Introduction: Robust Big Piezo Button

For a project I need a few robust buttons. I could not find buttons in a certain size, so I decided to create my own.When you push or tap the front side of the button, you will get an impulse of +-1sec.The piezo will generated a small impulse, which is amplified by a transistor. A Ne555 in monostable mode gives me a 1sec impulse.

Button Test

Test 555

Step 1: The Housing for the Button

I used a 55mm Pipe Stop End. I sand the piece to remove the irregularities.In the pipe stop end, I glued a 35mm Piezo element inside it with super glue.

Step 2: The PCB

Because I need about 8 buttons, I decided to create a PCB.I used DipTrace for the layout, and I ordered them at http://www.pcbway.com/

Step 3: How to Fix the PCB

I painted the Button yellow.

I used a piece of plastic angle and cut 2 small pieces of it. With Hot glue they are kept in place and with epoxy glue they will stay there forever.I drilled 2 small holes in the angels to fix the PCB.

Step 4: Why I Needed Them (update)