Led-switch Alternative

["Frank Mc Alinden" <fmcalind@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi All
As some of you may be aware i have recently been looking for a nice
illuminated push switch for my xPL-LCD Project...and although i did source
one nice one  minimum quantities was 100 off......;-(...

I had a go at trying to make my own but no easy solution and probably
wouldnt be reliable mechanically and also too time consuming to make.....

After a lot of frustration ,another solution came to
mind.........."Touch
Switch" using a Qprox sensor.....I had a few of these that i got from
Andy P
a while back so out came the breadboard...
These little devices are quite nifty......

http://www.qprox.com/

The idea is to use a nice chrome plated led that you like (or my solution
below) and use the chassis as the touch sensor...?? ;-))

In my application im using "Binder Posts" and im going to hot
glue 3mm blue
leds inside of them and at the open end (top) i have tapped a 3mm lite pipe
lens into the hole....So you only see a small chrome plated ring and the
3mm
lens............no moving parts ;-)

My button leds will be lit dimly all the time except when it either
receives
an osd alert message...ie alarm clock function OR when someone touches a
switch then all the button leds will light at full brightness for a fixed
duration ...;-)) Will take some pics when i have the prototype finished...

Im using a 2 x 20 PLED LCD  which doesnt require any backlighting and the
viewing angle is much better than a standard LCD..........

Frank
www.armaghelectrical.com.au