Optical Trigger Module Prototype

While waiting for ICP PCB to be made and delivered, I picked up one of the many PhDs (Project half Done). This one is the 2-stage trigger module used in the F-16.


The left is the disassembled real mil-spect OTTO trigger (something like USD $150+). The right hand one is the 3D printed prototype. They look very similar, and have similar 2-stage mechanism, but the materials are completely different and requires quite a bit of testings. See how many I printed so far in testing the 3D printing tolerance and some of the minor corrections. It's not even half way yet.

Instead of using a mechanical microswitch like the original, I am using optical sensors so I can reduce the latency to the range of µs range. This is one button that latency matters!

The springs bought from Lee Spring are ordered... but they are way too expensive at home made quantity. I will have to figure out a way to make the springs from piano wires. I have a mini-lathe, but I am contemplating on easier ways to make such small diameter springs, with easier tools/rigs.







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