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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Negativecreep0 on January 07, 2010, 12:39:45 pm

Title: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: Negativecreep0 on January 07, 2010, 12:39:45 pm
Ok I want to wire a switch on my control panel to send a signal to this type of device to push out a little nub or pin to press the power button on a console in my cabinet....... Whats the techinical name of such a device, are tehy motorized switch? or lever or something. Thanks
Title: Re: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: Hawkweber on January 07, 2010, 01:03:50 pm
I think you are talking about a solenoid.  It's an electromechanical device with an electromagnet and plunger.  When electricity is applied to it, it will either extend or retract (depending on the type) the plunger.  When the electricity is removed, the plunger goes back to its natural state.
Title: Re: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: crashwg on January 07, 2010, 01:36:57 pm
You could use a servo like in the "Most Useless Machine EVER" (http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Most-Useless-Machine/) project on Instructables.

The Most Useless Machine EVER! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z86V_ICUCD4#)

I'm still not certain of who can see what on Instructables and for what reasons so here's the PDF:
Title: Re: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: JustMichael on January 07, 2010, 02:59:34 pm
ROFL!!  When I watched the video all I could do was laugh!  It is like it is saying "I don't want to be on!"  and the music just added to the absurdity.
Title: Re: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: Negativecreep0 on January 07, 2010, 03:17:57 pm
thanks guys these sounds exactly like what im looking for

i think Solenoid are the cheaper method, my question is, if the power is cut off from the solenoid will the piston return to its in position?
Title: Re: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: Hawkweber on January 07, 2010, 03:24:24 pm
thanks guys these sounds exactly like what im looking for

i think Solenoid are the cheaper method, my question is, if the power is cut off from the solenoid will the piston return to its in position?

Yes, when energized the plunger moves in one direction and returns to its starting position when not energized.  You would want a "push" type solenoid.
Title: Re: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: Ginsu Victim on January 07, 2010, 04:17:44 pm
You could use a servo like in the "Most Useless Machine EVER" (http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Most-Useless-Machine/) project on Instructables.

I clicked this link and a moment later, it tried to install malware. I go to instructables all the time, so I don't know why it happened. Just a warning.
Title: Re: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: Negativecreep0 on January 08, 2010, 12:40:53 pm
can someone point me in the direction a cheap small push type selenoid that would work for my application? also what type of duty cycle do I want? intermitten? or continuous? or is there a single duty cycle? thakns Im not really a big robotic or motor guy but I can solder so Im hoping to wire this selenoid to a pushbutton or toggle switch on my admin panel so it pushes the power button on my ps2 once to turn on

P.S. I work in a scrap yard so there are all types of appliances and crap laying around.......any devices that contain solenoids which i could find in the junk yard?
Title: Re: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: tommyinajar on January 17, 2010, 02:41:21 pm
If you want an on - off (forward - back motion) , you could use an old power door lock solenoid from a car. They are easy to mount and modify.
Title: Re: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: Bobulus on January 17, 2010, 05:31:59 pm
So, wait, you're trying to wire up a pushbutton to trigger a solenoid...to push a button.

Unless you really care about the condition of your PS2, wouldn't it be easier to rewire the power button to the pushbutton?
Title: Re: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: tommyinajar on January 18, 2010, 01:52:53 pm
I didn't see he was trying to do a ps2, if so it's most likely a flimsy ribbon cable ( I assume it's a ps2 fat w/ a hdl software and hard drive ) here is a thread http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=99027.0 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=99027.0)

Didn't really see an answer there though.
Title: Re: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: axewater on January 19, 2010, 08:29:02 am
You could use a servo like in the "Most Useless Machine EVER" (http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Most-Useless-Machine/) project on Instructables.

I clicked this link and a moment later, it tried to install malware. I go to instructables all the time, so I don't know why it happened. Just a warning.

most of the time this means either the site has been hacked (happens all the time) or they are running a banner ad with an infection vector in there. but in ALL cases it means your machine is not properly patched / updated. stop using IE6 :)
Title: Re: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: Negativecreep0 on January 19, 2010, 09:16:49 am
yup guys it was a flimsy flex ribbon very very small...... so I decided to go with the selonoid worked like a charm, wired it to a small pushbutton that i press and that triggers the selonoid to push the ps2 power button.
Title: Re: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: Ginsu Victim on January 19, 2010, 10:30:52 am
You could use a servo like in the "Most Useless Machine EVER" (http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Most-Useless-Machine/) project on Instructables.

I clicked this link and a moment later, it tried to install malware. I go to instructables all the time, so I don't know why it happened. Just a warning.

most of the time this means either the site has been hacked (happens all the time) or they are running a banner ad with an infection vector in there. but in ALL cases it means your machine is not properly patched / updated. stop using IE6 :)

Running Firefox 3.5.7 with flashblock, adblock, and spywareblaster, actually.
Title: Re: Don't know the name of device im thinking about..any help?
Post by: tightwad on January 20, 2010, 03:23:13 pm
yup guys it was a flimsy flex ribbon very very small...... so I decided to go with the selonoid worked like a charm, wired it to a small pushbutton that i press and that triggers the selonoid to push the ps2 power button.

What solenoid did you use?  I am always keeping this kind of stuff in the back of my mind...