Odd issue with modified stylus

[Kamakzie]

A question for my fellow iPaders. I had my father modify an acase stylus for me. He popped the top end off and put a fiberglass extension on it. I wanted this so I could reach the top of the iPad screen more easily. However if I hold onto the fiberglass end the stylus does nothing when touching the iPad but if I move down to the stylus part itself it works fine. Any ideas why it doesn't work? Any tips on how to make an extension that does work? Attached is a crude photo that I took of the modified stylus with the iPad


!

 

[dhewson777]

If you google a DIY stylus you will see that the key to making a stylus work on an idevice is the electrostatic charge from your body against the screen. By extending it, you've broken the conductivity of the stylus. If you were to extend a stylus, you would need to use a conductive metal that links to the conductive rubber-like material that the tip is made of. My current stylus has a grip made of the same conductive material that the tip is made from. If I hold the stylus further up the shaft, it does not respond, just as you have experienced.

 

[Kamakzie]

That's amazing, thanks for the response. I wonder what kind of conductive material would work and can I just attach it to the original stylus... Guess I'm off to Google.

 

[ipadbraincell]

That's amazing, thanks for the response. I wonder what kind of conductive material would work and can I just attach it to the original stylus... Guess I'm off to Google.

You could try silver or aluminum paint, the metal contents is often used a a shield against Radio Interference.

 

[Kamakzie]

You could try silver or aluminum paint, the metal contents is often used a a shield against Radio Interference.

Got it figured out.. Used some copper and now it works fine.

 

[Kamakzie]

Update: copper works fine but makes my hands smell. Just ordered an aluminum rod. Hopefully it will conduct enough to work. Will update if it does.

 

[Kamakzie]

Aluminum rod indeed worked. I am a happy camper!