4x4 switch White's, Discovery, probably many others using it

[ivconic]

This is a quadruple switch with 4 positions. It can be found in a really large number of older series detectors.
I've seen them mostly on various White's detectors. Recently I also saw it on Discovery TF900. Both White's TM-800 and TM-808 have it.
Now White's Coinmaster has the same one.
I was lucky that both were working and in good condition, both on the DFT900 and the WCM5000, which I serviced on the last day.
But I am interested in whether such switches can still be found in shops, where, how, at what price?
I am also interested in the correct and real name, type, model...

[Teleno]

These look similar https://www.google.com/search?q=quad...pOagJEYQFNNXAM

[ivconic]

These look similar https://www.google.com/search?q=quad...pOagJEYQFNNXAM

Similar and yet far from the one I am asking about.

[AK48]

hello I don't think theses switches are similar because the discovery switch is rotary and those of the link are linear, moreover, I have often changed these linear switches in the past because I frequently encountered them on transistor radios and they were used for switching the AM, FM, PO, GB and OC bands

[Carl-NC]

The 4x4 switch used by White's was a sole-source part and the manufacturer (I don't remember who it was now) discontinued it. When I was at White's I searched for a replacement and there was none. They do wear out and when that happens the detector is done for.

[Davor]

The last time I saw something like this it was in an old Sansui cassette deck. Nasty things. Guess it is easier fixing one than finding a new one.
Did you know their contacts are made from unobtainium?

[Skippy]

ALPS electronics, used in Japanese audio equipment.
A search for " vintage alps switch" led me to :
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324967128520
... not the correct part, but could be stripped for the sliding-contacts, which I guess are one of the problem bits. Obviously oxidation is the other problem, which can be sorted with chemical/mechanical/ultrasonic methods.
This may be useful too:
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/t...istors.328285/

[ivconic]

Thank you for your opinions, it means a lot to me.
Anyone who follows the development of detectors and the emergence of models from certain manufacturers; may notice some peculiarities related to a certain manufacturer.
Coincidentally, I have been in a situation where since 1991. I have been regularly following what White's is doing. Of course, I have a lot of models there that have
not passed through my hands. But most did.
However, there are a lot of older models that I did not have the opportunity to see in time and at the time when they appeared. But now I rediscover them from time to time.
And I notice that most of them have such a switch on them.
And some other brands also have the same switch.
Such a switch can always be disassembled and cleaned well.
For the purpose of keeping detectors for collection, this is a good solution.
You have no idea how pleased I am to finally get my hands on the Coinmaster 5000 D/G.E.B.
(I can only imagine how Carl is doing with such a collection!!!)
But I didn't ask the question of this switch just like that.
It would be good to consider a solution with analog circuits, which would successfully replace the role of such a switch.
If you are under the impression that it is simple and easy... think again.
There is no universal solution.
So I wanted to start a story and an exchange of ideas in that direction.

[Davor]

True, you have to sort each situation properly. If the impedances connected to switches are medium to high, a CMOS switch may do just fine.
But if you think metal detectors are the only place where you'd find non-standard components, you'd be wrong. Say, a Gaggia coffee machine. You have buttons there that look like something you'd find in just about any decent electronics shop, and you'd be wrong. Nothing else fits but their factory part. It is expensive, but all is good while the factory exists.