Alpha 76 ON/OFF switches

[K6UJ]

I need to replace the two side by side switches and the plastic push buttons for ON/OFF
on my Alpha 76CA.   A number of Alpha amps use the same switches, Alpha 78 etc.
RF Concepts doesn't stock these and I cannot locate a supplier.  These pushbutton switches
flip between orange and black when either in or out but at this point I dont care about the color I just need two that work.   Anyone have some ideas ?

Bob
K6UJ

[K0ZN]

Alpha makes a big deal out of their product support.  That doesn't sound like first class customer support. Point this fact out to them.  I don't know who you talked to, but I would call again and ask to speak to Molly who is in charge of sales and ask her for help. The people in their purchasing area are a lot better equipped to find the switch than you are; they chase components and suppliers for a living! If nothing else, they should be able to find a suitable substitute.

73,  K0ZN

[W9GB]

Alpha makes a big deal out of their product support.  That doesn't sound like first class customer support.

Kyle -

Part is clearly listed, priced at $9 with photo on Replacement Parts listing for this 76A amplifier.
Very few people at Alpha today were working at Canon City, CO
when Dick Einhorn (ETO) was making this specific amplifier in 1970s and early 1980s.
==
Bob -

When I was restoring my former Elmer K9EWJ(sk) Alpha 76PA amplifier in 2005, I stopped by Alpha in Colorado, a few days after its sale/separation from the bankruptcy of Crosslink.
 I walked through 76A series spare parts shelves at that time, picking up odd parts I needed (minor, like the colored lamp boots behind meters) for repair/restoration.

At that time, I asked about those circa 1970s front panel switches.  (Mine were OK).
The switch assembly itself is available, BUT the button itself (colored flag change) was discontinued by switch mfg.  
I forgot the specific mfg. -- but Alpha had information.

As I remember, a plain button (no flag) was available from mfg. at that time, but Alpha was not stocking.

I referred another restorer to Alpha for the switch about 2 years ago.
he acquired through an eBay auction, and its switch assembly was burnt up, but buttons OK.

The SWITCH is LISTED on their web page (NOT front button), under Replacement Parts
Internal switch mechanism for the push buttons on the Alpha 76A, 78, 374A series of amplifiers.  $ 9.00
http://www.rfconcepts.com/Alpha-76-PA-C-PC?range=11%2C20%2C100

Switchcraft made a button assembly that was similar (used by Harris/Gates for broadcast & military)
http://www.switchcraft.com/productsummary.aspx?Parent=490

==
w9gb

[W9GB]

Here is the Alpha 76A Parts List
https://system.netsuite.com/core/media/media.nl?id=250&c=1065250&h=d6eab18cd4b7c693a21d&_xt=.pdf

http://www.rfconcepts.com/Alpha-76-PA-C-PC/SPX-X101-Switch-mechanism-for-the-76-78-374A

[K6UJ]

Here is the Alpha 76A Parts List
https://system.netsuite.com/core/media/media.nl?id=250&c=1065250&h=d6eab18cd4b7c693a21d&_xt=.pdf

http://www.rfconcepts.com/Alpha-76-PA-C-PC/SPX-X101-Switch-mechanism-for-the-76-78-374A

Greg,
Thanks for the parts list and the info in your previous posting. Very much
appreciated !  I saw the switches on their webpage but assumed they were
for the bank of 4 metering switches in the middle of the front panel and huskier ones were needed for the ON/OFF.  On the parts list it indicates
8 are required, all the same, so yes RF Concepts has them all !   Finding the plastic caps is another story but I can live with it if they stay black and dont flip to orange when depressed as long as the switches are OK.  Its easy to see when the are depressed or not.  I just ordered a new switch plus some spares so I am in good shape now.   

tnx es 73,
Bob
K6UJ

[W9GB]

Bob -

That mechanical switch style (Flips color flags) was used in 1960s and 1970s high end radio/TV consoles as well as military gear.   IF Alpha/RF Concepts can get you mfg. and part numbers -- THEN you can watch surplus outlets.

C&K Switch (with flag cover) makes a switch that looks close, and may work in the Alpha.
Can not hurt to call them.
http://www.ck-components.com/f/pushbutton,10489,en.html

F-series Push Buttons
http://www.ck-components.com/13342/fpush_31aug10.pdf/

LOOK at Mechanical (flag) button style:  F07 (flip color flag, right size?)

C&K Components
15 Riverdale Avenue
Newton MA 02458
Tel: +617.969.3700
http://www.ck-components.com/switches-supplier.html

[K6UJ]

Bob -

That mechanical switch style (Flips color flags) was used in 1960s and 1970s high end radio/TV consoles as well as military gear.   IF Alpha/RF Concepts can get you mfg. and part numbers -- THEN you can watch surplus outlets.

C&K Switch (with flag cover) makes a switch that looks close, and may work in the Alpha.
Can not hurt to call them.
http://www.ck-components.com/f/pushbutton,10489,en.html

F-series Push Buttons
http://www.ck-components.com/13342/fpush_31aug10.pdf/

LOOK at Mechanical (flag) button style:  F07 (flip color flag, right size?)

C&K Components
15 Riverdale Avenue
Newton MA 02458
Tel: +617.969.3700
http://www.ck-components.com/switches-supplier.html

The F07 caps are approx.  3/8" square.  The Alpha 76 caps are almost 7/8"
square.  They look the same except for the OS dimensions.  Looks like this is as close as the come.
However, the F02 caps like they are exact replacements for the 4 metering push buttons in the center of the front panel    So, narrowing down the field,supplier for all the switches and the 4 metering switch caps, now it s just the bigger caps.  This is looking much better than when I initially started,  I figured everything would be unavailable 

Bob
K6UJ

[W9GB]

Bob -

It can't hurt to call C&K and make a query about the larger caps......
I have seen instances where the answer is, We are doing a custom production run for XYZ, we could add another 100 to it for you.

gb