Floor triggers

afternoon chaps!

Has anyone had experience building floor triggers? I’m playing about with a simple installation where I’m using a makey makey to flip some animated video content in the browser using key codes. I need to build some neat looking floor pads this week that are essentially giant buttons. Has anyone seen any good tutorials or have experience? I found this, but I really need them to work with people wearing shoes.
ta!
http://www.edtechjunkies.com/index.php/makey-makey-a-floor-piano/

some dance dance revolution style usb controller?

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=ddr+usb+pad

I made some at college with thin foam with holes cut in it separating two bits of card with aluminium foil stuck to it, all inside a fabric pouch.

@RichM yeah that’s the kinda thing I was thinking of doing. I wasn’t sure what sort of foam density is required. @tobyspark yeah exactly!

It was 20 years ago… I seem to remember 3-5mm thick, and almost see-through.

3 ideas that may suite -
1.You can buy a pressure mat used in burglar alarm systems.
2. You can get pressure sensitive material, link that to either an Arduino or to an OP amp to control an output.
3. Make a simple switch , I made a tool depth switch for my CNC machine which is basically 3 probes on a spring plate, that when the centre is pressed then one or more arms breaks the circuit, so you can then use that as an output.


Just checked Maplin do a stair pressure mat - FK79L for £7.19, hope that helps.

Stair pressure matts are identical to what @richm is describing…

Sorry only trying to help … Foam with holes cut is available or make your own

Totally!

thanks guys! I’ve made some out of kappa board and expanded rubber that are pretty basic with two layers of adhesive la tape separated by foam spacers. I found a great suppliers for all types of rubber and foam called pentonville rubber if anyone needs stuff in a hurry. Thanks for all the tips.

Oh yes, Pentonville Rubber! They’ve been around for ages (and might even have supplied me at college…)

Should have thought of them…

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