Re: Switches Anyone?

["Bob La Londe" <none@xxxxxxxxxx>]

"JoeRaisin" <joeraisin2001@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:kk7bu8$sc0$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> On 4/11/2013 5:40 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
>> "Bob La Londe" <none@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>> news:o1G9t.458245$uU.86624@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>> "JoeRaisin" <joeraisin2001@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>>> news:kk51sj$4v8$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>>> We want to set up some switches that provide inputs to an NVR that
>>>> will trigger presets on a PTZ camera.
>>>>
>>>> We have 16 inputs available but will likely only need 5 or so.
>>>>
>>>> Do any of you know of a ready made console with momentary switches so
>>>> we won't have to spend a bunch of time crafting something?  We would
>>>> rather avoid project boxes from rat shack and I don't have the skills
>>>> to work sheet metal.
>>>>
>>>> Ideally, the switches would be spaced out enough to label each one
>>>> with the view of that preset.
>>>>
>>>> I tried to google for switch console but it was mostly network
>>>> equipment...
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance.
>>>
>>>
>>> What am I missing?  If it has inputs can't you just use the dry
>>> contacts from your triggers to trigger your PTZ?  I know Spectra Domes
>>> are internally programmable to take specific inputs and go to specific
>>> presets.  Are you moving the PTZ from the NVR?  If so I still don't
>>> see why you cant trigger the inputs on the NVR from the dry contacts
>>> on your signal source.  Is it a voltage trigger +5 : >+1 like using
>>> one of the pins on an LPT port?  Then just route a regulated 5VDC
>>> power source through your dry contacts.  (don't forget to tie your
>>> grounds together) All your stuff NC?  Then get a small bank of relays.
>>>
>>> Or... are you trying to build an external mechanical preset selector?
>>> In that case buy a project box and fit it with a bunch of arcade
>>> buttons. Arcade buttons are fairly cheap, and the micro switches on
>>> them will take a beating, and they are form C.  Check fleabay for
>>> those if you don't find another source.
>>>
>>> Like I said, "What am I missing?"  Its all pretty basic electrical
>>> circuits.
>>
>> I guess reading comprehension is an issue for me today.  The last is
>> what you want to do.  If worse comes to worse I can build you one.  If
>> got a bunch of X-Arcade buttons laying around the shop left over from my
>> last CNC console build.
>
> Found a couple places on the web that sell attractive plastic or metal
> project boxes.  Still don't know what the boss wants to do, but with a
> decent box, putting in switches, doing the wiring and setting up for
> connections won't be hard at all and I've let him know it won't take too
> much time.
>
> A sharp drill bit, a hot soldering iron and zippity zoppity ya got the
> console...
>
> He's still hoping for an off the shelf solution.  I don't think it's out
> there.

Custom solutions are so fast and easy these days that its hardly worth
trying to shoehorn an off the shelf solution.  Black plastic wallpaper,
plastic edge trim, and some MDF and you can have a custom solution that
looks like it was mass produced in a factory with actual quality control.
The same effort with a brushed aluminum project box, and you get a really
cool industrial looking custom solution.  I cheat.  I do stuff like that on
one of the CNC machines.  I got into it as a hobby, but now I make so much
stuff on them I don't know how I ever got along without them.  Its pretty
cool when you make a custom face plate for something and your company name
becomes a permanent part of the building.