Rotary Switch woes

[Henry]

We have an 8-2 that was completely rehabbed in 2005 using Mark 7 Proline equipment for the self serve bays. Each bay has an 8 position rotary switch where all 8 positions are used for a function (no stop position). Three of the switches are getting worn and no longer click from position to position and many times the customer has a hard time getting the knob in just the right position to get the function they want.

So .... I called up the local distributor who installed the equipment to order some new switches. I explained all the details, colors, etc. Keep in mind that this was over 4 months ago. I have talked to the distributor numerous times, at least 3 people at Mark 7, and every other supplier I can think of and we still don't have any replacement switches. Comments range from "no longer available" to "it can't be done". Well it can! We have 8 of them. And they were supplied by Mark 7 when the equipment was installed in 2005. It's a 2 stack switch with white shrink wrap with a red/pink rubber band around it. It has 11 wires rather than the 10 wires of a regular white shrink wrapped Mark 7 switch.

Can anyone help me? Either with a supplier or a diagram on how to modify a standard switch? Any help would certainly be appreciated.

 

[MEP001]

Years ago when I was a tech, we built a wash using an 8-position 3-stack switch because 10-position switches weren't around yet. I wired the third stack to a relay and through a DPST relay so that selecting the usual "STOP" position would de-energize the relay and turn on the spot-free in that bay.

I'd recommend going to a 10-position switch instead.

 

[ken-pro]

I have done the same as MEP001 on a couple of occasions. I too highly recommend changing to 10 position switches, and using new decals.

If that isn't an option, I suspect the switch is wired as MEP suggests - carefully cut the white heat shrink off the switch, and trace where the extra wire goes - You should be able to see how the switch was altered to work.

 

[Henry]

We've considered the 10 position option but one would think that the switches we need could be purchased somewhere. Mark 7 or elsewhere. After all, they're only 3 years old so we're not talking about some antique setup. Converting would be an expensive option since the faceplate decals are over $100 each.

 

[MEP001]

Kleen-Rite can make you custom decals for under $20 each.

Upload a photo of the rotary switch (Take a high-quality photo if possible and use a hosting service such as imageshack.us so the detail isn't lost) and maybe one of us can identify it and tell you where to get them.

 

[Henry]

I got a call from the local distributor today. They said they had got a call from Mark 7 and that the switches would be made up and sent out ASAP. Go figure!

I didn't know KR did custom decals. Thanks for the information.

 

[Gabriel]

Score one more for the Forum.

 

[MEP001]

Score one more for the Forum.

Two if you count the decals...

 

[thoffmanjr]

Those switches are made in Illinois by Grayhill. www.grayhill.com Search for 44A30-01B12N for a 1 deck switch and search for 44A30-02-1-12N for a 2 deck. We have been using the 12 position since 2004 and they have been great. The picture shows a 3 deck switch but the part number is a 1 deck switch. They cost under $50 each but you would have to solder your own wires and cover the switch with heat shrink tubing.