Pushable LEGO Big Red Button
Of course, now that I have the Arduino controlled Big Red Buttons, I can't stop there!
Introducing: The LEGO Big Red Button!
Watch out, Bats!
This one does not have an actual switch or any sort of electronics inside, but it has a spring so it can be pushed. For that, I used the spring from a disposable ballpoint pen, something that anyone can acquire easily. They are usually between 4-5 millimeters in diameter, a perfect fit for the Technic holes.
With this design, the button can move up and down an entire block's height.
The spring inside the button.
Variations
I made a few variants, but I couldn't decide on which one I liked better, so I ended up making two versions. The first one has tiles to cover up any studs, and a round button for a bit of arcade feel.
Black version.
The second one is the "rustic" version. A colleague of mine called it like that and the name stuck. It has the studs exposed, hence the rustic look. It also has a flat mushroom button instead, which resembles more the typical rocket launching buttons.
"Rustic" version.
Building instructions
I made instructions for both versions, have fun and brick on!