On/Off switch with a key lock

Malcolm Fear · « **on:** 10 Jan 2004, 08:03 am »

I have a stepson who continually uses my AKSA gear without permission.
I was thinking I could remove the on/off toggle switch on the GK-1, and replace it with a keylock. Then when I turn it off, I can take the key with me.
Any ideas on a suitable product?

Propstuff · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Jan 2004, 10:33 pm »

Malcolm,
I've not seen a keyswitch that is rated to manage the turn-on surge of an amp. However, if you configured the keyswitch to throw a suitably rated 240V relay, almost any keyswitch would do. It would simply be a matter of choosing the most beautiful one. ;-)

cheers.
N.

JohnR · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Jan 2004, 11:26 pm »

Some PCs have keyswitches, or at least they used to. Maybe that would give ideas for a source?

[Edit: oh, I missed the part about turn-on surge. Add a NTC thermistor?]

Greg Erskine · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Jan 2004, 11:27 pm »

Hi Malcolm,

Having access to an ASKA with the GK-1 would be too much temptation for any young fellow.

It would be like having a Porsche 911 turbo in the driveway. Teach him how to use it and appreciate it properly.

Or maybe build another one for him. (Good suggestion hey Hugh?

)

Or I read somewhere an idea to limit the output in such situations.

Putting a lock on it is really rubbing his nose is it.

I have a brother that used to come home after the pub and really blow the cobwebs out of my AKSA. He informed my once how cool it was to get the crossover fuses/restistors glowing red at full volume.

BTW I have no kids

EchiDna · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Jan 2004, 12:54 am »

Quote from: Malcolm Fear

I have a stepson who continually uses my AKSA gear without permission.
I was thinking I could remove the on/off toggle switch on the GK-1, and replace it with a keylock. Then when I turn it off, I can take the key with me.
Any ideas on a suitable product?

buy him a midfi birthday present

actually the keystart thing is not that hard, you would just have to use a relay to actuate the actual turning off/on and have a battery or something to provide the juice to actually flip the relay... not that hard...

but as for your stepson appreciating your efforts to stop him... I doubt it!
which could cause more stress! well I guess that depends how old he is...

Malcolm Fear · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Jan 2004, 01:48 am »

The problems are when he brings friends over, who call my system "mad". I think it is a compliment. Then they want to put some rapping person thing called "50 Cent" on. Then they want to "crank" it. I think that means turn it up. If I had JBL's or such, it would be okay. But the 7 watt Diatones? Hmm, there could be a problem.

EchiDna · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 Jan 2004, 03:45 am »

Quote from: Malcolm Fear

The problems are when he brings friends over, who call my system "mad". I think it is a compliment. Then they want to put some rapping person thing called "50 Cent" on. Then they want to "crank" it. I think that means turn it up. If I had JBL's or such, it would be okay. But the 7 watt Diatones? Hmm, there could be a problem.

hehe... just in case you aren't sure

mad = compliment
50 cent = a male rap star
crank it = turn the volume to 11 !!

7 watt diatones? I feel your pain... I can smell the burnt voice coils from here

Carlman · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 Jan 2004, 04:20 am »

Getting the stepson to buy his own speakers would my first choice but, if that's not possible.....

I think a key or switch that is charged with a reasonable current would be a good deterrent... It would only appear to operate the equipment...

Problem solved?

The latest thing kids are saying around me is 'sick'... everything is 'sick'... which means 'cool' or 'awesome' or 'mad' or whatever... I wish they were a bit more creative in making up vocabulary... they should read A Clockwork Orange for better ideas.

EchiDna · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 Jan 2004, 06:46 am »

hmm I thought of something more subtle, but no less effective.

remove the fuse from the fuse holder.... he will be none the wiser and only the amp 'won't work'

bluesky · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Jan 2004, 06:56 am »

Malcolm

I have to agree with the idea that your step son should have his own amp. I work with kids, particularly those with behavioural problems, (which narrows it down to almost all kids!)

My two cents worth is to build the amp with him, that way he will own it AND learn a lot in the process. Believe me, once it is his own creation, he will look after it very well indeed. Trouble is though, once built, he will probably have all the neighborhood kids over to listen to it at full volume!

Hmmm........maybe not such a good idea after all, perhaps you are between a rock and a hard place. I have a son who is going through puberty and it is er..........very character building for me!

Bluesky

Jonpike · « **Reply #10 on:** 11 Jan 2004, 11:22 pm »

I like the idea of having him build or building with him an amp.. would be very benificial, that is if you could keep his attention that long! Kind of actual training of the ol' "if you take a lot of time and effort on something, you can have something great" life lesson...

I'd suggest also a DIY project speaker of some sort.. depending on how woodwork friendly he and your garage are.. you might go with a simple "put it together" kit where no sawdust is generated rather than sawing MDF.. Then he's got his, and you've got your's.

A easy, cheap, assembly only kit is the BR1 the Parts Express has, they have the feature of being low sensitivity.. cranking it won't produce quite as frightening results... that is if you don't include a large subwoofer!

They do have a range of kits for both speakers and subwoofers. And there is the WORLD of DIY designs out there, though most require a fair amount of construction.

Tinker · « **Reply #11 on:** 11 Jan 2004, 11:43 pm »

I am not sure the DIY will immediately solve the problem, although it may evetually instil a healthy respect. I think the problem is the "mad" factor. Mal's setup is always going to be kickass (really good) and hence be first in line for a flaying when the crew (friends) drop round to the crib (house).

However, Mal, best best idea so far IMHO is the key lock with relay for local parts. Try ROCO, Farnell or RSs industrial section, you used to be able to buy the key lock and the switch toggle separately, and you can get up to 20A throws. They wont be cheap though. I reckon if these things still exist they would have to be about $50. Then again the diatones are virtualy priceless.

T.

AKSA · « **Reply #12 on:** 12 Jan 2004, 12:57 am »

Mal,

I'm pretty sure you can buy keylocks which will handle mains power.

If so, this is far preferable to a relay, which is fiddly and complex to SAFELY wire up.

Try Farnell, RS, even a PC repair centre.

Cheers,

Hugh

Seano · « **Reply #13 on:** 12 Jan 2004, 01:21 am »

Redgum amps in Melbourne use a keyswitch in all their amps.

It is kind of their signature - apart from the slab of red gum that all their product use as a facia.

Perhaps you can grab one of theirs - www.redgumaudio.com

Failing that use a keyswitch for a high load application eg security gate, roller doors etc. Should be adequate..........

Malcolm Fear · « **Reply #14 on:** 12 Jan 2004, 02:12 am »

Jaycar (in Sydney, Australia) has a key switch that will handle 240 volts. I think I will go down that road.
The Redgum with a switch does look cool. Particularly with the key ring.

Come on Hugh, an AKSA key ring would be nice!!

Thanks for your thoughts everyone.

AKSA · « **Reply #15 on:** 12 Jan 2004, 03:21 am »

Great idea, Mal! I'll think on it........

Cheers,

Hugh

Tinker · « **Reply #16 on:** 12 Jan 2004, 11:14 pm »

Quote from: Malcolm Fear

Jaycar (in Sydney, Australia) has a key switch that will handle 240 volts. I think I will go down that road.
The Redgum with a switch does look cool. Particularly with the key ring.

A just checked RS and Farnell. Farnell has a number 240V 6A keylocks with two poles which would be suitable. With a snubber these should be fine. They start at about $20 and run to $60 depending on the cut-out shape and the security factor of the key, ie how hard it will be to pick.

I live near and Omron dealer, I'll see what they have next I pass by it.

T.