There are so many different types of switches from many vendors that it's hard to imagine not being able to find one that will suit you. But if this is the case, or if you just wanted to make a switch, these instructions may help.
How to Build Your Own Switch
Let's build a simple pushbutton switch.
Materials
- 2 pieces of conductive material
- non-conductive material to separate the conductive material
- a mini-plug and wiring
- electrical tape
- And... that's it!
That's it for the switch anyway. Pretty simple, huh?
As for tools you'll need for building the switch...
- Scissors
- A marker
- Crazy Glue
- Wire stripper
- Soldering Iron
- Solder
All of these items (materials and tools) are available from Radio Shack or your local electronics store or quite possibly, your kitchen.
Let's get started!
For conductive material, let's use the top and bottom lids of a tin can. For the non-conductive separator, we'll use a sponge.
**Be careful of the sharp edges around the tin can lids.**
Use the marker to trace half of one of the lids onto the sponge and cut this semi-circle out of the sponge.
Glue the sponge between both of the lids.
You're almost done. Now that the user interface is done, next you need to attach the the plug.
Heat up the soldering iron. The iron is ready when solder melts easily on the tip.
**Be careful... the tip is very HOT**.
While waiting for the iron to heat up, prepare the plug for soldering. If the wire at the opposite end of the plug is covered with insulation, use the wire strippers to strip about 2 inches off to expose the wiring inside. Separate the two wires inside and strip about an inch of insulation off each.
When the soldering iron is ready, melt some solder onto the tip. Solder one lead to each of the tin lids.
To test your switch, plug it into an adaptive toy or some other device. Press the switch so that the two lids make contact, "closing" the switch. When the lid is released, the sponge will separate the lids, effectively "opening" the switch.
Congratulations!!! You've just built a momentary pushbutton switch!!
For a more secure connection, use the electrical tape to tape over the soldered wires on the lids. Of course, you'll want to cover for the lids for safety reasons. Be sure not to interfere with the lids making contact when pressed.