Sensor and Tapeswitch Question

neuter_man · Basic Member Joined: 29 Jun 2007

Okay, I'm new to this site, but I've built my own pad using the "ddrhomepad" design as a base.

Now that I've got nothing to do with my summer, I've decided to build a pvc pad, and I was wondering what type of sensor I should use. I'm totally oblivious as to how the arcade switches work, and I figured something light-weight would be best. I was trying to keep the weight low, as they need to be transported.

So, any suggestions or recommendations?
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Tenchi50 · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 5:49 pm Post subject:

i might feel like an idiot after i get an answer, but umm...

pvc pad?

edit: do you mean that blasphimous taekwondo contraption floating around the web?
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neuter_man · Basic Member Joined: 29 Jun 2007

I never knew there were already instructions for 'em out there.

I just figured pvc was light enough, and my goal was to keep stuff cheap.

I've actually turned to another plastic-like material, if I could only remember the name

. But it holds up nicely, up to around 200 pounds if I remember correctly. The really nice thing about it is that it only costs about a dollar per square foot, and my latest design uses around 25 panels.
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ChilliumBromide · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR

Make one out of steel plates and weatherstripping!

Seriously though; it would weigh a ton, but imagine having a 1/4" thick full metal pad.

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Tenchi50 · Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 5:40 pm Post subject:

go to lowes and buy about 30 panels of that 1/4 inch thick welding grade sheet metal.

it'd be light as a feather

oh and also, if you wanna make something cheap, why are you gonna use arcade sensors?
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neuter_man · Basic Member Joined: 29 Jun 2007

I prefer the arcade sensors over my sheet metal and weatherstripping senors. Mine stick a bunch, and I just repleaced the weatherstripping the other day. So, my plans were to get something that won't wear out as quickly, and I figured a tapeswitch of sorts would last a little longer.

But SoymilkCharlie's concept is quite.... intriguing.
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ChilliumBromide · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR

Tenchi50 · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:07 am Post subject:

a foldable metal pad...i think i'm gonna try and make some designs, because that'd be pretty cool to see
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ChilliumBromide · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR

neuter_man · Basic Member Joined: 29 Jun 2007

The concept of a foldable metal pad is interesting, but I don't think that would be the way to go, especially because of the hinges. That'd cut off a decent portion, making a pretty big dead spot in the arrow. I didn't say it wouldn't work.

Another way to do it would be to have the panels lock together. Supposing you built the panels in such away that you could just lock them together. You'd probably have to have some sort of contact for the wiring so when they lock into place, they'd be connected. Y'know, sort of like a contact-plate-thingy.

But still... I need to build something, my summer's getting boring.
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videoCWK · Trick Member Joined: 04 Jun 2006 Location: woh

It'd probably work if you used durable yet small hinges and if it folded into what a cube would be if it was missing a side. That would still be kinda big, but would make transporting it much easier.
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neuter_man · Basic Member Joined: 29 Jun 2007

All you guys have got me thinking, and perhaps I should design a pad that would break into a cube of sorts...

Already have how the wiring would work, but I'd have to work on some other components. Depending on, the entire thing when broken apart could take up less than a cubic foot of floor space.

But I still need to work things out... Any suggestions for a decent locking solution?

Bad representation, I know, but It's just a rough mouse-sketch in Paint, so don't kill me on that please.

But I figure it'd work... with a little extra stuff.
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Tenchi50 · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:14 pm Post subject:

get a little spinny latch thing and just stick it on the edge where each panel meets. you know the things people use to lock cabinets for little kids and stuff
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slvrshdw · Trick Member Joined: 05 Jan 2005

you could always just split the pad into 3 pieces, and just connect them with holes/pegs

i thought about that, but just didnt care since my biggest pad already fit in my car :-p
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ChilliumBromide · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR

Actually, my fourth design (the would-be-DT400) was similar to the DT600 except that it would break up into 9 panels. I realised that this would pose a major problem when trying to manufacture the pads though, because it would most definitely require custom machine-made parts, which would be a pain in the arse.

It might be more possible with metal plates, if one did it like a jigsaw puzzle, since steel plates are hardcore.

Another thought I had when originally considering a foldable/disassembleable metal pad was electromagnetic connectors. I don't know how well that would work or how much electricity that would eat; just throwing it out there.
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neuter_man · Basic Member Joined: 29 Jun 2007

I guess I've lost what the topic was about anyways...

Semi-off topic question, what is the most reasonably priced, long lasting, and sensitive switch/sensor system?
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Tenchi50 · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:42 am Post subject:

going on mymybox and buying arcade sensors. or betson or another dist. company would work, but mymybox would be cheapest by far...wait. ebay had a full set for $99 a few days ago
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neuter_man · Basic Member Joined: 29 Jun 2007

Tenchi50, are those sensors you mentioned relatively sensitive and long lasting? I'll probably be playing for 45+ minutes a day on 8+ footers, if that information helps. I need something that won't die on me :[
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Tenchi50 · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 9:39 am Post subject:

well if the mymybox ones are actually arcade sensors, then they should last a good long while. i dont think arcades have to replace sensors very much. but if you're not sure about those, just get some from betson
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ChilliumBromide · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR

The black sensors from Channelbeat are PIU sensors, IIRC, which are pretty good, and much cheaper than Betson's $25 sensors. MMB is probably a good way to go, since you can buy 8 for $100, and they're the sensors used in BlueSharks.
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