Post by thread:[OT:] Prototype membrane panels?

Hi all, I have seen some devices that are built as home projects that have a nice panel on them that have a membrane type switch panel. I'm curious if anyone knows how to do this? I'm thinking of tactile switches with a panel label over them but don't know how to mount everything or how far from the panel should they be? If anyone knows of any examples on the net that are spelled out, I would appreciate it. I looked around but couldn't find anything. Thanks, FJ _________________________________________________________________ Take advantage of our limited-time introductory offer for dial-up Internet access. http://join.msn.com/?page=dept/dialup -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The list server can filter out subtopics (like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics

I forget their name for the moment, but there is a company who have a website that produce such things. Search the pic archives back to early last year, this topic was discussed then, which is when i found the site I now can't remember. Colin -- cdb, spam_OUTbodgy1TakeThisOuToptusnet.com.au on 26/12/2003 I have always been a few Dendrites short of an Axon and believe me it shows. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until they speak! -- http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us! email .....listservKILLspam@spam@mitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body

> I have seen some devices that are built as home projects that have a nice > panel on them that have a membrane type switch panel. I'm curious if anyone > knows how to do this? > I'm thinking of tactile switches with a panel label > over them That's one method (and a superior one). A common alternative is to have a formal "membrane keyboard". These essentially consist of three layers of plastic (usually Mylar/Polyester). The top and bottom layers have metallised traces on them to form thre switch contacts and the middle layer has holes allowing the two outer layers to be pressed together by finger (etc) pressure. Somewhat superior results are achieved by embedding tactile snap domes between the layers to give the keyboard some "feel". A membrane (aka sheet of plastic) over a sheet of solid plastic eg 3mm+ polycarbonate or whatever with holes therein and tact switches mounted "just right" behind it produces a far far better result than the above. "Real" people mount the tact switches on a spearate panel which cam be adjusted for position (depth behind the fron panel) so that the tact switches are positioned "just right". One arrangement I know of uses o rings around the screws between the front panel and tzct switch panel - the o rings are compressed as the screws are tightened, allowing the gap to be adjusted. This is amechanically annoying solution but far better than simple membrane keyboards. > but don't know how to mount everything or how far from the panel > should they be? The distance that works properly for the chosen switch :-) - hence the above method. Russell McMahon -- http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us! email listservKILLspammitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body

If you are looking for a manufacturer, try Syl-Walker, they have a nice stock as well as offer custom work. If you can't find them, let me know and I will dig out an invoice and get you an address -- http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us! email .....listservKILLspam.....mitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body

If you are in the US you'll find a membrane keypad (3 by 5 keys) and matching project box for not too much money. Comes with a 9v battery compartment and an IR filter for the front for easy remote control projects. -Adam fred jones wrote: {Quote hidden}> Hi all, > I have seen some devices that are built as home projects that have a nice > panel on them that have a membrane type switch panel. I'm curious if > anyone > knows how to do this? I'm thinking of tactile switches with a panel > label > over them but don't know how to mount everything or how far from the > panel > should they be? If anyone knows of any examples on the net that are > spelled > out, I would appreciate it. I looked around but couldn't find anything. > Thanks, > FJ > > _________________________________________________________________ > Take advantage of our limited-time introductory offer for dial-up > Internet > access. http://join.msn.com/?page=dept/dialup > > -- > http://www.piclist.com hint: The list server can filter out subtopics > (like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics > > > -- http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList EraseMEpiclist-unsubscribe-requestspam_OUTTakeThisOuTmitvma.mit.edu