Dead Mans Switch

[ferret_guy]

I was going to just grab one off an old lawnmower, or somthing, but I was wondering if you had any suggestions to purchase something like this there doesn't seem to be anything like this on MCmaster

[Siri]

Originally Posted by ferret_guy

I was going to just grab one off an old lawnmower, or somthing, but I was wondering if you had any suggestions to purchase something like this there doesn't seem to be anything like this on MCmaster

Aren't you basically just looking for a momentary switch that that's default is off? No one pushing = off, someone pushing = on, let go = off, etc. Or do you need it not to restart if you push again after letting go?

[pntbll1313]

Do you want it to put the robot in disabled mode or actually cut the power? If you just want it in disabled mode you could do that with some simple software and a limit switch mounted to the joystick. When the limit switch is closed it can be enabled, when it's open (the hands let go of the joystick) then it cannot be enabled.

[ferret_guy]

I was looking for a switch that needs to be held against a bar, when its released, the software will immediately stop all the motors, I am using a limit switch, but was hoping for something with more red plastic

[Mr V]

The limit switches commonly used on FIRST robots are a viable option. If you want it bigger and redder make what ever operates it big and red. Or you could connect it to one of these.

[MrBasse]

We make use of some parts we got through First Choice on our electric car. It uses a bicycle brake lever and cable that is attached to one of the large rotary limit switches we got last year. The cable lets us remote mount the switch anywhere we want and keeps the electronics protected from contact or in the case of our last race, water. Bike brake handles come in red too...

[D.Allred]

Originally Posted by ferret_guy

I was looking for a switch that needs to be held against a bar, when its released, the software will immediately stop all the motors, I am using a limit switch, but was hoping for something with more red plastic

Mark,
I'm not familiar with standard off-the-shelf deadman switches configured as a grip bar. Typical industrial applications would use mushroom cap momentary limit switches. A typical one is McMaster Carr number 7403K41. It would meet your "big red plastic switch" specification. They come in normally open or normally closed configurations. This model can be used in a control circuit and switch about 2.5 amps.

David