I'm thinking of using the R10015RS02Q SP10T rotary switch for an upcoming project I'm working on.
It's marketed as having a flush/slotted type actuator which I think requires something like a flathead screwdriver to rotate.
What I'd really want is for it to be hand actuated, however all the knobs I've found are meant to be used for a shaft-type rotary switch. I know it's possible to get a shafted SP10T rotary switch, but in my research it's cheaper to get these flush/slotted kinds.
My question is are these flush/slotted actuator devices ever intended to be used with a knob/hand actuated, or am I looking in all the wrong places for a knob?
As a side note, what are these slotted rotary switches usually used for/with (if anything)?
I know this is awfully close to a shopping-type question, I'm justifying it as valid because of this question which asks what type of knob to use with a round shaft potentiometers.
Best Answer
The rotary switch under discussion is typically used for preset / factory setting or maintenance purposes - such as for setting a part of a device address, a configuration value to be read during device operation, or selection of power path for enabling one of several circuit sub-sections.
The particular part you have selected has silver-plated copper contacts (
Q suffix) for power routing, rather than low-level signal routing or configuration setting.The lack of available knobs for this type of switch aligns with the design goal of not making it convenient for end-users to make changes - like having a sticker "No user-serviceable parts inside".
For a hand-actuated equivalent, look for flatted actuator, or knob actuator designs. Some thumbwheel actuated designs are also very cost-effective, especially on eBay or other such sites.
A quick search indicates you may be able to find thumbwheels cheaper than the device you have selected, if 10 positions are not a firm requirement.
Another reason for going with thumbwheels is that they are less obtrusive than knob / shaft devices, hence allowing sleeker enclosures!