Taping into buttons

cheapie408

New Member
I have a variable speed pump that does not have wifi and would like to add one.

Found a youtube video of someone taping into the buttons of the controller using a WiFi relay to mimic a button press. Is it safe to assume that most if not all buttons are some forum of dry contact?

The buttons are connected using a ribbon cable to the board in the photo below. There are a total of 7 buttons on the keypad and a total of 9 pins on the ribbon cable. I measure the current and it appears that it's operating on 5V.

I don't know much about electronics but I'm guessing the keypress should send 5v to whatever the trigger is?

What's the best way to figure out which buttons to press? Would I be measuring for continuity or voltage?
 
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I don't know much about electronics but I'm guessing the keypress should send 5v to whatever the trigger is?
Sometimes the button is connected to 5v with a resistor. the button connects button to ground when pressed.

Otherwise, the button is connected to ground with a resistor. When the button is pressed, it connects the button to 5v.
 
Sometimes the button is connected to 5v with a resistor. the button connects button to ground when pressed.

Otherwise, the button is connected to ground with a resistor. When the button is pressed, it connects the button to 5v.

Also such keypads are often multiplexed, so it's not that simple.

Best solution, and works in all cases, is to use a small reed relay to activate the button press, as the relay contacts are completely floating.
 
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