Author Topic: Attaching a switch to the pen casing (Read 7722 times)

Peccavi · **on:** April 27, 2009, 06:22:25 PM

Hi,

This feels like a really dumb question. I've been reading many of the posts on this forum on how to make my own ir pen. They've been immensely helpful, but no one has explained how to attach the switch to the pen casing.

I have tried using a pushbutton switch like this one: http://au.farnell.com/multicomp/r13-509a-05-bb/switch-push-button-spno-mom/dp/1634682
The height of the switch is similar to the diameter of the pen, so it can just sit there. But it sticks out a bit and it's not really comfortable.

I want to use a tactile switch like this one: http://au.farnell.com/tyco-electronics/fsm4jh/switch-tactile-spno/dp/1555982
I read somewhere that you just attach the wires to 2 of the contact points (that's right, isn't it?). But I have no idea how to attach it to the pen casing.

Please help!

Thanks!

PS If you can recommend a better switch that'd be welcome!

benpaddlejones · **Reply #1 on:** April 28, 2009, 07:00:37 PM

Peccavi
I'm guessing your a fellow Oze as you are refering to farnell.com.au I sugegst this switch http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/49f79697009327902740c0a87e0106e0/Product/View/P7802 can buy from any Tandy or DSE that sells components (some of the power house don't).

The tactile swicth from farnell is also a good choice but avoid the button switch as bulky and poor feedback.

Jaycar also do a nice tactile switch which is cheaper.

Best way to mount is to use shrink wrap or hot glue.

benpaddlejones

(on skype too if you want to chat)

Peccavi · **Reply #2 on:** April 28, 2009, 08:26:33 PM

Hi Ben,

Yes, I'm a fellow Aussie Sydneysider.

And it's for that very reason that I've been particularly interested in your posts so I know where I can buy components (in fact, I wanted to email you to see if you could sell me 2-3 VISHAY TSAL6400 LEDs rather than me buying $10 worth though Farnell, but I thought that sounded a bit stingy).

I don't have access to shrink wrap, but I'll give hot glue a try.
I've got some tactile switches already, so I'll use that first before I try the DSE one.

In terms of mounting the tactile switch, let me see if I've got this right:

Make 4 little holes on the pen casing for the contact points on the switch.
Feed 2 wires through those hole.
Attach one end of the wires to the switch, and the other end to a battery and IR-LED.
Use hot glue to stick the switch to the pen casing.

Is that right?

benpaddlejones · **Reply #3 on:** April 29, 2009, 08:05:51 AM

Peccavi
I'm in Penrith, I have a few here so PM me your postal address and I'll drop in the mail.

You will find the closer to flush (with body of the pen body) the better, I suggest you:
1. Use your soldering iron to meld an approx size hole hole in the side of your marker case
2. Solder components together
3. Pump a lump of hot glue in & place the switch in the right place
4. Wait to cool
5. Use hot glue to fill edges (you can cut back with a stanley knife)

You can by 1m lengths shrink wrap from Jaycar for about $5 it gives a really nice professional look to your IR-Pen. Take your Pen with you and make sure you get the right size I find looks deceiving, as I always buy the size too small.

benpaddlejones

Peccavi · **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2009, 06:21:41 PM

Thanks for the offer Ben! But I decided not to be stingy and ordered a bunch from Farnell. I might experiment with some of the other projects, or failing that, just sell the excess stock.

Thanks also for the clear instructions. Hopefully I can put one together.

Wiimote Project

Author Topic: Attaching a switch to the pen casing (Read 7722 times)

Peccavi

Attaching a switch to the pen casing

benpaddlejones

Re: Attaching a switch to the pen casing

Peccavi

Re: Attaching a switch to the pen casing

benpaddlejones

Re: Attaching a switch to the pen casing

Peccavi

Re: Attaching a switch to the pen casing