Replacement difficulty switches?

[root42]

So my Vader is definitely having problems with its left difficulty switch. It doesn't work anymore, the B position doesn't have continuity anymore. I will try some contact cleaner, but if push comes to shove I would to replace it. Are there any compatible switches out there?

 

EDIT: Narrowed it down to about 300 switches on Mouser (through hole, ON-ON style). Now to find one that is 90° and has the correct dimensions and leg spacing...

Edited February 19, 2020 by root42

[7800 2]

I found one on Best Electronics Website.  Atari 2600A/2600JR Left, Right difficulty and channel 2/3 Slide switch CO12241 $1.50 each . Just follow Best's order procedures and I'm sure you won't have any problems.

[root42]

Ok, I found two options:

 

1. This switch on Mouser (need to measure if it will actually fit, but spacing seems fine)

https://www.mouser.de/ProductDetail/E-Switch/EG1270?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtHXLepoqNyVZDOWY7elTCOb0t5sh2HRiQ%3D

 

2. Best Electronics

They seem to have replacement switches as well for 1.50 each. Let's see if they ship to Germany, and how much it is. 

[7800 2]

There also seems to be a few on Ebay if you want to go that rout too. 

[Trellot]

50 minutes ago, root42 said:

So my Vader is definitely having problems with its left difficulty switch. It doesn't work anymore, the B position doesn't have continuity anymore. I will try some contact cleaner, but if push comes to shove I would to replace it. Are there any compatible switches out there?

 

EDIT: Narrowed it down to about 300 switches on Mouser (through hole, ON-ON style). Now to find one that is 90° and has the correct dimensions and leg spacing...

A good cleaning and very slight rebending of the copper contacts for good connection should be all you need to do.  However, you can purchases replacement switches from http://www.best-electronics-ca.com/ or http://www.myatari.com/ or maybe even www.console5.com.

[root42]

Thanks everyone. I contacted Best Electronics and will try to order from them. 
I will keep the old one as spares and try to refurbish them. 
If I order again from Mouser I will also try to buy some from there to see if it is a compatible fit. 

[ChildOfCv]

For switches, there are multiple standards (of course), but you can easily find the right pin pitch.  Other mechanical aspects may not be so easy though.  For instance, I found a switch for the Colecovision that can replace the main power switch, but it doesn't have the reinforcement brackets that solder into the board.  I also found usable switches on/off switches for the 2600's, but it doesn't have a long round knob to attach the lever to.

 

But with a little ingenuity, you could probably make either of those examples work.

[christo930]

I'm pretty sure all of the early 2600 models all use the same switches that are very simple and very easy to rebuild.  I've done it several times.

 

These switches are very simple and very easy to rebuild.   There are some tabs bent over the bottom. Just straighten those out and lift up the top.  There will be 3 sets of connectors that are the bottom parts of the switch. The tops are made of leaf springs.  Just do a really good cleaning on the points and the leaf springs.  Literally a 10 minute fix.

[davyK]

I have a 4 switcher and the right difficulty switch has snapped - I can still change it's position but I need a screwdriver to move it.

 

So I'll check out these contacts for a replacement.

[root42]

I got the replacement switches today and managed to install them. Thanks to Bestelectronics! Also ordered two shrinkwrapped games while I was at it to meet minimum order size. 

 

 

[+save2600]

28 minutes ago, root42 said:

I got the replacement switches today and managed to install them. Thanks to Bestelectronics! Also ordered two shrinkwrapped games while I was at it to meet minimum order size. 

 

 

Nice! Out of curiosity, which two games did you get?  

[root42]

Warlords and Battlezone.