[Collins] 30S-1 Users - A Request

[Stu Martin]

Guy's,

 

I am in dire need of a non-useable, non-functional, non-returnable, 30S-1 front panel [rectangular] push-button switch or indicator. I specifically require the plastic housing. A front-mounted "On & Off" lens cap would be handy as well, but is not necessary. If anyone has a discarded one in a junk box, now is the time to put it to use. It will be used as a remanufacturing sample.

 

History...



Collins contracted these switches from the H.R. Kirkland Company, originally from Morristown, NJ. A call to Kirkland, now located in Colorado, resulted in a Fax document containing the entire specs for these items, but the engineering diagrams are unreadable. Interestingly, Kirkland did not actually manufacture the switches; they modified them. What I understood was they were made by Kirkland's parent company, RAFI, in Lengerich, Germany. Kirkland's job was to modify each to confirm to Collins specs. 

 

Collins chose the smaller of two available size assemblies, the 1025 series switch, and 2025 indicator. Kirkland, for example, removed the indicator's 28v lamp socket and replaced it [cemented] with the socket for a #47 lamp. European designs called for a 28v bulb [with a current limiting resistor terminal], or either 120 or 220vac bulbs. Switch contact ratings were also reduced. The 2 amps, 115/220vac contacts was reduced to 0.5amps and supplied with clamp-screw contacts. I was also told that the original "legend caps" [lenses] were supplied as blanks. They can be engraved using a standard "call-sign badge" engraving tool. These changes were performed by Kirkland.

 

How, or from what source, Collins found and selected these particular switches from is still uncertain, but I believe their low cost, single-hole mounting, and front panel lamp replacement was a factor. The "grip-cap" design of the indicator, complementary functions, supplied normally open or normally closed, or as indicated on the spec sheet, "These units may be mounted on close centers and give a modular effect of being one multiple assembly," may have been the key. I have not yet found a suitable matching replacement although I have been dealing with these types of switches for some time.

 

Rather than consume more bandwidth, I'm ready to contact RAFI and continue my quest. It would be nice if I had a sample to send along. If successful, I'll report the cost of each unit, a set of each, or possibly a remanufacturing contract, if possible, for each of the three items.

 

Late News: Rafi's current U.S. distributor, ITT/C&K Switch, [Watertown, MA] confirmed the need for readable engineering diagrams or a sample. A sample was recommended should a present-day match be found. So, if you have a something we can use, it would be most appreciated. This vendor is standing by to assist us.

 

Many thanks for you interest.

Stu Martin, k2qde


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