experimenting with mini switch help

[oldpot]

i am experimenting trying to make something like this what houghtmade made

http://motorbicycling.com/showthread.php?t=8788

and got these from radioshack

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062546

when i put wires on them they dont work until i press red or black button in (i thought these switches was on until you press button then it goes off) have i got wrong ones ??

these have spst but i seen some with spdt ?

 

[Kioshk]

Yes, you have the wrong ones...the copy excitedly states "Get things going with this package of two normally-open momentary switches" ("Get things going"? Who writes this dreck?). "OPEN" means "OFF" in this case.

 

[2door]

Switches are either 'normally open' or 'normally closed'. The switch contacts will be 'open' until the switch is activated then they close making a circuit. A normally closed switch works just the opposite. The contacts are closed until you activate, then they open. There are additional configurations such as SPST, SPDT, DPDT, etc, etc. SPST means a single pole, single throw. DPDT is a double pole, double throw. Lots of variations to choose from too.

The kit kill switch is technically a single pole, single throw (SPST) normally open momentary switch. Momentary means when you let go of it, it automatically returns to its 'normal' position. Toggle switches remain where you put them until you move them back.

Tom

 

[oldpot]

ok ty for letting me know , i am useless with electrics etc as you see lol but i willing to learn

will these be ok or any links to some that will work .

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062540

 

[Kioshk]

BINGO! You got it.