Whisker Switches** - **Very sensitive lever switches. Great for detecting objects such as other sumo bots, walls, balls, etc. Simple to wire and attach to external 'bumper' bars.
This skill defines how difficult the soldering is on a particular product. It might be a couple simple solder joints, or require special reflow tools.
Skill Level: Noob - Some basic soldering is required, but it is limited to a just a few pins, basic through-hole soldering, and couple (if any) polarized components. A basic soldering iron is all you should need.
See all skill levels
If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.
Skill Level: Competent - You will be required to reference a datasheet or schematic to know how to use a component. Your knowledge of a datasheet will only require basic features like power requirements, pinouts, or communications type. Also, you may need a power supply that?s greater than 12V or more than 1A worth of current.
See all skill levels
We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.
No reviews yet.
i like these... very clicky
I have a ton of these from surplus already. Could someone post a (link to) picture or model of how these are "simple" to attach to a bumper bar type switch? I can't figure out a way, except by attaching a whisker to the blade with globs of epoxy. I'd like to be able to reuse them when my designs gets recycled.
As an alternative, I've though about surrounding my robot with large domed arcade switches - about the same price and easy to mount with a L-shaped bracket.
TIA ...
I usually use a solderless blade terminal to interface these with a bumper mechanism. You might have to squeeze the end a bit so it fits the switch arm snugly, but they work quite well. Different color connectors are different sizes, so make sure you get the one that fits your switch the best.
Hmmm. Seems rather expensive for such a simple switch...
Sensitive switches like these are somewhat expensive to produce due to their complexity.
Open one up and you'll see what I mean.
I popped one open, and it is surprising, there are (at least in a slightly bigger equivalent, though I would assume the smaller ones use basically the same mechanism) 4 separate moving parts and 2 stationary metal contact strips in complex shapes.
Sketchup Model.
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=bd19b487c844f7c51c8cb6d3d1e7cec7
Never use one of these as a trigger for an Uzi. xP