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Subject: 
"Glass switch" for dept store window train display
Newsgroups: 
lugnet.trains
Date: 
Wed, 4 Oct 2000 21:55:46 GMT
Viewed: 
452 times
  
I landed a contract to build a holiday-themed train display for a local
department store.  Woo-hoo! [sound both the train and I are making]

What I'm looking for is an activation switch such that, when mounted on the
__inside__ of the glass window, passers-by on the sidewalk can activate the
train, tree lights, etc.  Anybody have experience with one of these?  The goal
is cost-effective implementation with no holes in the building and minimal
fire hazard.  Is anything like this available off the shelf?

I've looked at simple motion control.  Units either won't work as they shut
off during daylight hours, or require a relatively high load (70-90 watts).

A more primitive approach is a crude foil capacity plate stuck to the inside
of the glass, thus requiring I complete a circuit-system.  Not sure how
reliable this is.

I've also gotten leads on 'heat sensor' or IR switches.  I'm thinking that
this could mean a non-IR proximity heat pickup, an IR heat pickup, or an eye
capable of detecting IR at some distance (set to 'very short range').

Any help?  We've already posed the question to the TCA traintypes.

thx,
dan parker
TrainBuilder Productions, LLC



Message has 3 Replies:
  Re: "Glass switch" for dept store window train display
 
(...) What about the Mindstorms Vision Command? That would be a nearly 'all Lego' solution - other than the pc required to run the software... ;-) I've got one, but I haven't played with it yet. I'm sure the other GMLTC members will find many (...) (24 years ago, 5-Oct-00, to lugnet.trains)
  Re: "Glass switch" for dept store window train display
 
Just thinking : might a cool use for Mindstorms and the RCX, have two light sensor bricks facing out of the window and then respond only to quick light intensity changes, to account for day and night time illumination. And use the third sensor input (...) (24 years ago, 5-Oct-00, to lugnet.trains)
  Re: "Glass switch" for dept store window train display
 
(...) Or use a fancy capacitive plate: cut the foil into the shape of, say, a hand or a Christmas tree. (...) It may take a little tweaking to get the size of the antenna right, but it should be pretty solid once you do. Make sure you test with (...) (24 years ago, 5-Oct-00, to lugnet.trains)

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