Reed switch question.....

[lexluthier72]

Hey Folks,
I picked up a reed switch today to use as a sensor for a calculator counter for my pickup winder. The reed switch I got has 3 contact points....(as did all of them I had to choose from. I got a glass type....How the heck do you wire it up?!? I can see the end that the contacts come together when the magnet is passed by, but where does the single contact on the other end go? Does it just hang out there, or get covered, or snipped off?
-Erin

[Jazz P Bass]

The reed switch is like a switch.
It will have a Common, a Normally Closed & a Normally Open contact. (referenced to Common)
The Common terminal will be all by itself.
The NO & NC terminals are at the other end.
Use a meter to identify the terminals.
Pass a magnet by the switch & you will see what it does.
NO will close. NC will open.(referenced to Common)
How you "wire it up" depends on your circuit.

[lexluthier72]

Thx! Thats the info I was looking for. =)

[lexluthier72]

btw...the switch is so small, you really cannot see the terminals open and close. I'll have to put a meter on it to find out which is which.... =)

[lexluthier72]

Put it on the meter, found out which contacts to use....hooked up and mostly working. I have to play with proximity to the magnet. It doesnt go very fast before it starts to skip count....at least its a start! See my photos in the "sewing machine coil winder thread" Its the OLD state sewing machine toward the end of the thread.

[J S Moore]

I tried a reed switch at first but could never get the proper spacing. I ended up using the switch out of an alarm system. Spacing doesn't seem to matter and I can run full out with no skipping.

[lexluthier72]

Good to know! To clarify, you mean like a door proximity switch? I was able to improve the action of the switch by turning it so it is parallel to the bobbin holder. Now, I think my limitation is vibration of the machine, but I dont have any feet mounted on it yet =)

[lexluthier72]

I may pick up a door proximity switch and see if it cures the problem completely. Well worth the $5.

[J S Moore]

I believe that is the one. It's cylindrical rather than rectangular. As for feet I found cabinet levelers at Home Depot that do the job perfectly. I think they were about $5 a pair.

[lexluthier72]

I looked at that type today! I'll swing back to the electronics store and pick one up. They had both the cylinder, and the rectangular ones in stock.
-E.

[lexluthier72]

Picked up a cylindrical type sensor. Made a nifty little aluminum mount for it....worked like a charm! Thanks JS!!!!

[lexluthier72]

JS....Here is the new reed switch I picked up and the bracket I made for it....works great! Thanks again.