Analogue-sequencer

> > The current P3 switch boards will take standard tact
> > switches as well as the Multimec and Maplin parts, and
> > there are a huge range of different caps for those.
>
> Are you talking about pin geometry here, or are there
> electrical issues?

I'm talking about pin geometry.
Have a look at this image -
http://www.colinfraser.com/p3/images/Switch%20choice.jpg

You can see that each switch location on the PCB has 8 holes.
2 for Maplin switches, 4 for 'standard' tact switches, and 4 for the
Multimec switches. The tact and Multimecs have pairs of pins connected
internally, and just use 4 pins for stronger mounting.

> What does 'tact' mean? Is it a brand, or a some standard for
> fixing caps to a button?

It's short for 'tactile', meaning that they give a little click as you press
them to provide tactile feedback I guess.
They are made by ALPS, Omron, Diptronics, E-Switch, and others.
You'll find them in lots of electronic gear, including the TB303 and TR606.

> Do you think the Maplins last long? Can they take a good
> amount of beating?

The Maplin switches are of very similar construction to the keys in old 80's
home computers, and were used many years ago in 'proper' keyboard kits for
computers that had membrane or rubber keyboards, such as the Sinclair ZX81
(Timex 1000).
I have a number of computers from this period, and have never had to replace
a key switch.
They should easily last a long, long time.

Cheers,
Colin f



________________________________________________
Message sent using UebiMiau 2.7.2

> 
> Nice work, Colin!  Thanks for making the switch PCB that flexible.
> When will the next set of boards be available?

I want to get a quote from a 'local' (i.e. UK) PCB maker.
Depending on how their price compares to the previous supplier, I'll
place the order as soon as the ready-built units currently being
assembled have shipped either with them, or with Olimex again. I was
happy enough with the first run of boards, but they did take a loooong
time to get here, especially the boards they missed out first time !

I'm hoping to place the order this month, so boards should be ready
January next year, maybe February.
The second run will be somewhat bigger so I don't run out quite so soon
this time, and can build more complete units for sale.

Cheers,
Colin f

Nice work, Colin!  Thanks for making the switch PCB that flexible.
When will the next set of boards be available?

- Robert

>> > The current P3 switch boards will take standard tact
>> > switches as well as the Multimec and Maplin parts, and
>> > there are a huge range of different caps for those.
>>
>> Are you talking about pin geometry here, or are there
>> electrical issues?
>
>I'm talking about pin geometry.
>Have a look at this image -
>http://www.colinfraser.com/p3/images/Switch%20choice.jpg
>
>You can see that each switch location on the PCB has 8 holes.
>2 for Maplin switches, 4 for 'standard' tact switches, and 4 for the
>Multimec switches. The tact and Multimecs have pairs of pins connected
>internally, and just use 4 pins for stronger mounting.
>
>> What does 'tact' mean? Is it a brand, or a some standard for
>> fixing caps to a button?
>
>It's short for 'tactile', meaning that they give a little click as you press
>them to provide tactile feedback I guess.
>They are made by ALPS, Omron, Diptronics, E-Switch, and others.
>You'll find them in lots of electronic gear, including the TB303 and TR606.
>
>> Do you think the Maplins last long? Can they take a good
>> amount of beating?
>
>The Maplin switches are of very similar construction to the keys in old 80's
>home computers, and were used many years ago in 'proper' keyboard kits for
>computers that had membrane or rubber keyboards, such as the Sinclair ZX81
>(Timex 1000).
>I have a number of computers from this period, and have never had to replace
>a key switch.
>They should easily last a long, long time.
>
>Cheers,
>Colin f
>
>
>
>________________________________________________
>Message sent using UebiMiau 2.7.2
>
>
>
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>analogue-sequencer-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/