switch question

Jun 18, 2006 4 Replies

Is there anyway to turn a momentary on push switch into a SPST?.. so that if you push it once it keeps the circuit on.. then if you push the same button again the circuit turns off. Any help would be appreciated.


What you're talking about is an "alternate action" switch, which may or may not be a single pole switch.

John Fields Professional Circuit Designer

The only solutions are electronic or mechanical. You could toggle a flip-flop with your switch or you could buy a push-on/push-off switch. There are bistable relays also. I don't know your application. Tom

yes, but it's not always easy.

Bye. Jasen

Use a 'flip flop' device, a 7474 will do the job. Tie the reset and set pins to ground and supply. Connect the 'Q' output to the 'D' input. Then use your switch to trigger the 'clock' input. (dont leave it floating in any condition) Take the output from either 'Q' or 'Qbar' and drive a relay if desired.

Steve Balstone

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