On Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:21:41 +1300, apptech wrote:

>An existing push button N/O push to operate switch uses through hole 
>techology. Use rate is reasonably high - target is 100,000 reliable 
>operations in 5 years. It's behind a rubber boot and forces on it are liable 
>to be "reasonably vertical" most of the time. A user would have to try 
>reasonably hard to exert any noticeable sideforce on the switch. It's in 
>portable equipment which is liable to be in regular use every dau in many 
>cases and also liable to be subject to a reasonable amount of rough and 
>tumble The switch is not liable to usually be subject to extreme forces and 
>it's not a high vibration environment. [[No prizes for guestimating the 
>appliocation. Nor comment probably]].
>
>SO
>
>The manufacturer wants to change to a surface mount switch.
>I'm a bit dubious about the probable longevity of the mounting if solder 
>alone is used. Adhesive could be added as a backup.
>
>Any thoughts?
>
>Ant experiences to relate?

The older keyring remote controls in use here (car alarm, for example)
usually have SMD switches that are only soldered, and they seem to be
reasonably reliable over many years. There is also the method they use
today, with printed patters on the board and a conductive layer on the
inside of the rubber.

Gerhard

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