texaslonghorn
iPF Noob
Here are a couple thoughts for anyone interested.
First - the metal barrel. I had success with two kinds. One was an old metal barrel pen. It was anodized aluminum and I had to remove the anodized finish for proper conductance. The second - far cooler - is an old Xacto knife. Shined it up nicely. Also does a good job of taking those big rubber things for your hand - I hate skinny pens and always add something to give me better grip.
Second - the tip. This has been driving me nuts. Like many others, I can't stand the big fat tip on commercial styli. So I started to make much smaller tips, internally reinforced with rubber and other resilient yet stiff materials. I made several that looked great, held the tip shape well - but didn't function on the screen. After hours and hours, I think I figured it out - I believe that the stylus must have a minimum surface area to work correctly. I don't know the exact measurement, but it is pretty close to those fat points on commercial styli. So while you may be able to make a slightly smaller tip, you can't go too much smaller or it won't function.
I have done some research into materials other than the foam and am requesting some samples. While I don't think that the conductivity of the material will change the surface area requirement, I am going to fart around with it anyway.
I need professional help.....
First - the metal barrel. I had success with two kinds. One was an old metal barrel pen. It was anodized aluminum and I had to remove the anodized finish for proper conductance. The second - far cooler - is an old Xacto knife. Shined it up nicely. Also does a good job of taking those big rubber things for your hand - I hate skinny pens and always add something to give me better grip.
Second - the tip. This has been driving me nuts. Like many others, I can't stand the big fat tip on commercial styli. So I started to make much smaller tips, internally reinforced with rubber and other resilient yet stiff materials. I made several that looked great, held the tip shape well - but didn't function on the screen. After hours and hours, I think I figured it out - I believe that the stylus must have a minimum surface area to work correctly. I don't know the exact measurement, but it is pretty close to those fat points on commercial styli. So while you may be able to make a slightly smaller tip, you can't go too much smaller or it won't function.
I have done some research into materials other than the foam and am requesting some samples. While I don't think that the conductivity of the material will change the surface area requirement, I am going to fart around with it anyway.
I need professional help.....
