DIY Tillerpilot repair

[jav301]

My Navico TP1800 is apparently "too old to be repaired". It seems to me though that I probably only need to replace one of the tactile switches under the course alteration buttons. There should be a picture of the switch attached. Does anyone know of a good source for such things? Thanks

 

[seanfoster]

RS components are a good source, also Maplin have these: http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/105-tactile-switch-kr88v amongst others, perhaps you could take yours with you to one of their stores and try to match it?

 

[Bru]

Or try CPC Farnell

 

[G12]

Find a dead version of your pilot on ebay and cannibalise it for spares?

 

[Ardenfour]

I used to plunder old video recorder front panels for these, in all shapes and sizes...

 

[Rum Run]

I repaired an elderly AH1000 where the tactile switches had actually rusted, using parts rated IP67 from Rapid IIRC.
Because I particularly wanted to use the sealed switches and the old ones where of a pitch not commonly found now, I drilled new holes in the PCB to accommodate a larger pitch and. Some coformal coating over the copper side of the board finished it off nicely and it worked well for last season.
I'll see if I can unearth the part numbers tomorrow

 

[jav301]

Brilliant. Thanks all.

 

[jav301]

It works! Total cost £1.99.

New switch on the left

 

[ghostlymoron]

Well done. Bit of nifty soldering.