Anyone ever try using reed switches?

[Extreme8]

Has anyone ever attempted to use a reed switch in a CP?
While working on the artwork for my panel I was playing around with some layouts with and without admin buttons. It struck me that it would be nice to have access to the buttons without actually seeing them.
If you could use a reed switch under the wooden CP you should be able to activate the function just by touching a magnet to the top.
Of course you would only use this for seldom accessed keys (Tab, maybe some of the more useful F keys) but for those machines without a keyboard drawer it could be convenient.
I had considered using it for my coin-up keys as well. I have a working coin door and plenty of tokens, but often find myself just hitting the coin button on the CP.
Those "in the know" could use the magnet trick, everyone else - tokens in the door.

Thoughts?

[steveh]

that would be really cool.  do you have any links to these types of switches. 

[TOK]

Keyboard encoders have shift functions built into them so you don't have to do stuff like this. Not sure how strong of a magnet you need for a reed switch, but I don't think I'd want it within easy access of my monitor.

[Extreme8]

Keyboard encoders have shift functions built into them so you don't have to do stuff like this. Not sure how strong of a magnet you need for a reed switch, but I don't think I'd want it within easy access of my monitor.

I know about the shift functions - I've been using an I-pac for years. Just wanted to try something different.
I don't think the power required to activate a reed switch would cause any problems with a monitor, but I could be wrong...

[Crowquill]

You don't need a very powerful magnet, but you do have to get fairly close to the switch. Not that a switch embeded into a wooden panel would be out of the question. They're also fairly fragile compared to the types of materials we're normally working with on our cabinets.

I'd still get a bit scared having them around the monitors, and how would you activate them in a practical manner? Use your magnetic Donkey Kong decoder ring? 

But you might as well try it and see. I definitely think the idea has merit.

[FrizzleFried]

Might be cool for as a hidden admin button...

[SavannahLion]

Use your magnetic Donkey Kong decoder ring? 

All I could find was a Mario Magnet

[Extreme8]

I figured that I could always relieve the bottom of the CP to recess the switch.
It would be easy to route 1/2" of material away so the switch was within 1/4" or so of the magnet.

I was considering something like this for the key:
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=1611&filter=magnet
Maybe that whole rig is the solution to anchoring the top on the CP?

If you wanted it themed you could always print a sticker for the indentation in the center

I'm about ready to start the rebuild of my control panel (once my U360's arrvie). I think I'll do some experimenting to see if it works without trashing my monitor.
Nothing a good degaussing can't fix.

[Level42]

Well, if you're looking for reed switches to use, get alarm door-contacts.(small one's). They are pretty cheap and use reed switches and the magnet is included of course. Do keep in mind that they are slow. You can only use them for admin stuff, but that's the whole point of course.

Of course you can use shift buttons, but my goal is to get rid of the shift button, because people playing my cab always succeed in screwing up mamewah by accidently using the shift at the wrong moments.

It's a good idea. There is also no real need to put it in the cp, you could put it pretty anywhere inside the cab, preferable not too close to the monitor, but these magnets are way too weak to do any permanent discoloring. Good thinking !

[SavannahLion]

Well, if you're looking for reed switches to use, get alarm door-contacts.(small one's). They are pretty cheap and use reed switches and the magnet is included of course.

Keep in mind that security alarm reed switches are typically of the NC variety. This is to prevent a potential burgler from cutting the wire prior to opening the door (or whatever). If you have a security alarm system that utilizes NO reed switches, I suggest you go with a different manufacturer. 

[Crowquill]

Well, if you're looking for reed switches to use, get alarm door-contacts.(small one's). They are pretty cheap and use reed switches and the magnet is included of course.

Keep in mind that security alarm reed switches are typically of the NC variety. This is to prevent a potential burgler from cutting the wire prior to opening the door. If you have a security alarm system that utilizes NO reed switches, I suggest you go with a different manufacturer. 

I always thought that the terminology was a bit confusing. They're considered normally closed since the normal state is to have a magnet present. But the actual reed switch is an open circuit on it's own. That confused me more than once when I started installing security systems (which I did for 3 years). There are some security devices that are NO, but they're usually specialty devices.

