Does such and thing exist (Electronic/Mechanical)

geuben · 13 Sep 2009 at 00:45

I'm looking for a small either electronic or mechanical device that does the following.

Can be 'set' electronically.
When in it's set state it has a visual difference than when unset (to show that it's set).
Once set it can be disconnected from the power source and will still retain the same visual state.
Can be reset electronically.

Basically something like those e-ink displays in eBook things but much smaller (effectively only one pixel).

Does such a thing exist?

geuben · 13 Sep 2009 at 00:57

I probably could make one out of a few bits, like you describe. The main reason I'm after something like this is cost really (and simplicity), If it comes down to not being able to find a complete cheap solution then I'll just use an LED and a tiny battery instead.

geuben · 13 Sep 2009 at 01:03

It's to act as an indicator on a removable magazine for a laser tag gun, to indicate that the magazine is empty. The plan is to keep the magazines as simple as possible (reduce costs) so I don't really want to start adding batteries, latches etc into them.

geuben · 13 Sep 2009 at 01:13

Alasdair said:
You could use a solenoid connected to a power supply.

I did consider a solenoid but at about £3 for a small 6v one I might as well go down the small battery and led route as that would be cheaper.