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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => DIY Discussions ARCHIVE => Topic started by: kodos96 on Wed, 03 December 2008, 23:49:57

Title: swap alps sliders?
Post by: kodos96 on Wed, 03 December 2008, 23:49:57

This is probably a n00b question, but is it possible to remove the sliders from alps switches and swap in a different set, without desoldering/removing the switches from the board?

Title: swap alps sliders?
Post by: fkeidjn on Thu, 04 December 2008, 00:05:24

Quote from: kodos96;13537

This is probably a n00b question, but is it possible to remove the sliders from alps switches and swap in a different set, without desoldering/removing the switches from the board?

Probably by switching the actual sliders and the sound-producing metal leaves.

Title: swap alps sliders?
Post by: kodos96 on Thu, 04 December 2008, 00:25:06

Quote from: fkeidjn;13541

Probably by switching the actual sliders and the sound-producing metal leaves.

Right, but what I'm asking is whether its possible to remove those with the switch still mounted on the board, or do they need to be removed from the PCB to be disassembled sufficiently to swap the sliders/leaves?

Title: swap alps sliders?
Post by: lowpoly on Thu, 04 December 2008, 00:49:26

It probably won't work if the 'board has a backplate because you can't access the clips then.

I tried it on a board without metal plate and could disassemble and reassemble a switch. You just need two small screwdrivers. The clip holders on the base part are thin though and may break. Looks like the switches are easier to assemble upside down to keep the spring in the little notches. With the switch base soldered to the board pcb this is awkward however. I reassembled it with the pcb on the desk and it took some time.

I have no idea if a different set will fit though.

Title: swap alps sliders?
Post by: poonsmjj on Thu, 04 December 2008, 02:10:09

how do you remove an alps switch? this guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKnoJui9Z7I does it so easily! i'm having a hell of a time trying to remove mine from my northgate

Title: swap alps sliders?
Post by: wellington1869 on Wed, 10 December 2008, 15:13:37

Quote from: poonsmjj;13563

how do you remove an alps switch? this guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKnoJui9Z7I does it so easily! i'm having a hell of a time trying to remove mine from my northgate

looks like our streams just crossed, lol
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=1122

Title: swap alps sliders?
Post by: lowpoly on Wed, 10 December 2008, 15:54:50

Quote from: lowpoly;13552

It probably won't work if the 'board has a backplate because you can't access the clips then.

Quoting myself, this is probably wrong with Alps switches. So it should work.