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Is there a mechanical pushbutton switch with a burst feature?

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Nov 25, 2014
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What I'm looking for is a 'mechanical' momentary pushbutton switch that snaps back and returns to the 'off' position automatically when pushed and actuated. I just don't know the proper search term for it. Maybe a 'test' pushbutton switch?
 
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What I'm looking for is a 'mechanical' momentary pushbutton switch that snaps back and returns to the 'off' position automatically when pushed and actuated. I just don't know the proper search term for it. Maybe a 'test' pushbutton switch?

Push button switch momentary, although the proper search term could be longer depending on what you want it to do so look closely at the descriptions of what you find. Here is one of many places to buy them:
Jameco Electronics - Electronic Components Distributor

Alan
 
Push button switch momentary, although the proper search term could be longer depending on what you want it to do so look closely at the descriptions of what you find. Here is one of many places to buy them:
Jameco Electronics - Electronic Components Distributor

Alan

Not having any luck here. Anyone?
Even the proper switch type description would help.

I need a push button switch.
Finger pressure closes normally open contacts, then immediately the contacts open, even if finger pressure has not been released.
 
You're looking for something like a piezo-pulse momentary then? Basically it's a piezo-electric element (think the "clicker" in a lighter, bbq grill, etc) that the electrical output drives a small "relay" that closes... Basically you push it, it "clicks" (no real click as these usually don't actuate) and for just an instant the closure is made.

Here's an example: http://www.elproma.com/ck/kpxxpb.pdf
 
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You're looking for something like a piezo-pulse momentary then? Basically it's a piezo-electric element (think the "clicker" in a lighter, bbq grill, etc) that the electrical output drives a small "relay" that closes... Basically you push it, it "clicks" (no real click as these usually don't actuate) and for just an instant the closure is made.

Here's an example: http://www.elproma.com/ck/kpxxpb.pdf

Thanks, Ah, closer...
Piezo pulse momentary...
But is there a strictly mechanical version of this? Maybe a push button pulse momentary? 500ma isn't going to pulse a few amps without additional circuitry.
 
IIRC some member did make a star trek phase with similar concept, more like a camera flash.
 
Thanks, Ah, closer...
Piezo pulse momentary...
But is there a strictly mechanical version of this? Maybe a push button pulse momentary? 500ma isn't going to pulse a few amps without additional circuitry.

To be honest, if there is I've never run across anything like it. Generally buttons fall into two categories... Toggle or momentary. But a momentary will stay in it's state until released. I think the biggest reason for this is if you're looking to get a "pulse" out of it, the timing of that pulse would depend entirely on the application, and doing it mechanically wouldn't provide any way of setting it. The piezo is the closest thing I could think of.

What exactly is it you're trying to do? You might find that it just isn't possible mechanically, at least not without designing your own mechinism to actuate the button. Which is typically how I've seen it done in other instances... A semi-auto firearm, etc has a mechanical mechanism that must be "reset" by releasing the trigger. Otherwise, the "easy" method is to do it electronically. Using the switch to fire off a one time pulse with whatever timing you require.
 
To be honest, if there is I've never run across anything like it. Generally buttons fall into two categories... Toggle or momentary. But a momentary will stay in it's state until released. I think the biggest reason for this is if you're looking to get a "pulse" out of it, the timing of that pulse would depend entirely on the application, and doing it mechanically wouldn't provide any way of setting it. The piezo is the closest thing I could think of.

What exactly is it you're trying to do? You might find that it just isn't possible mechanically, at least not without designing your own mechinism to actuate the button. Which is typically how I've seen it done in other instances... A semi-auto firearm, etc has a mechanical mechanism that must be "reset" by releasing the trigger. Otherwise, the "easy" method is to do it electronically. Using the switch to fire off a one time pulse with whatever timing you require.

I'm just trying to pulse the laser on&off quickly(no particular duration) automatically and without any extra circuit. Less than a few amps.

I thought thru the history of electronics, someone, somewhere, had the need to instantly close/reset/initiate/jump a circuit and a push button switch was designed&named for it. I do know in my long +50yr electronics experience I've replaced broken switches that did just that operation, they ended up in the trashcan and I never dissected them.

And Sinner is right, during my Star Trek Phaser build I saw a Youtube video with a pulsed beam(per trigger pull), you think I could find it? no. I never thought is was as complicated as a Piezo Pulse Momentary Pushbutton Switch with all the support circuitry.
 
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There is a member here in Chicago (danefex) who made some laser guns that just fire a pulse but he had to add some circuit to make it work like that.

 
I always thought that theses switches were simply momentary switches that were connected to a micro-controller of some sort. Typically I don't think this is done mechanically, because of pulse duration considerations.

^^ Haha, beat me to it.
 
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There is a member here in Chicago (danefex) who made some laser guns that just fire a pulse but he had to add some circuit to make it work like that.


Thanks, been looking for that vid for hours.

I've been contacting switch manufacturers, so far "Does not exist" in a hardware solution.
 
I always thought that theses switches were simply momentary switches that were connected to a micro-controller of some sort. Typically I don't think this is done mechanically, because of pulse duration considerations.

^^ Haha, beat me to it.

And I thought the hard part of this exercise was going to be how to adjust the length of the pulse... After buying a Mechanical Pulse Momentary Pushbutton Switch off the shelf somewhere.
 


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