waterproof potentiometers w/switch as in Surfmaster

[bklein]

Anyone know the manuf. and part numbers for the two controls for the Surfmaster?
I'm going to order a couple from White's for $20 each for a repair now but in the future I wonder if there is a cheaper source. Each has a switch but on one its normally on and the other normally off.

[ApBerg]

Some time ago I bought those... to my supprise the have a O ring intern on the shaft and also a O ring at the outside.. the only problem is that they do not have a nut to fasten it..I have bought a tap for it.
It are nice small potentiometers, only for the tune and on/off function.

Best regards.

Ap

[bklein]

I have a ton of sources to get pots. So you think there is nothing special about the pot but that it uses special mounting to achieve waterproofing? Can you post a photo of what you make up to solve this - I don't have a good mental picture of what you are suggesting. The switches may be the difficult part as probably most just sell the on/off not off/on. Actually my original pot would be fine if I could just figure out how to reassemble it. I've spent 3 hours messing with it. Like a puzzle. It just needed cleaning so I took the switch off for access - now can't get it back on and working right. I think the originals are Clarostat parts. I'll put a call to them today.

[Carl-NC]

Phil,

Our sole source on those (US-made) pots recently jacked their prices up to $40 each (our cost!), so we were forced to get them custom-made in China for about $3. I think I spec'd 1k, 10k, and 100k with switches. So don't order those pots until the new pricing gets in the system, you'll save a lot of $$.

The only thing special about them is they are stainless steel. They are not inherently waterproof, you need to use an APM Hexseal nut to accomplish that. White's has those, too.

- Carl

[ApBerg]

I have a ton of sources to get pots. So you think there is nothing special about the pot but that it uses special mounting to achieve waterproofing? Can you post a photo of what you make up to solve this - I don't have a good mental picture of what you are suggesting. The switches may be the difficult part as probably most just sell the on/off not off/on. Actually my original pot would be fine if I could just figure out how to reassemble it. I've spent 3 hours messing with it. Like a puzzle. It just needed cleaning so I took the switch off for access - now can't get it back on and working right. I think the originals are Clarostat parts. I'll put a call to them today.

Yes... not a problem to get pots.... but I think that this is a very nice pot for the money !

look at the photo's, if you bay them there is no nut ! so a small problem... I also chance the red Oring for a new black Oring..

Best regards.

Ap

[Altra]

AP,
Those are nice looking pots. Do you know if the nut
is metric?

Also this is what Carl mentioned. "Hexseals". These are a must on any water machine.
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...6-ND&x=15&y=18

most pots use the 1/4" shaft with 3/8-32 thread digikey#335-1016-ND. They also make 1/8" seals

Mark

[Alexismex]

For the swicht ???.... For all the switches .....Did red switch inside box ...work with a small Neodymium magnet in salt water ???
Did the magnetic field of the magnet work deep in the sea ...take 100 feet deep ??? for the expert
Thank you
Alexis.

[ApBerg]

AP,
Those are nice looking pots. Do you know if the nut
is metric?

Also this is what Carl mentioned. "Hexseals". These are a must on any water machine.
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...6-ND&x=15&y=18

most pots use the 1/4" shaft with 3/8-32 thread digikey#335-1016-ND. They also make 1/8" seals

Mark

Hello Mark,

No the nuts are 1/4 x 32 . ( I think ) bought a set taps(look photo) and it seems to be the same size.

Best regards.

Ap

[ApBerg]

AP,
Those are nice looking pots. Do you know if the nut
is metric?

Also this is what Carl mentioned. "Hexseals". These are a must on any water machine.
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...6-ND&x=15&y=18

most pots use the 1/4" shaft with 3/8-32 thread digikey#335-1016-ND. They also make 1/8" seals

Mark

Size...

[Altra]

AP,
Thanks, not familiar with that size. I may order a few. I have bought from them in the past (West Florida Components) without problems.

Best regards
Mark

[bklein]

Thanks for all the info guys. Great pictures too. Thanks for the effort.

[sparky]

Where can I get the $3 Chinese pot that Carl mentioned?

[Tinkerer]

For the swicht ???.... For all the switches .....Did red switch inside box ...work with a small Neodymium magnet in salt water ???
Did the magnetic field of the magnet work deep in the sea ...take 100 feet deep ??? for the expert
Thank you
Alexis.

Reed switches and Neodymium magnets work fine in seawater and at any depth for switch only. Not for potentiometer.

Tinkerer