your opinions about durability/ useability of switches.?

[mrb]

there is not a "switch" forum,, so i will post here...

I have had pretty good luck with the push switch in the pic i attached... but everything else i have tried, burns up fast, or doesn't work at all... like the tactile bb and horn switch.. the horn switch i thought was supposed to be extremely durable.

anyway, it sucks because even though it always works,, it gets in the way.

i am attempting to use these in a 3.7 volt battery box.

just wondering maybe i am doing something wrong, not doing anything especially different than anyone else, actually, making new ones as simple as posssible.

did i get a bad batch? what do you use as a good dependable switch.

 

[AttyPops]

I've been through several switches. Misc. thoughts:

1) Mosfets allow for low-amp switches. Hoping this works out better.
2) Elevator buttons are rated for lotsa pushes (the technical term...lol ) and some are "butterfly" switches with different contacts, but can be big
3) Try a switch company.... like.. and this is just a link I found.... IDK if that is the exact switch I would want, but you get the idea.

PV6 anti-vandal switch | illuminated anti-vandal | water resistant anti-vandal | www.e-switch.com

4) A good switch will cost more, but it's a "you get what you pay for" type of thing.

5) Try www.digikey.com or www.mouser.com too.
6) You could also try a doorbell button with a mosfet
7) "touch" switches are easy to make using a mosfet. Could be dangerous tho... easy to "set off" by accident, depending on design.
End of random thoughts....

Good Luck!

 

[Java_Az]

There is not a tactile switch made that can handle the amps atomizers require. They can be used safely with a mosfet. Not sure what horn switch you were using but most are rated pretty high on amps. Main thing to look at is the amp rating of the switch. 3 ampers will hold up really well. I have been using a 3 amp radio shack special for 5 months now and it is still going strong. Not sure if the ones that are getting in your way are doing it inside the box or on the out side. Here is a link to the one i have been using. Would clear up your problem if the in the way problem is on the outside. 3A 125V SPST Normally Open Pushbutton Momentary Switch - RadioShack.com They come with a red push button also. If you wanting to use a smaller switch you going to have to learn about mosfets and how to wire them into your circuit. Well you only have to if you want your switches to last i should say.

 

[mrb]

hmmm, i guess i just figured that if madvapes was selling them, they would include anything you need to make them work,. like when i get my LED's from them, they come with a resistor so they don't burn out.

i read a little about mosfets though, so i think i understand a little more now. i'll do some more research later.

what is weird though is the green horn buttons i got from madvapes are 5amp. they should have easily worked in my 3.7v mod.

oh well, win some lose some.

the switch i'm using gets in the way on the outside. makes it hard to put in a pocket,, sticks wayy out. but, oh well, it works.

that vandal resistant switch would be really cool, and sure it would last a long time.. something i would use in a really nice mod..16 bucks...ha ha

ok, looks like i found the culprit to my failure.... my ignorance. thanks all

 

[Erwin]

I have one of those PV6 switches for my next mod. It has a very nice feel to it and cannot wait to see it in action.

 

[b00stzx3]

IIRC those little radiopshack switches aren't durable, but they are very cheap. I've had nothing but good luck with my Madvapes Horn-style switches, a bit more $ than radio shack but worth it. Easy to press, reliable and very short in height so makes fitting in a mod easy.

 

[cyberwolf]

I just destroyed two of the switches the OP showed, although mine came from Radio Shack. My assumption is that my poor soldering skills are to blame, although I had a heatsink on them when soldering. What I do know from ripping one apart is that this type is very sensitive to having the connectors bent and heating aggravates the issue.