> >> 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.
> 
> Useful data point - although their usage rates are liable to be much lower
> than I specified.
> 
> 
>         R


I can't recall the last time I've had a SMD switch solder joint fail, I do
know the last one was where the circuit board flexed a little, and that
caused the track to crack.  Sockets, such as headphones, are more likely to
be ripped off the PCB in one way or another.

A test rig isn't too hard to set up, and motor/cam arrangement spinning at
60rpm will do 86400 presses in a day.  Those little microwave turntable
motors are great for this stuff, but they're usually only 5-6 RPM.  The cam
is nothing special, a round wooden disc with the hole offset from the centre
will work.  In this case the hole only needs to be offset a few mm as the
travel distance is short.

Side load can be simulated by adding a 'finger', i.e. a small piece of rod,
between the cam & the switch and setting it at an angle.  A small bit of
pipe around the finger to guide it would be useful.

Tony

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