[amsat-bb] Yaesu Az-El Rotor Controller switches

[Gregory Beat]

Steve -
Question about Yaesu controller rocker switches asked on July 8 and 9, 2020 by 
Bob Johnson, W7LRD and Ed Cole, KL7UW.
==
I researched this problem in 2014 after Yaesu USA Parts reported that no replacement rocker switches (for repairs) were available.  Since this was after the Japanese 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, I assume the OEM suppliers to Yaesu were lost.

This is a Photo of the LAST OEM switch, from Yaesu USA Parts (before 2011), now discontinued.  Photos at entry #8 (QRZ Q&A Tech Forums).
LOOK at photo carefully.
https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/g-500a-replacement-switch.664784/

The Kenpro/Yaesu used an OFFSET Lever (Pivot) on that Rocker switch mechanism.
The Paddle Lever is NOT Symmetrical about the pivot axis.  
Kenpro designed their front panel molds (plastic injection) of the rotator controllers to work with that specific Offset Lever style.
—
The old Japanese OEM switch used rivets (thru metal pin), 
while the NKK levers use an outside edge plastic mobs to fit into holes on the variety of paddle/rocker options.
There is not a thru pin on the NKK.
==
In 2014, I ordered the NNK Series M2 rocker switch parts (substitute candidate) from Mouser, when Mouser stocked NKK # M202TYW01 .  ($4.80 in 2014).
This part was correct size for Kenpro/Yaesu G500/G550 controllers and accepts a variety of “Paddle” styles
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/633-M2022TYW01
 
This NKK rocker switch properly fits the Kenpro/Yaesu front panels (rotator control). 
https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/295/MrockersFlatFrame-1663268.pdf
 
HOWEVER, the standard NKK Levers (Paddles) are SYMMETRICAL.
They do NOT have the proper OFFSET.  
NKK # AT4157C (Red)
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/633-AT4157C
NKK # AT4157A (Black)
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/633-AT4157A
NKK Switch Accessories
https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/295/accessorieshardware-10910.pdf
 
===
SOLUTION ??
Someone (AMSAT member?) to design a proper “Offset” Paddle (asymmetrical) for the standard Rocker switch mechanisms (NKK, C&K) that fit Kenpro/Yaesu rotator controllers.
The Design (CAD) could then be 3D-Printed OR Injected Molded (Plastic).

greg, w9gb
elmhurst, IL
==
Date: Thu, 8 Oct 2020 12:13:19 +0000
From: "Stephen  E. Belter" <seb at wintek.com>
To: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb at amsat.org>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Yaesu rotor controller switches

Would someone remind me who was looking for switches for a Yaesu G5400/G5500 rotor controller??

I've searched on the AMSAT-BB archives, but haven't discovered the correct keywords to retrieve his messages.  I can probably help him.

73, Steve N9IP
-- 
Steve Belter, seb at wintek.com