How to Build a Robot - The BeetleBot v2 ( Revisited )

Step 2 The BeetleBot v2 ( Revisited ) - The SPDT switchs

This is the main component for this robot. The most expensive.

You might get them free or pay from 1$ to 4$ each.

the SPDT switchs need to be really sensitive! These switches are the most expensive part of the robot... around 1$ to 4$ each. The one I use are from Cherry.
http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/sealed/dcjk.htm

If you recycle old electronic, it might be all FREE! Try searching old VCR, PS2, old toys, printer, etc
Back then, I use to recycle everything, I got everything FREE, old VCR are very good for gears and something SPDT switchs!!! Playstation have great motors, the one that makes the laser move.

-- edit july 5 2008 I was surfing the website and found this cool instructable
http://www.instructables.com/id/Recycle-old-PCB-components/
His name is Nick and he is 14 years old!
He told me that is was going to build the beetle robot this weekend because he has all the parts!
He took the time to recycle. :P I did the same thing when I was his age! :)

At the end of his tutorial, I saw a picture of the blue recycling bin of is municipality - Blainville! That is like 10km from where I am living while making my internship!!

The world is small!

end edit --

Comments

[nassinger]

SPDT switches are those that are common in mouses? If yes, can i recycle them to make a robot with the old mouse?

[softballch1k99]

hey well if you look inside mouse there r two little boxes in the front of the mouse comp board they make a click-en noise when you press the down,those r mini ones

[robomaniac]

in mouse they don't have any metal lever. You can make your own metal lever with a paper clip that go it the plastic noob to activated the SWT.

[Lacurazz]

how can you tell if the switches are sensitive enough?

[Football viking boy]

The operating force is measured in gf. They can range from 2gf to 3000gf. 30gf might be OK.

[the tech head]

 usually the switch is just a strip of metal so it really doesn't matter 

[Football viking boy]

Go to this website to buy the switches http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Selection It has many SPDT switches and shipping is around $3.