PALOMAR 350Z ON/OFF POWER SWITCH HELP

[Sonar]

I can't read schematics. Would somebody be kind enough to let me know if the on / off power switch is the same as the preamp switch?
It's difficult for me to open the amplifier, and if the switch for the preamp isn't the same as the on-off power switch, it just doesn't pay to do go through the trubble. RF Parts has two separate switches for the 350Z. Both are the same in size, but one has two leads and the other three. I hope the file I added for the schematic brings you to the proper place. I took a quick look at the schematic myself and I do believe it shows the values of each switch. If not maybe there's someone who knows firsthand weather the preamp switch will work in place of the on-off power switch. The preamp on my 350Z has been bypassed. I'm fairly positive there's nothing wrong with the switch that operated that function, and would love to be able to put the preamp switch in place of the on off power switch, and then put the broken on off power switch in place of the preamp switch. Strictly for looks, since the preamp is either bypassed or just doesn't work at all. Thank you my friends. 73's

 

[wavrider]

Sonar where you see the 117vac coming in next to F1, fuse is the power switch.
Plain on off switch, two terminals, I do not know the rating nor does the schematic show the rating.
I would guess a 10 amp or 15 amp switch would be fine.

 

[Chevboy0167]

Ok, from the pics I found and the schematic, the Power switch only has 2 prongs. The preamp switch looks to have 3. Yes you can use the preamp switch in place of the power. Will use the center pin and only 1 of the outer pins. Use an ohm meter to verify witch outer pin to use when the rocker is thrown/pushed in the direction of on OR off as to orient the switch back into the chassis. In other words, to turn amp on in the same direction as the original 2 prong switch. Honestly, if you're that far into it, just buy some new switches. They are mechanical and will fail. Who really knows how many on/off cycles the originals have on them....

 

[Tallman]

I can't read schematics. Would somebody be kind enough to let me know if the on / off power switch is the same as the preamp switch?
It's difficult for me to open the amplifier, and if the switch for the preamp isn't the same as the on-off power switch, it just doesn't pay to do go through the trubble. RF Parts has two separate switches for the 350Z. Both are the same in size, but one has two leads and the other three. I hope the file I added for the schematic brings you to the proper place. I took a quick look at the schematic myself and I do believe it shows the values of each switch. If not maybe there's someone who knows firsthand weather the preamp switch will work in place of the on-off power switch. The preamp on my 350Z has been bypassed. I'm fairly positive there's nothing wrong with the switch that operated that function, and would love to be able to put the preamp switch in place of the on off power switch, and then put the broken on off power switch in place of the preamp switch. Strictly for looks, since the preamp is either bypassed or just doesn't work at all. Thank you my friends. 73'sView attachment 22298

Why not just buy a new switch? All you need is a spst Single Pole Single Throw switch. A very common switch.

 

[loosecannon]

Sonar, does your amp have the rocker switches on the front or are they the black "duckbill" toggle switches?

Can't remember which palomar amp had which.

ROCKER SWITCH:

TOGGLE SWITCH:

LC

 

[Sonar]

Ok, from the pics I found and the schematic, the Power switch only has 2 prongs. The preamp switch looks to have 3. Yes you can use the preamp switch in place of the power. Will use the center pin and only 1 of the outer pins. Use an ohm meter to verify witch outer pin to use when the rocker is thrown/pushed in the direction of on OR off as to orient the switch back into the chassis. In other words, to turn amp on in the same direction as the original 2 prong switch. Honestly, if you're that far into it, just buy some new switches. They are mechanical and will fail. Who really knows how many on/off cycles the originals have on them....

I don't mind purchasing the original rocker switches from RF Parts. I do have to purchase eight of them in order to reach them minimum purchase price, but it only comes out to around $26 or so. I would rather purchase a brand new one from RF Parts. So which one do I purchase, they have to rocker switches specifically for the 350Z. One has to prongs and the other has 3. If I decide to use the preamp rocker switch I will solder the centrr oin wire from the broken switch to the c

Ok, from the pics I found and the schematic, the Power switch only has 2 prongs. The preamp switch looks to have 3. Yes you can use the preamp switch in place of the power. Will use the center pin and only 1 of the outer pins. Use an ohm meter to verify witch outer pin to use when the rocker is thrown/pushed in the direction of on OR off as to orient the switch back into the chassis. In other words, to turn amp on in the same direction as the original 2 prong switch. Honestly, if you're that far into it, just buy some new switches. They are mechanical and will fail. Who really knows how many on/off cycles the originals have on them....

I just want to make sure I'm following your instructions correctly. In the case I decide to use the preamp switch,
I can put the center pin wire from the original (broken) on off switch to either one of the 2 pins on the preamp switch? Then depending on where I put one of the two wires that are left to the second pin will decide weather the switch turns the amp on by pushing it to the right or the left side, is that correct?
If this method cannot cause any damage to the amp I might go with it. I have to purchase eight (8) switches from RF Parts in order to reach their minimum purchase price. With shipping that's around $35. I could probably get an ohmmeter which I do not own for cheaper than that. I guess an ohmmeter would be a better purchase than buying 8 switches when I only need one. I would go with waverider and spend a few bucks on a 10 ohm two pin on off switch.
The only issue I'm having with that is I'd like to keep the amp looking original.
If your lack of confidence in me attempting this worries you (it's founder.) If my description of what I believe I need to do after reading your reply sounds okay I will go ahead, and use the preamp switch. If not I will go ahead and purchase the eight 2 pin switches from RF Parts. Thanks for taking the time to help.

