Touch Strip ideas ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: PeterG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2014, 11:01:05 pm
content: I have installed a 1.8M LED light strip in my kitchen. Works very well, however, SHMBO has rejected all switching ideas i have put forward so far. This leads me to putting some sort of Touch switch about the same length as the LED strip. I am unsure which method to use for sensing, either a metal strip connected to a touch sensor or a bi-metal strip using capacitive sensing.Has anyone done sure a thing?Regards

author: Maxlor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 02:37:25 pm
content: I find IR proximity switches useful for this sort of thing. Can be mounted invisibly, and you can turn the lights on with a quick wave without having to clean your hands (or the switch afterwards), which is useful if you're in the middle of preparing something.

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 03:04:32 pm
content: How about aluminimum foil stripes inside a tube with your led lights? The foil functions as a capacitance sensor + light reflector and is nearly invisible in the sense that its reflectivity makes it look like the leds.the foil can be connected to a touch lamp sensor and you are done!

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 03:43:23 pm
content: pressure sensors in the floor, like the bond films.

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 03:45:05 pm
content: This one is easy... Clap on.. Clap off.. Clap on clap off. The Clapper!!! It's all right there in the commercial! DONE! Hahahaha

author: PeterG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 09:09:14 pm
content: Thanks for the replies, i am thinking using a touch strip with touch controller will be my best option.Touch sensor module.http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/191014518025Aluminium Tape.http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/390766452772The touch sensor has a limited current capacity but replacing the semiconductor with a decent mosfet should fit that.My main concern is, will the length of the foil strip make the touch sensor more or less reliable. Will it become prone to false triggering etc.Regards

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2014, 05:55:19 pm
content: A long strip will be both prone to false triggering and will act as a proximity sensor, turning the lights on and off as you move around the kitchen, as well as reacting to the cellphones near to it. Short strip near to the entrance or a switch flush with the underside ( small tactile switch on a small PCB all painted white) to turn the lights on and off will be the most reliable.

author: Blechi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 18, 2014, 01:05:19 am
content: Hi,long time lurker, first post.I'd use a little IR motion detector likethis oneset to retrigger mode and the lens partially covered to tune the sensed area.hthBlechi

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2014, 04:46:51 am
content: That got me wondering. Did you ever have the clapper or some variation of it in your respective countries? Or is it just another one of those only in America land fill stuffers?

author: PeterG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2014, 07:21:52 am
content: The old 'clapper' switch has been and long gone i feel. Definitely not what i am looking at for this project....bit too retro....Regards