[4corners]

As a wheelchair user, I look for ways to make things work for me. I'm in the process of installing a switch on my hand control to (paddle) shift the transmission in DS mode, (in place of paddle shifters). The way I see it, the paddles are 3-wire momentary contact switches wired in series, connected to the two center wires of the four wire connector in the center console. It's simple. Put either one of the two center wires to ground and it shifts: Up, or Down. That's all the switch (paddle) does.

When driving, my left hand is always on the hand control for brake and gas. The switch will be at the tip of my thumb. My right hand is on the steering wheel.



I'm looking for a switch similar to this. With either no printing, or if I get lucky, it will say up and down. Or arrows....

[JL 325i]

Nice, very creative alternative

[micah_675]

Your looking for a momentary double pole double throw switch then. Finding one that fits your needs will be tough.... Not to mention you will need to find a momentary switch that is actually spring loaded to the center position. I would look at aviation stuff. They will have something close to what you need. you probably will not find a round one in automotive stuff.

http://www.sigmaswitches.com/PDFs/pa...J-201-DPDT.pdf (not round and kinda large)

http://www.wbparts.com/rfq/5930-01-287-8238.html

This NSN is a rocker switch spring loaded to center position for elevator trim on aircraft. it is a DPDT switch so it will have an up and a down position, it isnt labeled and it is small. It will probably take some inginutity on your part to get it secured as it is meant to be installed in a yoke (ie its small) this is exactly what you need. The switch is split in the middle and both parts have to be pressed together in the same direction to actuate the switch. This will keep you from inadvertantly switching gears if you brush the switch with your thumb. I will have a friend take a picture of it so you can see it. (this will probably be expensive...... IE hundreds of dollars....)

(companys website that makes the switch http://www.esterline.com/controlsyst...ySwitches.aspx they could probably make you something that you want (again costly option))

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062530 (still not round but it does what you want)

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a...TCH-20A/1.html

http://www.altex.com/Heavy-Duty-12V-...9-P146523.aspx (not round but has arrows....)

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=060-376

[4corners]

Originally Posted by micah_675

Your looking for a momentary double pole double throw switch then. Finding one that fits your needs will be tough.... Not to mention you will need to find a momentary switch that is actually spring loaded to the center position. I would look at aviation stuff. They will have something close to what you need. you probably will not find a round one in automotive stuff.

http://www.sigmaswitches.com/PDFs/pa...J-201-DPDT.pdf (not round and kinda large)

http://www.wbparts.com/rfq/5930-01-287-8238.html

This NSN is a rocker switch spring loaded to center position for elevator trim on aircraft. it is a DPDT switch so it will have an up and a down position, it isnt labeled and it is small. It will probably take some inginutity on your part to get it secured as it is meant to be installed in a yoke (ie its small) this is exactly what you need. The switch is split in the middle and both parts have to be pressed together in the same direction to actuate the switch. This will keep you from inadvertantly switching gears if you brush the switch with your thumb. I will have a friend take a picture of it so you can see it. (this will probably be expensive...... IE hundreds of dollars....)

(companys website that makes the switch http://www.esterline.com/controlsyst...ySwitches.aspx they could probably make you something that you want (again costly option))

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062530 (still not round but it does what you want)

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a...TCH-20A/1.html

http://www.altex.com/Heavy-Duty-12V-...9-P146523.aspx (not round but has arrows....)

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=060-376

Excellent sources micha_675! Thanks!

[micah_675]

NP if there is one thing I have learned, it is how to source odd ball stuff. I really think that trim switch I referenced would be your best option. It has built in protection because you can't accidentally change gears, and they are extremely durable (mil grade micro-switches) which are good for hundreds of thousands of cycles, (ie. I have never heard of one of them going bad in the years I have been on the airframe they are used on)

I forgot about getting a picture of it... I will use the internet to see if I can find one.

[micah_675]

http://img59.imageshack.us/i/mc130jpit.jpg/

Here ya go, that is what it looks like. As I said it is split in the middle. To actually be actuated one way or the other both sides most be moved together, which makes it harder for accidents to happen.

[4corners]

I like it. I blew up the pic to get a good look. I called a few of the places you listed. I asked who carries their inventory. I don't need 1000 switches. They all said O'Reilly's orders more of their switches than any other retailer. The Reilly's website does have quite a few. I'll head down there tomorrow. We have a brand new one here. Just put the sign up last week. I also have a piece that turns my one switch mount to a two switch mount if need be.

I looked at the BMW motorcycle handle bar controls for a turn signal switch, but they all have a horn button, hi beam, low beam, and a kill switch built in. It would have been cool to use another BMW part though.

[Lilboyblue]

Look at this
http://www.pingelonline.com/handlebar_controls.htm

[Ethanderall]

If you can't find a DPDT momentary switch to suit your purpose, you could simply use a single pole switch and a dual-pole relay hidden up inside the footwell/dash/centre console to do the actual switching.

[MaximusJ]

Wow, nice project!

Cool to see that your mobility issue doesnt prevent you from being a true enthusiast.

Kudos to you sir! And thanks to those who are helping; I would if I could

[4corners]

Thanks everyone.

If you haven't seen this website you have to check it out. This site has some switches I can use. I've been busy doing other things. But maybe it's time to finish this.

http://www.mcmaster.com/

[4corners]

Progress! Ordered from McMaster. One switch, up and down.

[Lilboyblue]

Originally Posted by 4corners

Thanks everyone.

If you haven't seen this website you have to check it out. This site has some switches I can use. I've been busy doing other things. But maybe it's time to finish this.

http://www.mcmaster.com/

I am a paraplegic and I'll be driving my first ever BMW m3 next week!! Can't wait to see how much I like the smg shifter! I would like to see more pics of this install if you have time to post. Thx

[4corners]

Here is the link that shows the wiring I will follow. I will have two wires running from the switch on my hand control to the blue 4-wire connector under the shifter in the center console. The two wires from the switch are up and down. I connect to the two center wires of the blue connecter: according to this DIY. Any other ideas or corrections?


http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=361439

[4corners]

Originally Posted by 4corners

Progress! Ordered from McMaster. One switch, up and down.

Got the switch. Less than 30 hours UPS Ground. And I'm in the middle of nowhere according to some.

[ska///235i]

I'm no expert but if you need diagrams or such i can help you find them