Cheap & Easy Atari volcano switch substitute

[Jerberjer]

Hello! I've been lurking on this forum off and on for quite some time now. I finally got the chance to make my own cab! I'll probably post pics of it another time. I've been super choosy in what parts I wanted in my cab and I want to bring up a topic that's been brought up a few times: replacement switches for Volcano buttons. I know that the most valued ones are the switches with the red lamp inside, but for those who are okay without the light or just want a cheap & easy substitute, I think I found a cheap alternative.

For the cones themselves; as of this posting I found reproductions of the cones that run about $3 a piece. You can get them at www.arcadeshop.com:

Tall black cones (my personal favorite): http://www.arcadeshop.com/i/568/atari-tall-black-button-cone.htm
Short black cones: http://www.arcadeshop.com/i/1135/atari-short-black-button-cone.htm
Short Aluminum cones: http://www.arcadeshop.com/i/566/atari-short-aluminum-button-cone.htm

As for the switches themselves,  I found these black ones at Lowes for around $6-7. They feel REALLY nice; firm and springy and don't need to be pressed down all the way to activate.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/SERVALITE-1-Switch-0-75-Amp-Single-Pole-Black-Indoor-Momentary-Light-Switch/50107288

Yes, I know, it's a little tall here but once you add the other bolt and tighten it... Well, just take a look at the attachments

Ta daaaaa~ Working Brand new volcano switches for about $10 (shipping for parts omitted)

I REALLY like how these look and feel and I can't wait to put them in my cab. The next step is to see if I can turn these into lamps somehow

[alfonzotan]

A note for anybody who runs into this like I did... the switch linked in the original post goes to "normally on" buttons--which are NOT what you want for an arcade application, as I found out the hard way (I should have read the Lowe's listing more carefully).  What you want are the "normally off" version, as seen here:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SERVALITE-0-75-Amp-Single-Pole-Black-Momentary-Light-Switch/50107290

Spent a couple of days wondering why my new control panel was acting so weird; turned out both mouse buttons and ESC were permanently "on" thanks to the wrong pushbuttons being hooked up...

[pumaconcolor]

I also found some buttons that will work:

https://www.alliedelec.com/product/nkk-switches/sb4011noh/70192267/

https://www.alliedelec.com/product/nkk-switches/sb4011nohc/70274591/

Alas, no LEDs in them.  Also, they're fine for start buttons, but I don't think I would try to play Missile Command with them.

[PL1]

https://www.alliedelec.com/product/nkk-switches/sb4011noh/70192267/

https://www.alliedelec.com/product/nkk-switches/sb4011nohc/70274591/

Those are pretty good.
Pro: Flat top like the original (the Lowes switches have a curved top)
Con: Threaded + plunger length is too short to use with the tall cones


Scott

[pumaconcolor]

Here's a pic for reference, with the regular size cones, not the tall ones.

[negative1]

at some point, i might need a couple of these.

thanks for pointing them out.

later
-1

[Arroyo]

KLOV guys gave these reproduction buttons a thumbs up:

http://www.arcadeshop.com/i/1539/atari-lighted-start-push-button.htm

[pumaconcolor]

Actually I got my cones from Arcadeshop; I didn't notice that listing for a button until recently and it says out of stock, so we'll see.  I'll be happy to buy it if and when it shows up again...

[pumaconcolor]

Here's a shot of the buttons from the underside:

[coasterlvr]

Here's a shot of the buttons from the underside:

so they are pretty stiff?  i used some like that, but had to file down the diameter to fit.  these would be much easier.  i am looking for something to play missile command with. 

[PL1]

so they are pretty stiff?

Datasheet says 4.9 Newtons which converts to almost 500 grams. (1.1 pounds)


Scott

[pumaconcolor]

The button doesn't need to be pushed down far to make contact.  I could think of worse buttons to play Missile Command with, but these wouldn't be my first choice.  They won't feel like the arcade originals, that's for sure.  They've got the look, though.  Personally I'm going to use them as start buttons on some little controller projects of mine that I don't need LEDs for.

[Mr. Peabody]

.....one thing I did not like about Missile Command and any game that used those buttons for action.

[coasterlvr]

The button doesn't need to be pushed down far to make contact.  I could think of worse buttons to play Missile Command with, but these wouldn't be my first choice.  They won't feel like the arcade originals, that's for sure.  They've got the look, though.  Personally I'm going to use them as start buttons on some little controller projects of mine that I don't need LEDs for.

cool, i'll buy some to use for start too.  the ones i modified look okay, but are far from perfect.  wish i knew about these before.

i do have some nos licon black on order from a guy, but i have a feeling dude is a flake and doesn't actually have them.