The DDR platform switches

[b3atmania]

Hey, I found a source for DDR panel switches. I guess I need these to upgrade my Lik-Sang metal platform to something that has the same feel as the arcade platform.

Does anybody know something about these switches? How are fitted? Are they contact swithes or membrane switches? I'm asking since the arcade pads don't press down like the home version.

Here's a picture:
http://www.channelbeat.com/images/parts/img_27_115.jpg

[Jakobud]

Well it's just two wires extending from it so I would assume it's just a normal switch type circuit.  I don't know how they would be mounted though.  Perhaps look up DDR Arcade Cabinet maintenance documenation to find that.

[b3atmania]

Meanwhile I found this (http://www.indyddr.com/features/stage.htm) that shows the insides of an arcade DDR platform. It shows that four switches are used per arrow (one on each edge of the panel).

To convert my metal home controller to something similiar I would need 16 switches (24 if I also want to hookup the diagonal arrows). Would get pricey quickly.

Are these switches specifically made for these panels or are they off-the-shelf components?

[paigeoliver]

I think I understand why there might be four switches, and it probably has nothing to do with them being needed, and everything to do with decreasing service calls.

4 Switches means that a single switch failure isn't going to take out the game.

Or, an alternate reason could be that it is just to make the pad more responsive, or that it exists so that the game can tell the difference between a foot barely rested on a pad and a mighty slam.

How are they wired, are all of them wired separately, or are all the ones for each switch wired together.