Fitting Switches & Sockets etc…
Fitting a switch or a socket to your newly modified console can make a big difference. It a real shame to see some real ugly switches fitted extremely badly, ruining the aesthetics of the machine (another reason why switchless mods are a favourite of mine!). Take your time, as with all modifications, practice on something else first.
I prefer to fit slide switches where possible, I just prefer them over toggle switches. But they are more difficult to fit. I usually buy a spare switch, just so that I can take it apart leaving me with a shell I can use as a template.
Sorry, I must get a better photo!
Hold the template in place, and use something to mark the screw holes. Drill them out and then screw the template in place.
Now you can drill and file the rectangle out and it will leave a perfect size hole for the switch.
I try to do the same for sockets, finding or making a template. Such as the VGA socket used in various guides. I grabbed a broken PC graphics card and did the same, drill out the screw holes, then drill and file out the main hole. These pictures explain it better.
That’s an awesome tip!
I was curious, the VGA-style connector that you’re installing in the project box, do the screw terminals unscrew? The VGA-style connectors that I’ve bought have the screw terminals permanently connected, and I’m wondering how to mechanically secure the connector to the box.
Also, after you drill the holes, do you use a drill or a dremel to clear out the remaining plastic?
Thanks in advance!
Hi, yeah, they unscrew – I’ve never seen any that don’t actually, as they are generally used to hold the socket in place?
I actually used a pair of side cutters to snip the remaining plastic out. Could probably have used the same drill bit to remove the bulk of it though.
Then I just filed it down to the correct size.
Pete