Abstract: Pen apparatus and method of assembly wherein a pick-up rod assembly performs in conjunction with a normally closed switch to define a pen-up tip switch condition. Coordinate signal information is provided from the pick-up rod assembly to a signal treatment network carried by an elongate printed circuit board which supplies a bias and electrical communication to the pick-up rod assembly through an electrically conductive helical spring. That spring also provides switch closure bias and tip switch information is transferred from the switch to a pen orientation detector network at the circuit board through a stamped metal transition component. Bias generated at the signal treatment network is further utilized in providing tip switch information to the pen orientation detector network.