Use Piezo Transducer as a switch?

Jun 04, 2007 3 Replies

I'm sure this is very basic but could anyone tell me how to use a piezo transducer with a hacked computer keyboard?



I've used piezo's with microcontrollers (giving a range of values) but wondered if I can use them with a keyboard without damaging anything.



I'm guessing I could use a transistor but as I'm sure you can tell, don't know much about it.



I just want to create a vibration switch.



Thanks,



Gavin



A piezo produces voltage in response to physical force. You need some additional stuff to operate a switch mechanism, based on that voltage.

Yes I realize that!

What 'additional stuff' do I need?

Gavin

You need to tell us everything there is know about your piezo transducer, the keyboard hack, and what you have now.

If it's like any piezo transducer I've ever seen, you'll need some kind of signal conditioning, to get its output into a sensible voltage/pulse width range, then probably an NPN transistor to emulate the switch.

Good Luck! Rich

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