Name this switch?

[MagnetoSound]

This is a pushbutton leaf switch that is illuminated inside the actuator barrel by means of a telephone slide bulb.

They are quite modular, in that the contact modules can be rearranged, and the push on caps can be changed for square or round, the lenses can be different colours, etc.

Can also be made latching, or not.

I can't remember the name but I have a few I would like to either reuse or dispose of. Some of them have bent leaves that would need replacing, so i would like to see if i can find spares. These cost a fortune back in the day.

 

[Ptownkid]

I will call him Sven.

Sorry I can't be of more help, he's an interesting looking little guy...

 

[MagnetoSound]

I'm pretty sure they are British. These came out of a Leevers-Rich tape machine.
I've seen them in various old BBC desks and such like over the years.

For size, they are about 60mm long (including the cap and bulb terminals) x 30 x 18.

Someone must know what they are called.

 

[pucho812]

dpst... sorry I know that doesn't help.

 

[MagnetoSound]

Ha! the one in the picture is DPDT, in fact.

Thing is, you can stack leaf contacts on top of each other to make multiple configurations - that's one thing that makes these pretty cool, they are quite modular.

Really good for input/output/monitor switching, for instance, which is precisely what these were used for in the tape machine.

They can also be set up for momentary action, and used for relay or transport control. 

If only I knew what they were called ...  :

 

[pucho812]

I was close. You planning to use them or do you need them for a repair?

 

[MagnetoSound]

I have quite a few. I'm thinking of using two or three of them to build a monitor controller, and might sell the rest.

 

[MagnetoSound]

I've pasted the photo in a better size. Hope it jogs a memory somewhere ...

 

[radardoug]

That looks like a TMC switch. They also made lever keys which you see on old Neves used for talkback etc.
As you say, they are modular, and could be built with more contacts. Also could be push, or push on/off, or interlocking.
Pretty sure they were British, used a lot in telecoms.

 

[MagnetoSound]

TMC ... that's Pye isn't it - makes a lot of sense.

I have quite a few of the lever switches too - spoilt for choice I suppose.


At last. Thanks, Doug!