Thumbwheel switch

Hi... Can i know what is a Thumbwheel switch for?
And if so, how do you read the pin configuration

It's usually used for scrolling navigation in handheld devices. You can figure out the pins by reading the datasheet or simply using a multimeter to find out what they do when you operate it.

BCD Thumbwheel Switch is used to input-set data in digital form, this can be read by digital circuits, uC and uP systems and PLC-SCADA Interfaces.

I use two thumbwheel switches to select stall/service tracks for a model railroad roundhouse and turntable. Here is how to read the two switches using a PicAxe controller with the switch commons tied to + voltage.

cnt1 = pins & $0F
cnt1 = pin4 * 10 + cnt1
cnt1 = pin5 * 20 + cnt1

If the switch commons are grounded and b0 can be used
then use the following:

b0 = pins ^ $3F
cnt1 = b0 & $0F
cnt1 = bit4 * 10 + cnt1
cnt1 = bit5 * 20 + cnt1

cnt1 is the decimal value of the two switches.

Al