorpion has to say! Thanx! ~Scotty

Search for grip and you will find some single switch grips.
Here is one for $37.50.

RAY ALLEN G101 STICK GRIP from Aircraft Spruce