Pushbutton advice

[webmaster@dfpresource.org]

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!

 

[mc]

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

 

[Stuff]

"mc" <mc_no_spam@uga.edu> wrote in message news:<423f77bf$1@mustang.speedfactory.net>...

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

Thanks, I'll look into it .