Leaf switch button question

[anoon]

I am not familiar with the leaf switch buttons. Can somebody tell me how they fasten to the control panel? I see that Wico sells something called a pal nut that costs nearly $10!!! Is this what is used to tighten the button down?

[Lilwolf]

I bought 50 from ebay for a few bucks (50cents each I think)

going from memory here.... haven't installed one in a while...

I have 2 types... and don't know the brand or anything.  

But basically the button goes throught the control panel (by itself) and has a screw on the end... that you screw into a plastic piece that holds the leaf switch.  

So the button itself is a self contained plastic tube (with the button on top)... that when pressed, pushes a throught the whole button shaft thinggy.

Then this screws into the base...which holds the leaf switch itself.  So when the button presses, it will then press on the leaf...

btw, I have them on my classic control panel (4way... then asteroid button setup... then 4way turned for qbert).  But thats about it.

They are great for hacking other controllers though..  

[anoon]

Ah ha. I get it. Thanks for the info.

I'm looking to build a cabinet with illuminated pushbuttons.

One option was the transparent leaf switch buttons, (about $3.75 with switch, holder and button.) Downside is limited color choices, leaf switch reliability, and I'm afraid I don't have enough room under the Control panel.

The other were these illuminated microswitch buttons from Japan. (about $10 a piece.) The downside is mainly the price.

Now I suppose it just depends on which feel I prefer...

[Grasshopper]

I am not familiar with the leaf switch buttons. Can somebody tell me how they fasten to the control panel? I see that Wico sells something called a pal nut that costs nearly $10!!! Is this what is used to tighten the button down?

There is no way you should pay $10 for a pal nut. I think Wico must have made a mistake, perhaps they meant to say $0.10.

By far the best place to get leaf switch buttons is www.videoconnect.com. I bough some from them and they cost $0.50 each including the leaf switch, leaf switch holder, and pal nut.

The problem with leaf switch buttons is that they are only designed to fit panels of a particular thickness. The long ones are designed for 3/4" wood, and the short ones are designed for metal. There are various hacks for fitting them to other thickness materials but it gets a bit messy.

However there is really no alternative if you want maximum authenticity for the early games (as I do!).

[anoon]

Good point about the panel thickness Grasshopper. I forgot to mention that earlier.

I really want to go with a blue and white scheme for my panel, which severly limits my options. I have a wood panel, so the only colors I can get are blue, orange, and green. I did find some white buttons, ($4, just for the button, no switch or holder,) but they are the short type.

Actually, I was planning to put a metal surface OVER the wood, so maybe I could just cut out a large rectangle of wood under the metal where the buttons go. Its starting to sound like a hassle. I think i would rather spend the extra $$$ and just get the japanese buttons. I have always been drawn to their unique feel. (I like it, I'm not sure if I prefer it or not.)

This newfound hobby is a blast!

[anoon]

Almost forgot:

Does anyone have experience ordering from Sanwa in Japan?