SOLVED: Wiring Questions (Joystick & LEDWiz)

[SgtSlaughter]

So the hardware I have is:

U360 Joystick
11 - LEDWiz Electric Ice Pushbuttons with RGB-Drive II pushbutton Lighting module

So I've been reading a lot of the forums for wiring up the LEDWiz, but I'm getting myself a little confused, and just want to confirm my thoughts before I blow something up.  I've already read http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,87419.0.html which is what I'm going off.  Here is what I've wired up so far:



I want to have all 11 buttons to have full RGB capibility, but I don't mind pairing them up (as I know there is not enough outputs to do full RGB to each button).

LEDWiz Questions:

ANSWERED 1) If I'm using the red wire from the PC power supply molex connector, to connect to my black wires to a Terminal Block (which are daisy chained together) from the RGB-Drive LEDs (5V), do I need to use an inline fuse?

ANSWERED 1a) If I do need an inline fuse, can I just use 1 that goes directly between the 5V Molex from the PC and a terminal block of my LEDs, or do I need  do I have to an inline fuse for each RGB LED?

ANSWERED 1b) If I need an inline fuse, what size would I need?  I assume 660mA (if I need 1), or 60mA if I need one for each LED?, but if I can't find the exact size should I round larger, or round down?

ANSWERED 2) Can I use the black wire from the PC Molex connector to plug into the LEDWiz Ground?

ANSWERED 3) Do I need to use the Bank Voltage Select terminals on the LEDWiz (assuming that I'm getting my 5V power from the PC Molex connector)? 

ANSWERED 3a) If so, is it a problem when I have an RGB LED going across both banks (ie outputs 7,8,9)?


Joystick Questions:

ANSWERED 1) For the Quick connects (or disconnects), I haven't used these before, do you just stick the wire in and crimp them?  I've tried this and it doesn't seem to make a very tight fitting (either that or I don't have the correct tool), or do you take the insert out, crimp & solder?

[SgtSlaughter]

I removed some questions that I was able to answer myself... don't feel intimidated guys, you don't have to have all the answers, any will help!  heh.

[roknrol]

I'll take a stab at your QDC question: Stranded wire (not solid) is going to work the best. Most folks seem to use 18-22 ga. for their wire-up jobs. Just strip the wire 1/8", insert it, and use a crimper to complete the connection. Mind you, a ratcheting crimper is highly recommended. I got mine for ... mmm ... $6 at Harbor Freight.

[SgtSlaughter]

Ahh good to know.  I figured that may have been the case.  Thanks for the info!

[RandyT]

1a) If I do need an inline fuse, can I just use 1 that goes directly between the 5V Molex from the PC and a terminal block of my LEDs, or do I need  do I have to an inline fuse for each RGB LED?

One fuse on the 5v line that is distributed to the LED's is enough.

1b) If I need an inline fuse, what size would I need?  I assume 660mA (if I need 1), or 60mA if I need one for each LED?, but if I can't find the exact size should I round larger, or round down?

Ultimately, that is up to you to decide.  But you shouldn't need more than 1 amp.

2) Can I use the black wire from the PC Molex connector to plug into the LEDWiz Ground?

Yes.

3) Do I need to use the Bank Voltage Select terminals on the LEDWiz (assuming that I'm getting my 5V power from the PC Molex connector)? 

I would.  It's a small extra step and worth doing.

3a) If so, is it a problem when I have an RGB LED going across both banks (ie outputs 7,8,9)?

No.  If the voltage is the same for the rest of that bank, connect 5v to that Bank Voltage Select terminal as well.

[SgtSlaughter]

There's the man...  Heh I was hoping someone else would respond so I didn't have to bug you Randy as I'm sure your always answering questions like this.

In terms of the Bank Select, I'm confused on what they do and how I would wire it.  I assume I would just feed the +5V into both of them as well?

Thanks again Randy, your products are awesome!

[RandyT]

There's the man...  Heh I was hoping someone else would respond so I didn't have to bug you Randy as I'm sure your always answering questions like this.

In terms of the Bank Select, I'm confused on what they do and how I would wire it.  I assume I would just feed the +5V into both of them as well?

No problem...just connect your +5v line to the Bank Voltage Select terminals and remember that you can only use 5v devices on those banks.  If you need to run devices of a different voltage, you will need to use a different bank of outputs.

[SgtSlaughter]

Good to know.  Thanks again for the help!

[Bambam1963]

So does that mean I could wire up a red 12 vdc police light to the top of my arcade that will activate when someone gets a highscore?  How would you wire that?  The kids would love that :-)