Where to buy cheap mechanical speed controls

Hey I was wondering is anyone knew where I could buy some cheap mechanical speed controllers. From my understanding they are just adjustable resistors. Need them to control motors on my ROV project and I want to be able to control them by hand. Thats why I don't want to use my escs.

Also some three position switches that would allow me to put full power to the motors, no power, and reverse power.

[lincpimp]

A double pole double throw would do the full forward, stop, and full reverse. You would need a high amp version. For a momentary switch, a older vehicle power window switch can be used.

Cheap MSC, tamiya include them with some kits, and traxxas used to carry them, not sure if they still do.

Thanks,

Ive seen around that all mechanical speed controllers are made of are wound potentiometers or variable resistors is this correct?

[suicideneil]

Not exactly. They shunt power though a solid-state resistor, so you get 3 step forwards, neutral, and 3 steps back speed wise. They are a nigthmare in truth, and using them at less than 'full throttle' burns up the resistor in next to no time (believe me on that one). You would be better off with a true variable resistor, like the adjustable dial on a plane esc for the flaps.