Optic trigger mod

[ArisugawaSorata]

So here's my proposal: replace the microswitch on the E*Tek board with an optic sensor so as to have a system like stock Ego boards. However, I'm trying to determine if any pre-existing eye systems could be altered for this use. The question I really have is one of electrical nature. The microswitch on the board is of a common style (similar to Spyder switches, Ion switches, etc.) yet all 3 terminals are soldered to the board. That says to me that the board has some process for when the switch is released as well as when it's triggered. In that case, it wouldn't be a matter of wiring the positive and negative of (an) optic sensor(s) to the board, there would need to be a third contact. If anyone has fairly extensive knowledge of Ego boards and/or their workings, LMK if you think this is feasible.

[ase]

Timmy baords have the three soldered wires to the microswitch too... I'm not really sure what your question is though.

[paintballer667]

I believe he's trying to ask if he can switch out the micro-switch with an optical BB switch.

[ArisugawaSorata]

Correct.

The comment on the prongs is in relation to how those switches work. They have 3 contact points, one at the bottom, and one on either side of the flapper inside the switch. Most switches (Spyders, Ions, Timmys) are only wired in 2 places, because they only want the switch making a circuit when it's clicked. The third prong would cause it to make yet another circuit when it's released. The question I'm asking is whether or not the 3rd prong actually triggers some function on the Ego board, or if they're all just soldered to the board for structural reasons.

Talked to my dad about it (he's done Amateur Radio for well over 30 years, so he knows his electronics) and he said there are probably small optical switches like that out there. If we were to find one, he could do the replacement and soldering for me. I'll let you all know if I come across something and make the first optic-trigger E*Tek board. :tup:

[pyrosrule2]

ya that would be awesome let me know if u get it done

[Crede777]

Microswitch > Opti switch. Trust me, if there's a problem with the feel of your switch, then it would be cheaper and easier to just get a lighter switch.

But whatever, it sounds like a cool side project.

[OmenPimp]

opti>micro

[Crede777]

Yeah... no. With microswitch, you get the tactile feel, the snappiness, and more control over your physical bounce. Opti switches are bad because they can get gummed up, have mis reading errors, etc.

Microswitches wear out, but still nothing can beat the click and snappiness.

[ShockerGEEk]

I'll let you all know if I come across something and make the first optic-trigger E*Tek board. :tup:
Actually TAG has already beat you to it. Their universal EGO Predator board uses the opti sensor and will work in the ETek. I'm sure yours would be cheaper, but the Pedator board has so many more features.
But I too would rather have a micro switch over the opti sensor.

[impybackman939]

But then again it's tag and I'd have to say their customer service is worse than Smart Parts. I haven't heard anything good about them. Thats one of the reasons I got an ego because of planet eclipse and their customer service.

[Dave Thibault]

you could just buy a custom modded 06 star frame off me and have the ego board with lcd and frame on your etek for a decent price.