tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063268635618920899.post822399910956494491..comments2024-03-12T22:50:55.860+01:00Comments on IK1ZYW Labs: Nice-looking waterproof matrix keypad: how?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063268635618920899.post-5952815260284957072016-04-18T00:23:06.377+02:002016-04-18T00:23:06.377+02:00magnetic reed switches and a magic wand.. engrave ...magnetic reed switches and a magic wand.. engrave the labels from the back, and backlight or side light. key lights to magic wand storage. techiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03191745116616528754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063268635618920899.post-53352789712628354812016-04-05T19:14:56.495+02:002016-04-05T19:14:56.495+02:00Thank you Stephen for your hint. The "problem...Thank you Stephen for your hint. The "problem" is actually more aesthetic than electronic. See pictures at http://q61.org/en/nixietmr/ . I think that keypad does not look good there; YMMV. That is how my wondering started. Capacitive sensors are technically feasible, but probably not in the average hobbyist lab. I have always tried to build circuits that could be easily reproduced with simple tools and little cost. Not counting that I am not yet able to draw a PCB and get it printed: I "burn" my computer time at work and in the free time I prefer staying away from it (a partial lie, since I have to do firmware coding...).Paolohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15102621371527878145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063268635618920899.post-61117632326469803142016-04-05T06:33:23.229+02:002016-04-05T06:33:23.229+02:00Cypress Semiconductor sells some nice capacitive t...Cypress Semiconductor sells some nice capacitive touch sensor chips, including some that can handle a keypad matrix. Using one will require reading app more and doing a PCB layout, but you could make it look as nice as you want.<br /><br />Electronic surplus dealers in the US often have membrane 3x4 and 4x4 keypads available on the web. If I recall, I've seen them on eBay from Chinese sellers as well. These have a solid, waterproof sheet of plastic on their face, and they are just a few USD. I don't know if there are Italian sources, but the Chinese sellers say they will ship anywhere.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04096748684396985279noreply@blogger.com