Robust, hand held switch

[system]

I would like to make a game show contest type "ring in" system for a youth group to use. I understand the Arduino parts of the system, but I need some kind of robust (the kids can get "enthusiastic"), hand held, thumb activated switch.

I have searched some of the component catalogs, but 102,848 choices for "Switch" are intimidating, and perhaps I just don't know the key search phrase.

Any suggestions?

[MichaelMeissner]

Do you need the switch to be wireless or is wired fine?

If wireless, I would say put an IR sensor on the Arduino and use whatever IR remote you like (old TV remotes for instance). This works best inside normal sized rooms, because even if they don't aim the remote at the sensor, the IR light can bounce off of walls, etc. Get a remote with different key sequences for each player.

• Original IRremote library: http://www.righto.com/2009/08/multi-protocol-infrared-remote-library.html
• Updated version if IRemote that works with newer IDE's: https://github.com/shirriff/Arduino-IRremote
• SIS-2 chip that moves the IR library off to a dedicated chip to recognize 2 different IR button presses: Programmable IR Receiver - SIS-2 - SEN-08753 - SparkFun Electronics
• SIS-7C chip that moves the IR library too to a dedicated chip to recognize 7 different IR button presses: SIMEREC Chips

For a wired button, you might want to look at an arcade button, particularly the ones with LEDs inside (you would need to turn on the light separately when the button is pressed, but that is a simple matter of programming). I'm imagining that having the feedback that their button was pressed would be useful. I'm listing some of the arcade buttons from Adafruit, other colors are available. You would have to make a small base to hold the button:

• 60mm Red: Large Arcade Button with LED - 60mm Red : ID 1190 : $5.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits
• 60mm Blue: Large Arcade Button with LED - 60mm Blue : ID 1194 : $5.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits
• 30mm White: LED Illuminated Pushbutton - 30mm Round : ID 492 : $3.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits
• waterproof 16mm Red: Rugged Metal Pushbutton with Red LED Ring [16mm Red Momentary] : ID 559 : $4.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits
• waterproof 16mm Blue: Rugged Metal Pushbutton with Blue LED Ring [16mm Blue Momentary] : ID 481 : $4.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits

I would recommend using something like an audio 3.5mm phono cable that pulls out easily for connecting the switch, and not something that is screwed or soldered in place, so that if they are so energetic, all you have to do is plug the cable back in.

[system]

but I need some kind of robust (the kids can get "enthusiastic"), hand held, thumb activated switch.

Charge a fee for broken equipment.

I don't think the switch itself will be the problem. The wiring and housing for the switch are far more likely to be the problem areas.

[system]

Hmm, I finally found one preassembled possibility (Quiz Bowl and Game Show Buzzer Systems | Buzzer System) [search engines work much better once one figures out a few key phrases], but it gets a bit pricey for a set of 8.
There is also an assembly (without the wire) (http://unicornelex.com/philmore-30-825-in-line-hand-held-push-button-switch-on--off.aspx)
However, perhaps they have learned to make a robust assembly, and that may save me a lot of time "reinventing" that wheel...