Re: Wallplates

[Marc_F_Hult <MFHult@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:05:49 +0100, "Ghost" <ghost@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in
message  <gp6e8f$12n$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:

>
>Uzytkownik "Marc_F_Hult" <MFHult@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> napisal w wiadomosci
>news:0l7dr49a70lfitq4353uht2us33j28b3a2@xxxxxxxxxx
>> On Mon, 9 Mar 2009 23:14:27 +0100, "Ghost" <ghost@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in
>> message  <gp44g9$80u$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:
>>
>>>Hi,
>>>
>>>    I'm looking for wallplates (need low voltage switches only) for my own
>>>automation system. I found http://www.touchplate.com/
>>>
>>>    Do you know any other?
>>>
>>>TIA
>>>
>>>Greetings,
>>>Ghost
>>
>> Hi Ghost,
>
>Sorry for my english.
>
>> Do you mean "Wall plates" or switches?
>
>Switches
>
>> If switches, do you mean momentary contact?
>
>Yes
>
>> And if no -- eg Single-Pole, Single-Throw (SPST) toggle --  how will you
>> 'automate' them?
>>
>> Is momentary contact, how will you locally track the state? ( LED? Or)
>
>I need only switches - all electronics i already have.
>
>> One can make a simple momentary contact switch on a wall late using a
>> standard blank wall plate from a electrical or building store and
>> momentary
>> contacts switches from any of many different retail, industrial, wholesale
>> and surplus suppliers.
>>
>> Here's some examples of SPST momentary pushbuttons that are readily
>> mounted
>> on a standard blank switch plate:
>>
>> http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062546
>> http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/mtr/mtr3310004.htm?source=froogle
>
>I'm looking for some good looking stuff, for example (but maybe there are
>any cheaper, I hope):
>http://www.touchplate.com/controlStations.php


Consider membrane-type switches. One potential advantage is being able to
print labels. The more switches --especially scenes for which there may not
be immediate response or feedback --  the greater the need for labels. In
other words, after the electronic part is resolved/solved, labeling  becomes
the next obstacle. This is part of why folks have migrated/evolved to
electronic touch screens.

Are you able/willing to solder/build?

If so, for example, here's a 16-key low-bounce, 100-milliohm resistance
35-volt  membrane switch keypad small enough to put on a wall switch  ($3
each + $4 shipping to US).

http://cgi.ebay.com/16-Key-Membrane-Switch-Keypad-Keyboard-General-Use_
W0QQitemZ250384138314QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?
hash=item250384138314&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A17
28%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

( eBay search:  membrane switch )

It can also be simply made into either a horizontal or vertical  one-, two-,
three-, or four-position x SPST momentary contact switch with no IC or other
decoding needed. Just short all four vertical or all four horizontal busses
together.


You could cover with a printed mylar cover of your own design for much less
than a fully-built commercial option.

HTH ... Marc
Marc_F_Hult
www.ECONtrol.org