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Anyone ever try using reed switches?
Crowquill:
--- Quote from: SavannahLion on March 30, 2007, 05:55:54 pm ---
--- Quote from: Level42 on March 30, 2007, 05:27:55 pm ---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.
--- End quote ---
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. :P
--- End quote ---
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:
--- Quote from: Level42 on March 30, 2007, 05:27:55 pm ---...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, ...
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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:
--- Quote from: Crowquill on March 30, 2007, 06:16:18 pm ---
--- Quote from: SavannahLion on March 30, 2007, 05:55:54 pm ---
--- Quote from: Level42 on March 30, 2007, 05:27:55 pm ---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.
--- End quote ---
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. :P
--- End quote ---
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.
--- End quote ---
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 :D