Help requested a solution for goodlooking wall mount switchbox for DIY project? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2015, 11:01:26 am
content: So the situation is that I have built my own low voltage led dimmable drivers with my own custom RS485 protocol and now I want to control these from the living room.It should be very spouse friendly since she also would like to have some light when I am not aroundSo as a friendly user interface, I am searching for a while now for goodlooking empty wall mount switches or enclosures (example see picture), to add my own electronics, but I can't find anything for DIY.Pro companies do offer stuff like this but filled with their own electronics inside, they ask an arm and a leg for it and they use their own protected codes -> rejected!So I started creating "things" with smd switches and pushbutton switches just to find out they become darn ugly -> rejected!So this is a nice forum with a huge DIY electronics community, surely some of you have built something like this or stumbled upon a source where I can buy this kind of enclosures? Please no advice to use a tablet or PC-IP controlled solutions etc. don't want that, my spouse would kill meJust a nice goodlooking empty switchbox anyone?

author: 128er
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2015, 11:43:06 am
content: Hi!I don't know any empty switch insert for concealed mounting. If I had to do something similar I would use these type of blind covers with the matching frame:http://www.eibmarkt.com/cgi-bin/eibmarkt.storefront/EN/Product/GIRA-Control-element-blind-cover-026827?userLocale=DE&CountryID=41&Currency=EURHere is a thread from a german forum. Those guys have build their own home automation devices for RS485 communication with Profibus protocol. Look at the pictures to get an impression. I think theirsolution is quite good. But you have to cut/drill the covers by yourself.http://www.mikrocontroller.net/topic/106174Or you look for some sort of used or broken EIB/KNX Switches and repurpose them:http://www.ebay.nl/itm/121674177031?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.nl%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D121674177031%26_rdc%3D1

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2015, 12:03:21 pm
content: Hi , thanks for the info, sure looks good.Quote from: 128er on June 17, 2015, 11:43:06 amI have tried some experiments with that, for a few big buttons that is doable, for many small smd buttons I ran into the problem that I am missing the mechanical white plastick buttontops that should not fall out. I am not sure if I am expressing my self clearly , lets try again:You have a smt switch (available on ebay) on the pcb, you have the cover with holes. Now I need the right plastick mechanical button that will stay between the switch and cover and looks good. If you know where I can find those that would also be very much appreciated.QuoteVery nice with the display. Electronic and Mechanical engineering are two different skills, lets say the first I am better skilled in than the second

author: alanambrose
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2015, 08:40:34 pm
content: It's fairly easy to 3D print (using Shapeways etc, not a consumer-grade) a nice custom mount. I'll see if I can post some example images etc.Alan

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2015, 08:47:30 pm
content: Quote from: alanambrose on June 17, 2015, 08:40:34 pmIs there now a solution to get a perfect shiny surface? My friend has a 3D printer and on the slowest and most accurate setting that takes half a day to print you still can see and feel the imperfections between the layers, but if I could outsource it to a pro 3D printer that might workBut still need the knobs, or can you print those too

author: kolbep
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2015, 09:14:01 pm
content: maybe a uC that has capacitive sensingNot too sure how that works, but you can probably take your Plastic/Glass/whatever plate that will be your front plate, and laser or acid etch a nice design on it.Then just behind this faceplate you have the pcb that is detecting the capacitive presses.If your etches are deep enough, you could even backlight it with LED's to make it easier to see the entire Switch panel.

author: kingofkya
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2015, 09:29:06 pm
content: I would do a nice Pcb with capacitive sensing.http://www.ti.com/lit/an/slaa379/slaa379.pdfAnd use the pcb as the interface. And put the micro and stuff on the back, maybe even some of thouse reverse mount smd leds.http://www.digikey.com/catalog/en/partgroup/1206-reverse-mount-round-with-flat-top-led/34833Opes i guess someone already said all this.... links anyways