1/2-inch Rotary Switch Provides Excellent Tactile Feedback

Based on more than five decades of proven engineering experience, the multi-function MR50 offers precision selection with up to 16 selector positions that offer excellent tactile feedback, even when the user is wearing gloves.

Mark Thorsell, sales manager for switches at Elma Electronic, noted, “As the number and type of handheld and mobile devices grow exponentially each year throughout the defense, industrial and medical industries, so is the demand for small, rugged and highly reliable rotary switches. No one wants to experience a control failure of any type out in the field.  And when lives may be on the line, reliability is not an option. The MR50 provides rugged dependability in any application, giving the user peace of mind that there is one less critical issue to worry about.”

Typical applications include avionics, military targeting and communications as well as cockpit controls and transportation-related devices. The MR50 is the only ruggedized 1/2” rotary switch not subject to ITAR controls. Elma’s manufacturing facilities are located in Europe, where ITAR registration does not apply to either the MR50 or any of Elma’s other rugged switches and encoders.

Boasting a zinc die-cast housing with nickel plating, solid gold contacts and a robust stainless-steel shaft, as well as the option of IP68 front panel sealing, the MR50 provides the required reliability in extreme conditions and quality for which Elma has become renowned. Switching torques are selectable at either 3 Ncm or 6 Ncm, depending on the user’s preferences.

The robust MR50 switches are also cost-effectively customizable, even in smaller quantities, with competitive lead times. Users can select between round and D-shaft configurations as well as the lengths of the shaft. Standard switch configurations include 10, 12 and 16 positions, with shorting or non-shorting contact arrangements available regardless of the number of positions.