I guess it goes here(creating a switch question)

[Justin]

I would like to use my headlight washer switch (my car came with the blank, but I snagged the switch from the junkyard) to activate the electric cut out I plan to replace my test pipe with sometime.

Like we all know, the headlight washer switch is a momentary push/hold switch. Is there a circuit I can built to press it once and have it 'flip' a switch to a permanent position, then press it again to 'unflip' the switch?


Does that even make sense?

 

[TobyCat]

So a toggle switch? Kinda of like how the power window switch lock works...

 

[speed]

it depends what sort of switch is needed on the cutout motor. Sometimes, all they require is a signal to trigger the motor, in which case you'd be fine with the switch setup as it is. Sometimes they open/close by reversing the polarity of the power wires (dc linear actuators work this way). That doesn't really make sense, so i'll put it like this: when A[+] and B[-] the motor will turn one way. When A[-] and B[+], it'll turn the other. If its like that, the circuit is buildable, but its pretty complicated. do you have a link to the cutout you'll be using?

 

[CRE]

http://www.electronics-lab.com/forum/index.php?topic=10552.0

EDIT: Here's a better source: http://www.electronics-lab.com/forum/index.php?topic=10542.0

 

[lintlars]

if you dont have tems use that switch I have my dual stage boost control controlled by that switch good location

 

[Justin]

it depends what sort of switch is needed on the cutout motor. Sometimes, all they require is a signal to trigger the motor, in which case you'd be fine with the switch setup as it is. Sometimes they open/close by reversing the polarity of the power wires (dc linear actuators work this way). That doesn't really make sense, so i'll put it like this: when A[+] and B[-] the motor will turn one way. When A[-] and B[+], it'll turn the other. If its like that, the circuit is buildable, but its pretty complicated. do you have a link to the cutout you'll be using?

I have NO idea what-so-ever, I just know I'm going to be using one in the future... If there are some around that work off a momentary signal then I defiantly think that'd be the way to go

and I do understand reverse polarity pretty well

 

[CRE]

Figure out the requirements you need to meet *first*, then find the circuit... working the other way around is not practical.

 

[Justin]

Figure out the requirements you need to meet *first*, then find the circuit... working the other way around is not practical.

hah, absolutely. I was going under the ass-u-m(e)ption it worked on a constant contact switch....


Guess I'll look into things a bit more

 

[Poodles]

there are relays that will do it, but you'll have to see how the thing needs to be wired first...

 

[CRE]

there are relays that will do it, but you'll have to see how the thing needs to be wired first...

True, but don't the majority of latching relays require either two buttons or switching polarity? Do you know of one with the circuit built in? I'm sure some auto manufacturers probably have/use them.

Latching Relays: http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3960