This seems to be a really common problem due to the use of very simple tactile buttons that are prone to contact corrosion with moisture and chemicals.
There are lots of different types of these switches on eBay if you search for tactile switch. The tactile bit refers to the way the contact disk momentarily deforms with a distinct click and detectable finger sensation when it operates.
Another common place for these switches to fail is in vehicle remote key fobs.
The switches are very cheap due to their simplicity and mass production. Here's a typical eBay search:-
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=10pcs+tactile+button&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_sop=15
Note that there is a wide range of styles and sizes. The type I used in the video has an actuator shaft that is available in several heights. I happened to have the right size on hand.
The battery test indicated that the cells have half the capacity that is printed on them. 1100mAh instead of 2200mAh. That's actually a good result for this type of product. Some ship with the cheapest and lowest capacity 18650s that they can find.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
There are lots of different types of these switches on eBay if you search for tactile switch. The tactile bit refers to the way the contact disk momentarily deforms with a distinct click and detectable finger sensation when it operates.
Another common place for these switches to fail is in vehicle remote key fobs.
The switches are very cheap due to their simplicity and mass production. Here's a typical eBay search:-
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=10pcs+tactile+button&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_sop=15
Note that there is a wide range of styles and sizes. The type I used in the video has an actuator shaft that is available in several heights. I happened to have the right size on hand.
The battery test indicated that the cells have half the capacity that is printed on them. 1100mAh instead of 2200mAh. That's actually a good result for this type of product. Some ship with the cheapest and lowest capacity 18650s that they can find.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
I'd be inclined to use one decent 18650 with > 3 Ah capacity rather than risk firey excitement with those cells.
Fascinating video and channel. Cheers for giving your time to post these gems.
nice work , have you a contact number ,so i can chat to you
This matter of switches reminds me of a question for Big Clive. Perhaps he'll see this…
Big Clive, I had the (dis)pleasure of repairing my Panasonic microwave oven today, and took a good look a the interlock switch assembly, consisting of three "micro"-type switches in a complicated plastic housing. You'd think that the operation would merely be a matter of fingers in the latch actuating these switches, but there appears to be much more to the operation, as one of the switches is only temporarily struck by part of the finger mechanism, which then stays in place with just-enough pressure to keep the switch actuated, but, in actuality, (no pun untended), not held firmly from continuing pressure from the finger. In other words, some design involving specific values of momentum and inertia play a rather complicated role in the operation, perhaps as a means to make the interlock hard to defeat. So, would you consider dissecting one of these mechanisms, and offer your excellent analytical ability regarding how it works? I did a US patent search, and found miles of patent rhetoric, which, as usual with patents, was very hard to understand, but perhaps you already know, and can explain, this strange mechanism. Thanks… I love your channel!
(The problem with the oven, as it turned out, were not the switches, but the incredibly flimsy bracket that held the interlock assembly in place… with a year of moderate use, it gradually bent out of shape, and caused the door latch fingers to misalign with the complicated interlock mechanism.)
Should've bought a Zebralight.
Hi clive what do you use for the zoomed in photos? Those are really good detail
Oh the switch is prone to tarnish on the unused contacts and what not… how come you didn't just dap a little protective solder cap on?
I find the solder wick works better if I compress it slightly longitudinally. That spreads it sideways a bit and opens the pores between the wires.
You should do a video on replacing them micro switches in car key fobs…Ive done a couple and they are very fiddly..
Just Flux It!
Good job Clive!
"it's missing most of the presses right" whenever i hear someone end a sentence with "right" i think of applied science