 

[Sonar]

Sonar, does your amp have the rocker switches on the front or are they the black "duckbill" toggle switches?

Can't remember which palomar amp had which.

ROCKER SWITCH:

TOGGLE SWITCH:

LC

Rocker. Same as the Palomar 90.

 

[loosecannon]

OK, those switches are still made today, and are made by a company called Carling Technologies.

you do not have to go with RF parts to get this switch.

here is one from Mouser for less than 2 dollars, and they do not have a minimum order.
(shipping will be 4-8 dollars though)

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetai...MI2pv_y4Kz2AIVxLrACh2QDg1_EAQYASABEgI1W_D_BwE

here is an ebay listing for the same item:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Carling-Te...531928&hash=item51f8c51075:g:dOgAAOSwsXFZI0HV

these should be an exact fit and look for your 350Z without the big cash outlay.

LC

 

[Sonar]

OK, those switches are still made today, and are made by a company called Carling Technologies.

you do not have to go with RF parts to get this switch.

here is one from Mouser for less than 2 dollars, and they do not have a minimum order.
(shipping will be 4-8 dollars though)

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Carling-Technologies/TA201-TB-B/?qs=4EnmSMTL3HMzpx7Uz4NCxw==&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2pv_y4Kz2AIVxLrACh2QDg1_EAQYASABEgI1W_D_BwE

here is an ebay listing for the same item:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Carling-Te...531928&hash=item51f8c51075:g:dOgAAOSwsXFZI0HV

these should be an exact fit and look for your 350Z without the big cash outlay.

LC

Good looking out loosecannon. $6.99 free shipping (on eBay.) They had 2 left. I bought them booth (just in case.) If I manage to install the first one correctly, I'll have a backup. Thank you very much. Happy holidays. 73's

 

[loosecannon]

happy to help Sonar.

Let me know if you need any guidance when installing the switch.

obviously the most important thing is to unplug the amp and discharge the caps before you start.
LC

 

[Sonar]

happy to help Sonar.

Let me know if you need any guidance when installing the switch.

obviously the most important thing is to unplug the amp and discharge the caps before you start.
LC

I will absolutely discharge and unplug the amplifier before replacing that switch. Unfortunately I noticed that the same company sold a package of four switches for $3 more that I paid for two of them. I immediately tried to cancel the order, but eBay message told me the order could not be canceled. I imediately notified the seller. I asked if they would please either cancel the order or charge me the three extra dollars and send me four switches as opposed to two. They never got back to me. I just received a message that the switches were shipped out. I'm sure they weren't shipped but a label was probably created. No biggie. I would have actually offered the extra two switches to somebody on our site as I doubt very much I will be needing four of them. It took almost 40 years for that switch to develop issues to where it wouldn't work. I'm fairly positive the switche I install will last just as long. $16.99 certainly Beats having to purchase 8 switches for $35 and change from RF Parts. I never thought to check eBay. I thought the switch was something that was produced by Palomar not thinking that those companies that built amplifiers back in the day purchased many of the parts they use to build those amps from other companies. If I have any questions or need advice I will contact you. It's fairly straigth forward and think installing the switch will go smoothly. My girl is getting quite good with her soldering skills. Thanks again. Have a great New year's Eve and a great 2018. 73's

 

[Sonar]

Why not just buy a new switch? All you need is a spst Single Pole Single Throw switch. A very common switch.

Thanks tallman. LC hooked me up with a eBay link that sold the exact rocker switch that's in the amp. I purchased 2 and will be getting them by the 8th. I'll let you guy's know how everything went. The 350z works great with my FS 2340. Unfortunately I haven't been on the air in about 3 weeks due to some health issues. By time I get and install that switch I should be feeling a bit better and in the mood to spending some time on the air. It's very cold here in NJ and the fire place doesn't heat the radio room quite like the warmth of all those tubes. Thanks for your help. Have a safe New Year's Eve and a great 2018. 73's

 

[Sonar]

Sonar where you see the 117vac coming in next to F1, fuse is the power switch.
Plain on off switch, two terminals, I do not know the rating nor does the schematic show the rating.
I would guess a 10 amp or 15 amp switch would be fine.

Thanks for the help Wave Rider. LC hooked me up with an Ebay link that sells the exact switch I need. I'm going to go that route and install a brand new 1. Have a great New Year's Eve and then excellent 2018. 73's

 

[Chevboy0167]

Good to hear ya got some new ones coming for better pricing! Yeah the min order from RF kinda sucks but I just throw in some other parts that I need or think I may need down the line. Then we end up at like $100..... Like a kid in a candy store... LOL!

 

[Sonar]

Good to hear ya got some new ones coming for better pricing! Yeah the min order from RF kinda sucks but I just throw in some other parts that I need or think I may need down the line. Then we end up at like $100..... Like a kid in a candy store... LOL!

I didn't check eBay originally because I assumed the particular (rocker) switch I needed for the 300z was something as old as the amp itself.
I feel kinda dumb now. I'm sure (nowl) these types of switches are used in New as well as antique electrical devices. It only makes sense that they would still make them. I originally thought RF parts had some huge stash of parts that are no longer produced. Thanks to LC I've learned a valuable lesson. 99% of the time I checked eBay 4 items I need. Anything from A to Z. but this time it just didn't come to mind for the silly reasons I mentioned. Thanks for your time. Much appreciated. Have a happy New Year. 73's