Power switch replacement fot AST 386-SX 25 Laptop. \ VOGONS

Power switch replacement fot AST 386-SX 25 Laptop.

Topic actions

First post, by Zachz91

Posted on 2023-07-17, 23:12

Zachz91 Offline

Rank Newbie

Rank: Newbie
Posts: 12
Joined: 2021-02-24, 04:12

I recently scored an AST Laptop from 1992/93 on eBay. The computer works well; even the 30 year old battery still works and the 60 MB hard drive has no bad sectors. The only problem I have is the power switch broke off. The switch appears to be a single-pole double-throw slide switch. Here are some pictures.

Does anyone have any info on this?

Reply 1 of 7, by Zachz91

Posted on 2023-07-18, 01:22

Zachz91 Offline

Rank Newbie

Rank: Newbie
Posts: 12
Joined: 2021-02-24, 04:12

The busted switch is on the top left of the top photograph.

Reply 2 of 7, by Zachz91

Posted on 2023-07-19, 23:06

Zachz91 Offline

Rank Newbie

Rank: Newbie
Posts: 12
Joined: 2021-02-24, 04:12

Anything at all?

Reply 3 of 7, by chrismeyer6

Posted on 2023-07-20, 00:43

chrismeyer6 Offline

Rank l33t

Rank: l33t
Posts: 2733
Joined: 2015-10-13, 16:16
Location: NJ, USA

It appears to be a standard panel mount switch. You should be able to find a replacement on Jameco, digikey, or mouser. As long as you know how to solder this should be a rather simple fix.

Reply 4 of 7, by Zachz91

Posted on 2023-07-20, 00:51

Zachz91 Offline

Rank Newbie

Rank: Newbie
Posts: 12
Joined: 2021-02-24, 04:12

Why the double throw? It didn't have two clicks.

Reply 5 of 7, by chrismeyer6

Posted on 2023-07-20, 00:53

chrismeyer6 Offline

Rank l33t

Rank: l33t
Posts: 2733
Joined: 2015-10-13, 16:16
Location: NJ, USA

Unfortunately I can't answer that question but it should be pretty simple to desolder the old one and solder in a new one.

Reply 6 of 7, by Zachz91

Posted on 2023-07-20, 01:12

Zachz91 Offline

Rank Newbie

Rank: Newbie
Posts: 12
Joined: 2021-02-24, 04:12

I'll have to try it. I don't want to ruin a vintage computer. I already did enough of that in the 2000s.

Reply 7 of 7, by chrismeyer6

Posted on 2023-07-20, 01:26

chrismeyer6 Offline

Rank l33t

Rank: l33t
Posts: 2733
Joined: 2015-10-13, 16:16
Location: NJ, USA

As long as you use the same style of switch you should be just fine.

Go to top of page Go to top of page

Back to General Old Hardware