Need Repair on VC Controller for Beseler Colorhead

I'm looking for a shop that can replace push buttons on a Beseler 8573 controller for a Universal colorhead. The buttons will intermittently stick down. I have found a posting from several years back for Andy Falco in PA. No reply to an e-mail

Is there someone that is the best at working on timers, controllers etc. I think all that is needed is to have some button switches replaced on a PCB. If I had the switches It would be pretty straight forward. I will try to get a hold of Beseler, to see if they can help. I'm very fortunate to have a pristine head and color controller. I would really like to get this controller fixed.
Thanks, Mike

Even a good industrial repair electronics shop???

Have you contacted Beseler or KHB? Replacing buttons may be easy finding exact matchs might be harder. Unless they are totally worn out or broken a good cleaning might be all the need. Just find a suitable cleaning fluid that will not harm the plastics.

George Nova Scotia said:

Have you contacted Beseler or KHB? Replacing buttons may be easy finding exact matchs might be harder. Unless they are totally worn out or broken a good cleaning might be all the need. Just find a suitable cleaning fluid that will not harm the plastics.

Click to expand...

I finally got the courage to pull the thing apart. I tried a bit of contact cleaner with no improvement. I'm going to fiddle around next few days. I have sent an email to KHB, I will try Beseler. Good news is that the VC and color controller use the same buttons. I have plenty of other color heads. If I can't free up the buttons, can't find any replacement switches, I will strip the color controller and use its button switches.
Thanks for the info, Mike

A little courage is all it takes. If you can post some clear pictures of the switch maybe many eyes can help with the search. Any logos or other markings will help. Best of luck. It's beginning to sound like we should open an old photo gear repair forum .

George Nova Scotia said:

A little courage is all it takes. If you can post some clear pictures of the switch maybe many eyes can help with the search. Any logos or other markings will help. Best of luck. It's beginning to sound like we should open an old photo gear repair forum .

Click to expand...

I will get some pictures. And repair forum is a great idea
Thanks, Mike

Are these switches the membrane type or mechanical?

plenty of old timers in here for sure...

First of all. I got a very nice e-mail reply from Kevin Brown at KHB Photograpix in Ontario, Canada HE FIXES THESE BOXES!

Now my story, I was able to disassemble the box, there was nothing wrong with the switches, The plastic "Buttons" which snap on and off the switches were the issue. I removed the plastic button/switch cap and cleaned with a Q-tip and an old bottle of Kodak film cleaner. Then carefully lubed the sides of the switch and the inside of the buttons/switch cap with some silicone followed by some pure graphite. I applied very carefully with a q-tip cotton swab, a little goes along way..

The unit should have new switches installed if it would see heavy use, however it is working perfectly right now. I fixed the dimmer knob while I had the box apart too
Below the main board



BELOW THE USER INTERFACE BOARD WITH ALL THE BUTTONS


Switches with caps off NOTE the last switch I opened had a small piece that broke off, still works but is old and tired


Here's the color controller and the VC controller

there ya go! good job!

KHB Photographix is the BEST. Kevin Brown came through for me he found the OEM supplier for the sticky switches. I ordered some just to have on hand. Pretty arcane knowledge, When I need any repairs done I will be sending to KHB. Great Help!

Product Overview
Digi-Key Part Number 486-2041-ND
Quantity Available 1,679
Can ship immediately
Manufacturer
Schurter Inc.
Manufacturer Part Number
1241.1002
Description SWITCH TACTILE SPST-NO 0.05A 24V
Lead Free Status / RoHS Status Lead free / RoHS Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 1 (Unlimited)
Manufacturer Standard Lead Time 13 Weeks
Detailed Description
Tactile Switch SPST-NO Top Actuated Through Hole