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SpectraLite vs. Ultralux vs. Paradise Arcade Illuminated Buttons
AndyWarne:
Just a couple of points on Ultralux:
The switches we supply with these are now our own brand and not the original Sanwa ones we supplied in the past which were rather stiff. Some reviews still refer to the Sanwa version.
They are not made in China. Not sure how important that is, but thought I would mention it.
Andy
armi0024:
My post was to say that there were inconsistencies between somebodies posted pictures and the products they were shipping, which is a fact. I am glad the completely inappropriate comments were removed from Randy's post, but the personal attacks that remain are really inappropriate and I'm surprised they are tolerated. This is not an appropriate medium to slander others.
So let's stick to the facts:
1)These were our first product and did so well that we expanded the company out to do quite a few different things. We have had both styles of buttons and our customers overwhelmingly prefer the style we sell now, over the ones with the alternative bases. Between the brittle bases breaking on installation, uneven lighting, the "murky" appearance already described, as well as a few other issues, the feedback we received was clear when people had both in hand.
2) It is true that the bases on these buttons do not accept the Leaf switch brackets, but they don't fit either style.
3) This is a great explanation for an incandescent bulb with a even spherical distribution. The LEDs used in most of the buttons are more like a flash light. The lens effect of top (not "reflectors") creates a cone more than a sphere of light (it's not a perfect cone but it is definitely not a sphere like the above link assumes, you can check it out yourself by just looking at an LED from one of these buttons). The problem, as stated in the first video, is that this cone is too close to the surface of some buttons, so the intensity is not distributed evenly. Many LEDs are sold with specifications of how wide this cone is based on the specific shape of the top of the LED. If anyone needs a more complete explanation of this, I'm happy to elaborate, but basically the light travels in a similar pattern to a flash light.
Now on a more positive and exciting note...
1) We offer 4 different styles of RGB and lit buttons:
Regular LED buttons
Chrome Rim LED buttons
Il-lumination for IL buttons
The Uila for Seimtisu Translucents
We also did lighting for the new Rollie buttons(if anyone hasn't seen these, they are really nice buttons)
2) We have a new style of lighting coming in that will not only make lighting up the IL buttons even easier, it will be compatible(without modification) with both the types of LED controllers currently available on the market.
3) IL sent us prototypes of custom buttons exclusively for our store, we are really looking forward to delivering a new button from one of the most respected names in the arcade business
4) We have exclusive prototype Seimitsu buttons in hand that are amazing, there is currently a prototype fight stick being made with these new buttons
5) We are also talking to one of the most popular arcade manufacturers in the world about a custom lit version of their buttons.... Nope, not HAPP!
6) Randy and I finally agree on something!!! "Careful where you get your info, folks. You might be getting only part of the story." However, I have this sneaky suspicion that we probably won't agree on where you should get the info, or which part of the story is accurate :)
Here are some movies, don't worry , no movie tricks here :)
RandyT:
--- Quote from: armi0024 on July 15, 2011, 05:38:12 am --- My post was to say that there were inconsistencies between somebodies posted pictures and the products they were shipping, which is a fact.
--- End quote ---
Maybe it's just me, but I find it ironic that the proprietor of a store selling unlicensed game roms (fact) is falling over himself to try to paint another vendor, one who has been serving this community, and the gaming community in general for the last 13 years, as being "dishonest" over a mistake in one of the two photos in a product description. Especially one where the error only serves to make the product less attractive. :dunno
--- Quote ---1)These were our first product and did so well that we expanded the company out to do quite a few different things. We have had both styles of buttons and our customers overwhelmingly prefer the style we sell now, over the ones with the alternative bases. Between the brittle bases breaking on installation, uneven lighting, the "murky" appearance already described, as well as a few other issues, the feedback we received was clear when people had both in hand.
--- End quote ---
I cannot argue with what you claim your experiences to be, as they are your experiences. But I can tell you, and I've said it already, that what you call "murky" is a diffusive property which helps spread light through parts not directly in line with the light rays. It also makes it easier to obscure a less than cleanly drilled hole in the panel. And after thousands being shipped, I don't recall a single complaint of a broken base, or a displeased customer. The bases you dislike fit with the other components so much better, that considerably less force is required to install them. And most importantly of all, the buttons, IMHO, feel smoother and easier to use during play. If not, I would be sourcing the same buttons you did.
--- Quote ---The LEDs used in most of the buttons are more like a flash light. The lens effect of top (not "reflectors") creates a cone more than a sphere of light (it's not a perfect cone but it is definitely not a sphere like the above link assumes, you can check it out yourself by just looking at an LED from one of these buttons). The problem, as stated in the first video, is that this cone is too close to the surface of some buttons, so the intensity is not distributed evenly. Many LEDs are sold with specifications of how wide this cone is based on the specific shape of the top of the LED. If anyone needs a more complete explanation of this, I'm happy to elaborate, but basically the light travels in a similar pattern to a flash light.
--- End quote ---
Sounds like you need to take a closer look. There are indeed tiny reflectors in the LEDs, just like the mirrored reflector in a flashlight. These guide available light produced by the emitter to the area of interest, or more specifically out the top of the LED. Otherwise, this light would be wasted, as only a portion would find it's way to the lens (because light travels outward in a spherical pattern), with the rest pouring out in other directions. The quality of this reflector dictates how much is absorbed and how much is reflected. Regardless of these facts, the laws of the way light works still apply. The path of the light is, however, being modified by both the reflector and the lens. These light rays are still spreading, moreso due to the lens, as they are not being collimated by a complex optical system, and the brightness is still dropping off very rapidly, based on the distance from the part being illuminated. The lens which is spreading the rays actually makes the condition worse.
I guess this is the part where I'm supposed to do a gratuitous self-promotion, but it seems out of place in a technical discussion, so I'll refrain.
RandyT
armi0024:
-1
Donkbaca:
Screw it, I'm making my own buttons from now on.....
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