Pushbutton advice

Mar 21, 2005 2 Replies

Yes, the humble SPST momentary NO pushbutton, the type with a threaded collar and nut, panel mount 1/4 inch or so.



I'm trying to find out what people use these days for input to microcontroller based projects in small metal boxes.



Here are my problems:



1) The weight of the project box is so low, that even the smallest pushbuttons don't actuate because I end up pushing the box instead of engaging the contact. It sounds silly until you experience it.


2) The current is so low that oxidation build-up doesn't get cleaned and I have to press even harder. I hate that because it makes stuff feel cheap, and it's terrible if you have a software controlled power switch that won't work anymore...



What's a good button to use these days? I've got lots of switches in my lab, but the problem is how to mount them easily in metal boxes. The mouse-style clicky buttons need a PCB and/or mouting hardware, pressure-sensitive switches are limited in choice and need a slot in the box (I can only do nice round holes with a multi-bit, I'm not equipped for slots)



It's difficult to find data on activation force and contact material these days. It's always "contact the factory" and "how many thousands do you need?" Maybe I should just use those infrared sensors on hand dryers and high-end faucets, and just wave my command to my box?



Thanks!


Radio Shack sells a box with a ready-to-use membrane keypad on it. Maybe it will do the job.

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