I need help with a part number, or some guidance. I run a Vertex Magneto in my '36 Chevy coupe oval track race car. I was running a toggle switch to turn the mag on and off, but I'd prefer to use a push - pull switch. Here's my problem. A normal push/pull closes the electrical circuit when ya' pull it on, like a headlight switch. Pull is on and push is off. That's the type of switch I recently installed. But, that's not what I want. I need one that opens the circuit when pulled and closes the circuit when pushed. To run the mag the circuit most be open. To turn it off ya' close the circuit to ground and the mag shuts off. From a safety standpoint, it's much easier to push a switch off than to pull it. Especially if it's an emergency situation, like a stuck throttle or upside down after a crash. Any suggestions????? Don't need anything super fancy.
Obivosly your not running a battery cause you have a mag or you could use a relay to swap the configuration of the switch. Or how about this. Try using an industrial type push pull on off switch like an allen bradley or square d. their contact blocks allow normally open or closed which ever you prefer . They are a lot bigger diamter though. Dave
Thanks for your response. Yep, no relay, and have a separate circuit for the starter using a weather resistant marine push ****on. Need something like a cheap headlight switch you'd buy at Advanced Auto or Pep Boys. BUT.........................other options????
Found these: http://www.colehersee.com/pdf/master_cat/a_push-pull.PDF#search=""normally on" "push-pull switch"" They have both normally off and normally on down at bottom of page. Another idea would be those military type toggle switches with the plastic hinged cover that turns switch off when you slap at it.
Thats good info.. I guess ive never realy had to look for a swtich like that for automotive use but now I know they can be had.. Thanks Bruce from both of us........ Dave
Try here, they've got a bunch of emergency stop type switches.... http://www.alliedelec.com/catalog/pf.asp?FN=890.pdf
you are hunting a "syringe" switch- attaches directly to the "kill wire" on the mag, typically made from br*** or copper, and no other wires to or from the switch, right? call Bill Von Quintus at Austin Performance- he had a couple original vertex mag kill switches last time I asked. his phone number is 512 925 0628.
Here's a pic of one: http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...atalogId=10002&storeId=10001&categoryId=29045 Any kind of racecar wiring supplier has'em--I think original use of real ones was for arming firing circuits on airplane guns. Cover prevents accidental turning on, flips them off with just a slap. Investigate before buying--likely aftermarket ones with covers that just cover exist.
Aircraft Spruce site shows the switch cover as an acessory so you can keep existing toggle--also has better pic and explanation of function than others. Click on "switch accessories".
here is the problem with a toggle... it's guts are nice and tight- so the spark from the mag can jump the contacts-eiter causing a running problem at high r.p.m.'s (the spark intensifies as the mag spins faster) or, it will light you up like a christmas tree. ( while the switch plate moves, at some point it has to be "free floating"- the free float point would be where it knocks you on your keyster) the one he is looking for is actually a really old design that simply pushes metal to metal. to mess, no fuss, 1 wire hook up, and the driver is isolated. you just have to make sure the body of the switch has a nominal ground.
Thanks for the info on the military type toggle with the cover. But I already have one of those . I thought about that style and decided no. Reason being it looked too easy to cut it off with that set-up, especially where the the controls are presently located. They're mounted to the door bar to my left when I'm in there. Once I'm strapped in I can't move too far , so stuff has to be close. I have to download an Adobe Reader file to see what's in your previous post. That will probably have what I want.
I was going to suggest an industrial emergency cut-off as well. I know one racer who had that wired into the ****pit of his car that was a master kill switch for everything. It was mounted on top of the trans tunnel, about 6 inches to the rear of the shifter. If the **** hit the fan, he could quickly punch that ****on and everything shut off. Same idea as the external battery cut-off switch that is required. I like the idea, and will try to figure out a way to wire one into my race car. Shouldn't be too hard. -Brad
You should be able to buy one at the local parts house either way. If not try Radio Shack, ours seems to carry weird stuff like that............
Couldn't you use a push ****on starter switch to kill it? How do you start it if you don't have a battery?
Try a company in Ca. called SAE (don"t have address handy) they make a sw. just for mags push/pull it has a 5/8 air gap to prevent arcing. Hope this helps
Try 'OEM Tractor Parts', get an ignition switch for magneto-equipped Farmall tractors Pull-on, push-off Cost about $45
Thank you to all that responded to my switch question . I'll investigate the options that were presented. Several good ones to follow-up on. If we could harness all the brain power on this web site we could tell the *******s to take their oil and................ .
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