Early power switches
Overview
Do you assume that all Kaypros came with a chunky black switch? Well the earliest models had some variety for the switches used.
For the serial numbers less than #4000 it appears that they used an Alco MLSA206N switch which was much smaller. I would guess it was hard to find on the back of the computer so they changed to the bulkier switch to make it easier to find. While they used the same switch they changed the case’s mount and screws used at about #2800.
After about #4000 they switched to Arrow 260211E which is the same bulky switch that they would use throughout the rest of the traditional Kaypro machines. But there were many different colors used up to #17000.
There are a few serial numbers that don’t fall into the apparent groupings. I believe these are due to having to replace a switch after the fact, maybe an odd switch being left at the bottom of a bin at the factory and for some reason being the one that they reached for in the factory or the machine being preassembled and not given a serial number until it went out the door.
See the tables below for those early machines that I have seen in person or in pictures. If you have a Kaypro with a serial number below #17000 please send me a complete picture of the rear of your machine at ______. I will include your machine in this listing.
Small Switch Mount Version 1
#2561-2775 About 300-2800 of these |
![]() Alco MLSA206N |
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#2561 |
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#2749 |
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#2775 Note: In my collection, fuse holder likely replaced |
Small Switch Mount Version 2
#2837-3590 About 1400 of these |
![]() Alco MLSA206N |
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#2837 Note: From the manual |
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#3249 |
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#3309 |
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#3590 Note: In my collection |
White Border Switches
#4037-11299 About 7000 of these |
|
#4037 | |
#4179 | |
#4207 Note: In my collection | |
#4222 | |
#4223 | |
#4228 | |
#4623 | |
#5084 Note: Electrical cord moved to replaceable plate. | |
#5322 | |
#5846 | |
#6059 | |
#6166 | |
#6586 | |
#6688 | |
#7063 | |
#7954 Note:In my collection fuse holder likely replaced. Also power supply appears to be from later date so both replaced? | |
#8064 | |
#8245 | |
#8253 | |
#8401 | |
#8409 Note:In my collection | |
#8729 | |
#8767 | |
#9182 | |
#9224 | |
#9439 | |
#9569 | |
#9785 | |
#9913 | |
#10408 | |
#10836 | |
#10907 Note:black switch possible replacement? | |
#10921 | |
#10937 | |
#11012 | |
#11231 Note:Change in fuse holder | |
#11296 | |
#11299 |
Black Switches between White Border and White Inner Switches
#11499-12275 About 1000 of these |
|
#11499 | |
#11614 | |
#12117 | |
#12275 Note: In my collection |
White Inner Switches
#12438-13872 About 1500 of these |
|
#12438 | |
#12517 | |
#12654 Note: In my collection | |
#12752 | |
#12872 | |
#12914 | |
#13480 Note: Black Switch among white switches. Does not have NLS on case. | |
#13707 | |
#13872 |
Red Inner Switches
#15013-16425 About 1500 of these |
|
#15013 | |
#15106 | |
#15453 Note: In my collection | |
#15516 | |
#16135 | |
#16288 | |
#16425 | |
#16513 Likely one of the first black switches following the red switches #16679 and #19070 are probably irregular | |
#16679 Note: Appears from the case, cord, and power switch that this machine may have been built around the time of 6000-11000. Likely out of sequence out of inventory. Contrast knob likely replacement. | |
#17083 Note: In my collection | |
#17169 Note: Another Black Switch | |
#17474 Note: Another Black Switch | |
#176?? Note: Another Black Switch (Final Digits are not clear) | |
#19070 |