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Adding "FIRE" buttons to a Futaba controller

Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2025 4:14 pm
by TankDriver
While recently modding my Tamiya Tiger I to fix its elevation problem (viewtopic.php?p=380356#p380356) I decided to replace the 'spongy' and easily-broken plastic 'fire' buttons on my Futaba 4YF transmitter.

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If you haven't already modded your controller to use buttons instead of stick moves for firing of the main gun & MG, I highly recommend it if you're good with soldering - I don't have schematics but basically it involves wiring the switches parallel to the stick contacts

These two button switches needed to be:
"SPST" (single-pole, single-throw) = for one circuit only
"MOM" (momentary) = switch is only active while button is being pressed
"NO" (normally open) = circuit is 'closed' (connected) only when button is being pressed

Found the perfect ones on Amazon (see 'searchable' description following photos):

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Since I can't seem to post the direct link to Amazon here, just go there & search for "Momentary Push Button Switch 1A 250V AC Mini Push Buttons Switches 2Pins ON Off 7MM Small Pushbutton Normally Open Round SPST" & it should be the first thing that pops up

Re: Adding "FIRE" buttons to a Futaba controller

Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2025 4:21 pm
by Stormbringer
were the mouldings for the switches there but blanked off ?
or have you replaced the flick type switches that were there ?

Re: Adding "FIRE" buttons to a Futaba controller

Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2025 4:45 pm
by TankDriver
Mould on the 'shoulders' for the switch mount points is on the base model controller, and needed to be drilled out for the first 'cheap' push-button switches (one of which broke), which are now replaced with these.