Looking for a dual action switch

jimthree · 2018-11-25T21:47:50.000Z

Hi folks, I need to replace the switch on my Nitecore HC50 headlamp. As is pretty typical in flashlight world, this is a switch that has two stages, like a shutter button on a camera. I think in EE terms, it’s refered to as a Dual Action Tactile Switch. If you press it half way, one of the contacts is closed, press it the full way and both contacts close.

I think my BLF A6 and Convoy S2 hav something similar, press half way to change brightness so I’m hoping it’s a pretty common thing. The exact switch is 6mm with about a 4mm stem (this is a picture of it: Imgur: The magic of the Internet - Imgur: The magic of the Internet ) but if anyone knows where I can get something similar, (preferably in single or low quantity, and reasonable shipping to the UK), I’d be happy to bodge it in there.

BlueSwordM · 2018-11-25T22:17:31.000Z

~~You basically want this switch~~
~~https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Free-shipping-1288-flashlight-switch-10-pack/330416_1074062195.html~~

~~Or if you want a full switch “module”~~:
~~https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/16mm-1288-switch-for-S2-S3-M1-M2-C8/330416_32651199547.html~~

Not the same switch sorry.

jimthree · 2018-11-25T21:56:35.000Z

Interesting, how does that work with only two terminals? I know that the switch I’m replacing has 4 terminals, two of which are common and the other two are halfway and full pressure.

chadvone · 2018-11-25T22:08:29.000Z

A6 and Convoy switches are not the same as the Nitecore HC50’s dual stage switch.

Bluesword linked some A6 and Convoy switches, they are not similar switches.

Sirius9 · 2018-11-25T22:23:16.000Z

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-Doppel-Hubtaster-Mikrotaster-Mikroschalter-6x6-Double-Action-Switch-SMD/264033490422?hash=item3d799f55f6:g:RkUAAOSwuNNb5ybe:rk:4:pf:0

They are called “DPDT Double Action Tactile Switch with 2 Stages”
just find the right dimensions…

Same button is on the Nitecore P25

Lexel · 2018-11-25T22:15:49.000Z

BlueSwordM:

You basically want this switch:
2.79€ |1288 taschenlampe schalter|flashlight switch|switch switchswitch flashlight - AliExpress

Or if you want a full switch “module”:
3.23€ |16mm 1288 schalter für S2 +/S3/M1/M2/C8, eisen frühling|switch switch|switch 16mmc8 switch - AliExpress

totaly wrong answer

HC50 is a e-switch light, so it uses a momentary with 2 stages, usually they have one common connection and then first one and then both are shorted together to it
more sophisticated models may have electrically separated switches with 4 terminals but I dont think HC50 has such a switch as they are not easy to build

jimthree · 2018-11-25T22:28:55.000Z

Sirius9:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-Doppel-Hubtaster-Mikrotaster-Mikroschalter-6x6-Double-Action-Switch-SMD/264033490422?hash=item3d799f55f6:g:RkUAAOSwuNNb5ybe:rk:4:pf:0

They are called “DPDT Double Action Tactile Switch with 2 Stages”
just find the right dimensions…

Same button is on the Nitecore P25

They look perfect, thanks for the help.
Jim

jimthree · 2018-11-25T22:42:30.000Z

jimthree:

Sirius9:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-Doppel-Hubtaster-Mikrotaster-Mikroschalter-6x6-Double-Action-Switch-SMD/264033490422?hash=item3d799f55f6:g:RkUAAOSwuNNb5ybe:rk:4:pf:0

They are called “DPDT Double Action Tactile Switch with 2 Stages”
just find the right dimensions…

Same button is on the Nitecore P25

They look perfect, thanks for the help.
Jim

Except of course that they don’t ship to the UK!

Sirius9 · 2018-11-25T22:56:13.000Z

Contact seller, its only from Germany to UK.

TexasToasted · 2018-11-26T00:02:02.000Z

I don’t have a source of those switches, but I have had good luck restoring itty bitty switches with a squirt of plastic safe contact cleaner.

Edit- I just remembered seeing this at Aliexpress. There are other kits like this with different switches.

Lightbringer · 2018-11-26T02:42:13.000Z

Sirius9:

They are called “DPDT Double Action Tactile Switch with 2 Stages”
just find the right dimensions…

Same button is on the “Nitecore P25”

Damn, those look handy enough to just get a few for s&g… Just In Case.

Mike_C · 2018-11-26T10:38:21.000Z

I’ve played around with a few double action switches, I got them from Mouser. However, they where so sensitive to heat when soldering. All of the ones I tested lost the double action after I soldered them, they all became regular single action. Sure, I might not be the best at soldering, but as they where too sensitive to me I gave up on them.

So, just a word of caution, try to be careful when soldering. If you get these ones and they work fine after soldering, please let me know. I’d like to take it up again for testing with my drivers.

jimthree · 2018-11-26T13:54:12.000Z

Mike C:

So, just a word of caution, try to be careful when soldering. If you get these ones and they work fine after soldering, please let me know. I’d like to take it up again for testing with my drivers.

That’s exactly what killed mine. I put a blob of solder on the other side of the PCB so I could use flat top cells, the heat through the PCB killed the double action of the switch.