Another model of Linemaster switch very popular with contesters due to
robustness, price, and usability is the Linemaster "Gem series" of switch.
These are round, heavy duty, weighted, non-skid, virtually indestructible foot
switches. Since they are round it doesn't matter which angle your foot hits the
switch, it activates. These appear to be the "switch of choice" in the Tattoo
business <grin>
The internal design does not use any micro switch, but instead has 3
compression springs, heavy brass rings, and steel plate. It is as robust as it
gets. There is really nothing in the design to wear out or fatigue.
http://www.linemaster.com/Industrial/Footswitch.aspx?catNo=GemVandGemVK
I purchased 2 new ones for $25 ea from someone selling them at the Huntsville
Hamfest a couple of years ago. However, do a quick search on E-bay for "Gem
footswitch" and you will find them at very reasonable prices.
Ron
WW8RR
-----Original Message-----
From: vhfcontesting-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:vhfcontesting-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Les Rayburn
Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2011 3:33 PM
To: VHF Contesting Reflector; vhf@w6yx.stanford.edu; Alabama Contest Group
Subject: [VHFcontesting] Linemaster Foot Switches
After having a foot switch failure during the January VHF Contest, I went
looking for something beyond the cheap, plastic foot switches commonly sold at
ham radio stores for this application. A friend suggested the "Linemaster" line
of industrial foot switches, with a specific recommendation for their "Clipper"
model.
http://www.linemaster.com/
These high quality foot switches are made from solid, cast iron metal, with
specially designed micro switches that can withstand the roughest possible
treatment. Many of their models are sealed for use in dirty environments, and
rated with cycle lives in the millions. The cost for brand new models is very
reasonable ranging from $40 and up. Even better, these switches are common
items on sites like Ebay.com and sell for very reasonable prices.
I just purchased both a single Clipper footswitch and a "dual footswitch" to
handle keying and sequencing for my 6 Meter, 2 Meter, and 432 stations. While I
haven't tried them in out in contest conditions yet, I fully expect these to be
available in my estate sale decades from now! If you want a foot switch that
can take the punishment and not give out on you during a contest, look for the
Linemaster line.
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114
6M VUCC #1712
Grid Bandit #222
Life Member Central States VHF Society
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