apple contactless touch switch

BullsOnParade

Golden Member
Apr 7, 2003
1,259
0
0
Hi, I'm trying to think up a way to copy the
switch that apple has on its imac's, the
contactless touch switch. Basically it should work
behind a piece of lexan/plastic or what-have-you and
indicate on/off with a light. Anyone have ideas how
apple's works ?

dM
 

NogginBoink

Diamond Member
Feb 17, 2002
5,322
0
0
You could probably find one as a COTS part.

Try mouser or digi-key.


(COTS = commercial off the shelf)

EDIT: Didn't find any premade touch switches on digi key's site, but this looks hella cool. Build your own touch switch from any dielectric! A dollar ninety-seven if purchased in onesies. You could buy a half dozen just to play with 'em. (If you do, let me know if your entire house has touch switches next month!)
 

BullsOnParade

Golden Member
Apr 7, 2003
1,259
0
0
LoL! I took apart one of those touch lamps
and got the part number for the main IC and
was looking for it thinking i'd redo every switch in the
house. Thanks for the lead Noggin!

dM
 

XZeroII

Lifer
Jun 30, 2001
12,572
0
0
Originally posted by: fixMyAccount
LoL! I took apart one of those touch lamps
and got the part number for the main IC and
was looking for it thinking i'd redo every switch in the
house. Thanks for the lead Noggin!

dM

I didn't realize touch lamps had an IC. I thought they just wired the ground differently or something. My friend ran a wire from my touch lamp to the other side of my room and could turn it off and on from across the room. Quite interesting.