Tip: Switch Anti-rotation

[szicree]

Today I was installing switches in my panel and they all come with that little anti-rotation washer (which I really like), but this requires an extra little hole directly above each switch (which I don't like). Leaving them out is an option, or I could make a small label placard to go over the switch area, but neither of these ideas appeals to me. Suddenly it occured to me that I could take a 3/4 inch strip of .063 and drill all my switch holes, including the anti-rotation ones, in it. Then simply mount this strip behind the panel. Worked perfectly and I'm so proud of myself for thinking of it. I apologize if this is common knowledge.

Steve Zicree
RV4 Wires

[gmcjetpilot]

Originally Posted by szicree

Worked perfectly and I'm so proud of myself for thinking of it. I apologize if this is common knowledge.Steve Zicree RV4 Wires

Not that common. I did not think of it until someone suggested it to me. Good info, great idea, I am sure will help others.G

[dan]

Here are some photos of the technique in case anybody else might want to know how to do it:

Line it all up...


Drill out the switch center holes, then use a Unibit to enlarge 'em...


The plate gets sandwiched (no need for rivets or anything) between the switches and the panel...BEHIND the panel.



My site is down at the moment (not for long, don't worry), so here's a Google cached page showing the technique: cached page

)_( Dan
RV-7 N714D
http://www.rvproject.com (up soon)

[RV7Guy]

Hi Dan,

I took another route. I snipped about half of the anti rotation finger off. Doing that I didn't need a full hole but still got the benefits of the anti rotation. I simply used my Dremel to drill a divot large enough for the finger. My panel and carbon overlay are already in so getting a drill in there would be tough. Also another plate would not have given me enough grip.

Great idea for those just getting started.

Darwin N. Barrie
Chandler AZ

[gvgoff99]

Thanks for the tip. I am at this stage too and want to use the anti-rotation feature. Thanks,

[Baseball Dad]

Sorry for bringing an old topic up but it's pertinent to my question. Is there a tip or trick for locating the hole for the anti rotation tab?

[PaigeHoffart]

Put the tab on the switch. Put the switch in the hole. Rotate with slight pressure. Remove, and use the scratch the tab created to locate one axis of the hole. Use a square centered on the switch hole to locate the other axis.

-Paige

[RV6_flyer]

Originally Posted by RV7Guy

Hi Dan,

I took another route. I snipped about half of the anti rotation finger off. Doing that I didn't need a full hole but still got the benefits of the anti rotation. I simply used my Dremel to drill a divot large enough for the finger. My panel and carbon overlay are already in so getting a drill in there would be tough. Also another plate would not have given me enough grip.

Great idea for those just getting started.

Darwin N. Barrie
Chandler AZ

I located similary to what "Paige" did in his post but the hole goes all the way through. The ON / OFF Label that goes on the front side of the panel COVERS the hole.

Remember:
Instrument markings and placards required by 91.9 are completed. FAA Order 8130.2F PAR 147(c) require cockpit instruments marked properly, needed placards installed and placed for easy reference. All system controls properly marked, CB's clearly marked, and function as intended.

Do not forget that being EXPERIMENTAL does not exempt us from the regulations.

[Jekyll]

Originally Posted by Baseball Dad

Is there a tip or trick for locating the hole for the anti rotation tab?

For full size S700 style switches (B&C, Stien), the anti rotation hole is .37 inch from the center of the switch body hole. Lay out both holes befor drilling the body hole. I used a .090 panel thickness so I just drilled the holes into, but not through, the panel. I trimmed several of the tabs as necessary to fit into the holes.

Jekyll

[Baseball Dad]

Thanks for the tips.