Footswitch actuator parts?

[tinwhistle]

I have a Helix LT out of warranty for some time.  One of the footswitches is working intermittently.  I am handy with PCB board soldering, so I though I would replace the microswitch, however the plastic actuator plunger needs replaced.  I tried looking everywhere.  FullCompass is backordered on parts.  Is there a source for the little actuator piece?

[theElevators]

The micro switches under the metal buttons are cheap and will stop being reliable after about a year of regular gigging use. 

 

If you are handy with electronics, open it up and clean out all of your switches whenever this starts happening.  No need to re-solder a new microswitch.  The procedure is very simple, in essence: locate the micro switches, and apply liquid DeoxIT to them, and press them a few times.  I like liquid (not spray) DeoxIT, because it's only one drop, nothing gets sprayed in the process, you don't need to be careful where you spray, etc.  The switches to me became as smooth as butter after the cleaning. 

• watch a video on how it's done.   https://youtu.be/WONiwe0vjH0  Helix is built like your typical Chinese gadget (Kemper floor is no different): looks solid from the outside, but inside is all microscopic PCB stuff with cheap components.  In particular, the little button plungers are not held by anything, if you flip the unit upside-down they will all fall and you will not find them. 
• you need a big table with a towel for this job -- can't do it on your lap.
• I use Tupperware / bowls / shot glasses to store all the parts, like screws/bolts/nuts.  Sort all your screws by height, etc.
• Take a picture of what's inside before you start taking things apart -- that way will know how it used to be.  A tablet is very useful for these. 
• When I cleaned micro switches on the Helix LT, I did not have to take apart any ribbons, remove any glue, etc.

 

 

[theElevators]

Also there's a lazy method that I've used as well -- use at your own risk.  I've started doing this, and it works for me. 

• Prop up the Helix so that the buttons are perpendicular to the floor.
• Apply liquid deoxIT to each of the buttons, around 3 applications.
• Wait an hour: the liquid will eventually reach the actuators/microswitches.
• Press the buttons a few times.
• Flip the Helix upside-down, again propping it so that the buttons are perpendicular to the floor.
• The excess DeoxIT will ooze out.
• Vacuum each button, wiping the leftover DeoxIT until it's dry.

[tinwhistle]

I tried your solution and it worked.  Thank you!  I went a little further than the lazy method and unscrewed the footswitch PCB so I could see the micro switches.  The one in question had what appeared to be a light amount of carbon around the switch.  I cleaned it and applied some Deoxit with the small brush applicator, then blew it out with a computer keyboard cleaner.  I did a couple other switches as well.  After reassembly and a little time for drying I plugged it in and the glitchy problem is gone.  I appreciate your advice on this.  All it took was time and Deoxit.

[theElevators]

This is not carbon.  This is just the black foam rubber getting grated and creating this dust.  It's more severe on the Floor (because there are more foam ribber parts for the snapshot screens).  So when the foam is brand-new, it creates this dust from all the vibrations, pressing on the footswitches.  Eventually, the foam stops being brand-new and becomes more gooey, and the problem is less severe, or it just stops. Somehow the tactile switches attract that dust. (that's my theory anyway).

 

Or it could just be the plungers deteriorating, hence the black powder, since they are black plastic parts.

 

But once you clean it with DeoxIT, the problem goes away for a while.  That's why I think they should use this stuff at the factory to prevent the initial issue.