Can I use a servo to push a 'real' button? So not to flip a switch (as has been done before), but really to push a button one or more times. For example a button on a phone, a button on the wall etc. If so, what servo would I need, and what minimum Arduino board would I need, so I can remotely switch the button? I thought about an Arduino Uno with a LAN board, but maybe there are smaller/cheaper solutions?
I'm not sure a Servo would be the best way, I think a Solenoid would be.
You could literally have it "press" the button.
But I still can't help but think a Transistor to short the terminals to cause a "button press" is the easiest, cheapest way (unless it's a mobile phone or something that has tiny components and taking it apart is not worth the trouble to solder, so pressing it would be easier/better)
Indeed, a solenoid seems better. How quickly does such a device extends? It says "action form: pull". I suppose this means "push" when actually looking at it like a person who wants to press a button?
Do you know if the Arduino Uno + LAN is the best way to get this to work over LAN?
The solenoid's job in ebay link is to extend the pin to lock the door.
So yeah, I don't see why not, if you wanted to you could have a look at making your own with copper wire and a couple of magnets, the electromagnet repels against a magnet, a linear motor
i think they call it, without sounding perverted here lol... how deep is the hole in a regular door (lol) for the pin to slide in and lock it? Well that i guess would be how far it protrudes to press
a button, so pretty close then unless you make your own.
how quickly would depend on how much voltage you pump into it, to energize the coil...
Um, i'm guessing around 20 - 100ms? - how fast do you need it?