On Mon, 1 Sep 2008 21:03:44 +0000 (UTC), Martin Gregorie <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>On Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:04:05 -0700, Robert Maas, http://tinyurl.com/uh3t >wrote: > >>> From: George Neuner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> A friend of mine had an >>> early 8080 micros that was programmed through the front panel using >>> knife switches >> >> When you say "knife switches", do you mean the kind that are shaped like >> flat paddles? >> >Pedantic correction: > >"Knife switch" is the wrong term. These are high current switches, >typically used in the sort of heavy duty circuit where the wiring hums >when power is on or in school electrical circuits so even the back of the >class can see whether the switch is open or closed. In these a copper >'blade' closes the contact by being pushed down into a >narrow, sprung U terminal that makes a close contact with both sides of >the blade. Like this: http://www.science-city.com/knifeswitch.html > >What you're talking is a flat handle on a SPST or DPST toggle switch. It >is often called a paddle switch and mounted with the flats on the handle >horizontal. Like this, but often with a longer handle: >http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/1382717/art/radioshack/spdt-panel-mount- >paddle-s.html I don't know the correct term, but what I was talking about was a tiny switch with a 1/2 inch metal handle that looks like a longish grain of rice. We used to call them "knife" switches because after hours flipping them they would feel like they were cutting into your fingers. George -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