[Extreme8]

...There is also no real need to put it in the cp, you could put it pretty anywhere inside the cab, preferable not too close to the monitor, ...

I had the same thought last night. They could be mounted under the cp overhang, along the side of the cab, on the front of the cab near the coin door, just about anywhere.

Fewer buttons means a less crowded panel and less chance of someone screwing something up.

I think this may have some potential.

[SavannahLion]

Well, if you're looking for reed switches to use, get alarm door-contacts.(small one's). They are pretty cheap and use reed switches and the magnet is included of course.

Keep in mind that security alarm reed switches are typically of the NC variety. This is to prevent a potential burgler from cutting the wire prior to opening the door. If you have a security alarm system that utilizes NO reed switches, I suggest you go with a different manufacturer. 

I always thought that the terminology was a bit confusing. They're considered normally closed since the normal state is to have a magnet present. But the actual reed switch is an open circuit on it's own. That confused me more than once when I started installing security systems (which I did for 3 years). There are some security devices that are NO, but they're usually specialty devices.

Oh snap, you're right. I'm so used to thinking of them being utilized with a magnet that I forgot they're NO's on their own. Disregard what I wrote in the previous post then.

[Extreme8]

Well, I just bought a lot of 6.
3/8 diameter, recessed.
Gap of 1/2".
I felt if I got anything with a larger gap I'd be unable to mount them close enough together to make it practical.

I'll bore a couple of holes 1/2" or so into the MDF, stick these puppies in and I should be good to go.

Once I confirm that these will work I'll change the CP artwork a little bit (I've been putting off printing it for over a year - see procrastination does pay!) to have a few small "reminders" to indicate the location of the switches. Nothing noticeable to anyone but me. Without them I can just imagine myself waving a magnet around like an idiot trying to find the "Tab" sensor location.

[Level42]

I worked at ADT Security Systems for almost 4 years (long time ago though), so I know my things

[SavannahLion]

I worked at ADT Security Systems for almost 4 years (long time ago though), so I know my things

Weird. I had a roommate who used to work for ADT about ten years ago and I used to get a hold of a lot of the gutted security systems he would rip out. For about two years, he taught me a lot of stuff about security systems and what to look for in crappy vs good systems. ie, you'd be amazed how many installers would overlook the garage door as a potential entry point. Bathroom windows too.

I think he was kind of hoping I would follow along in his footsteps or something.

[Extreme8]

For anyone interested, this solution works like a champ.

I found that by varying the depth of the hole in the bottom of the CP you can change the area of sensitivity on the top of the panel.
I've set the depth to make the activation area about the size of a quarter.

I've also discovered that because of the smoked glass in front of the monitor I can't get the magnet close enough to cause any discoloration.

Seems like a winner.

I'm about to get started on Control Panel Rev. 2 to replace my old (1 1/2 years or so) panel and I'll use this system in that project.
My current thinking is to replace the P1 & P2 coin buttons, mounted in the obvious spot, and add some really hidden admin keys.
Oh, and the ever popular "O" and "K" keys

I'll get some pics posted once I get 'em mounted up good (if anyone cares).

[Level42]

I care

ADT used to be one of the top security companies here, don't know how it is now. They did use good stuff though.....I bet he told you about the poor working of a fresnell lense compared to the mirrors used on Aritech PIRs

Sorry....thinkig of this all, has anyone ever mounted a PIR or UltraSonic detector in their cabs ? I launched the idea a long time ago here, but never got to it.....the idea was to trigger MP3 samples that invited/provoced a potential player...

[SavannahLion]

Sorry....thinkig of this all, has anyone ever mounted a PIR or UltraSonic detector in their cabs ? I launched the idea a long time ago here, but never got to it.....the idea was to trigger MP3 samples that invited/provoced a potential player...

I was thinking something along the same lines as I was walking by the photocopier sometime last month. Then I remembered it again when I was at the shop and they had some IR motion sensors on sale.  I was thinking it would be neat to have the machine "spring" to life as you walk up to the cab. But then I got to thinking it would be really annoying to hear the machine at 2AM as the cats converge onto the warmest spots.