Hey all. Im working on a project using sparkfun's LCD shield (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9363). Im going to mount the assembly in a project box, and Im looking for a way to "expand" the microswitch into something that someone with gorilla finger can press. Ideally it would be something that can be panel mounted that has a long rod on the backside to actually press the microswitch, a large button on the front, and has a self contained spring to return to its original position. I know I could probably make something like this, but Im crunched for time on this project and would rather buy something pre-made.
Does anything like this exist? I've tried searching mouser, mcmaster, etc... But whatever keywords I use, I either get referred to electronic button switches or random knobs.
I've looked but they all already include the microswitch. As I said, I dont feel like buying something and waiting for it to get here, only to find that I cant modify it to manipulate the switches on that shield.
I've looked but they all already include the microswitch. As I said, I dont feel like buying something and waiting for it to get here, only to find that I cant modify it to manipulate the switches on that shield.
Why don't you go to radio shack, get a panel mount push button, and wire its leads in parallel with the leads on the microswitch. Too simple?
From the images I could trace the button pins to arduino digital pins 3,4,and 5. If you wire your panel-mount switches between GND and those pins, you can just leave the tiny switches in place.