I have spent WAYYYY too much time tweaking DIY styli, and....

[texaslonghorn]

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.....

 

[Matth3w]

I'm subscribing just to see what you come up with

 

[NumbLock]

Cool project! Think about conductive foam that they ship microchips in. We vave a ton at work, but our version is kind of crumbly.

 

[texaslonghorn]

I am trying to find a suitable alternative to that foam. That is the hard part.

 

[CMFox]

Photos of your progress?

This sounds like fun. Keep spending the time.

CM

 

[MikesTooLz]

I just use a finger.
Its cheaper than anything else and always works.

 

[Linkreincarnate]

You could try some wire glue on various objects. It's definitely conductive but I'm not sure how well it would play with the screen. I'd recommend mixing with a machine for a nice smooth coating. Maybe it's conductive enough to be covered in another material like microfiber and still work?

 

[orisonmarden]

I'm subscribing just to see what you come up with

:shakehand:

 

[snormansell]

I read somewhere that electrostatic bags work well. Just roll one up into a thin tube and it works well. I of course was unable to find one to test this with just as soon as I started looking for one...

 

[Linkreincarnate]

Wire glue has been tested and works like a charm. Video proof. Works on thick gloves as well. I used it on a paintbrush. Just pick out any bit that stick out while drying and it is fine for the screen.