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MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Sep 19, 2016

Replacing Switches (Caution! Nerdy)

Not satisfied with being hip-deep in projects I am looking into replacing the lamp and water-pump switches in Quicksilver with membrane touch switches. They glow orange with about 1.5 ma current, and have touch buttons. Totally environmentally sealed.

But I need to fire NPN MOSFETS (TO247) and have been searching for something that does not live up to the moniker FET (Fire Emitting Transistor)

I ran across this possibility...

http://www.infineon.com/cms/en/product/power/power-mosfet/20v-650v-automotive-mosfet/20v-40v-n-channel-automotive-mosfet/AUIRFP2602/productType.html?productType=5546d462533600a401533d1d981f4397

Membrane slid-state switches would certainly eliminate issues with depth of switch body.

Rockers are not reliable and toggle switches are oogly.

The idea of running power directly to the lamp with only a micro breadboard and TO247 heatsink appeals to me. Micro-cable can connect the membrane switch.

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  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2016
    The new switches you want to use are cool looking, but don't handle much current??? So that's why you're looking at using a mosfet?

    You'll want a latching flip-flop switch to drive the mosfet. One input pulse turns it on, and it stays on until another input pulse turns it off.

    something like this item on the mighty e-bay:
    clicky

    On board 5 amp mosfet for small loads, or use it to toggle a relay or larger mosfet for big loads.

    I'll read up on the mosfet you selected. What your expected max load? Water pump is inductive and mine did not like being switched by a mosfet, I suspect the turn on time is too fast. It was causing a large inrush current spike and causing other items on the dc bus to freak out.

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