Thread: Match Switches?

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Where does everyone buy their switches? I see DCshop has some, and the largest manufacturere seems to be TapeSwitch.

Thanks,
-jds

I have no idea what these switches are but i am really curious now. I can't wait to find out. I just bought some laser sensors that our connected to a pheumatic valve. I got them on ebay the other day so I am excited for them to arrive. I hope they work the way I think they will.

You must mean mat switches. I got mine from McMaster-Carr. It's the same mat as Tapeswitch sells (17" X 23").

You can build a mat switch your self, I've been using one for three years, works fine.
http://supersoda.com/detail.php?id=00000000036
mines a little different, can't find those instructions anymore.Instead of the cardboard separaters I used foam rubber about 1/4 inch thick and cut a series of 1 inch holes in it. Also I replaced the outer cardboard with some more durable rubber mat that is thin and fexible.I only use 12 volt on this for safety reasons. Made entirely from found items[except the foil] and works great.

Rainy,
Can you give us some detailed instructions on how to wire a mat up to use? What did you use for the 12 volts? How is it connected to the prop and/or timer? I think people would be very interested in seeing how to hook everything up. Thanks!

Hooking up the power is a little tricky, you have to solder wires to the aluminum foil. this does take a little soldering skill, if your not that well versed, do some practice on scrap foil first. for the power supply I use a walwart of sufficient amperage to trigger what ever you need. mostly I have used it to trigger an event timer, but have also used one to trip an asco type valve. both worked fine.
another hint is to make sure and tape all edges of both halves of the mat to ensure they dont touch. you only want contact when a victim steps on your trigger.
THESE ARE NOT WATER PROOF at all. I use these only on indoor applications. Its only 12 volt but its still dangerous.

Hauntaholik posted a how to on mats...

http://www.halloweenforum.com/showthread.php?t=10110

Hauntaholik has an excellent description on how to build one. very good job. I'm better at buildin stuff than describing how to do it. wish i'd seen h'ahlolics first..

Tricky switches are nice and necessary but for full potential effect always mount a manual switch too so it can be activated when the timing is most right, if you have someone watching the victims, that is..
Little push button switches handling the 24 volts require only very small, easy to hide wire.
Sometimes I will have two of these at opposite sides of the room, this really confuses the returning customers!
(especially the ones who think they have it all figured out, or at least almost all figured out..."How did you activate that? Do you have a pocket full of radio remote controls?"
"Yes, I do, my name is Bond, James Bond.'