Author Topic: Translucent Microswitch Buttons www.fxbuttons.com (Read 93669 times)

shawnzilla · « **Reply #120 on:** January 24, 2005, 05:29:57 pm »

Good news of sorts! A production manager from IL just called me and we discussed what I am looking for and minimum production runs, etc... He is going to speak with the injection molding manager this week and discuss the options for creating the translucent colors.

He was primarily concerned about what type of illumination would be used for these, due to heat vs. material used. He said that different colors have different heat tolerances. I told him that my guess is that most people will be using LEDs, so that heat tolerance isn't a big factor.

He was somewhat shocked that Happs was not willing to help me out. He is going to check into the reasons for this.

RayB · « **Reply #121 on:** January 24, 2005, 05:47:56 pm »

Quote

He was somewhat shocked that Happs was not willing to help me out. He is going to check into the reasons for this.

...because Happs is a seller in a shrinking market... = not a risk taker.

Goz · « **Reply #122 on:** January 24, 2005, 09:41:35 pm »

How much different in color and design are we actually talking about these being different that the translucent microswitch buttons that are already available from
Centsible Amusements ?

Any one used these? Perhaps the manufacturer that they use are open to design change or different material options if the color or quality of these are sub par.

-Goz

RayB · « **Reply #123 on:** January 24, 2005, 10:03:33 pm »

I haven't seen one of those in person, but just by the photo I can tell they are "Sanwa" style buttons. The top of the button is rounded (convex) rather than a depression (concave).

Goz · « **Reply #124 on:** January 24, 2005, 10:31:00 pm »

good catch

-Goz

shawnzilla · « **Reply #125 on:** January 25, 2005, 02:35:54 pm »

This was one of the first lines of inquiry that I opened in my search. The manufacturer was not able to deliver as promised.

I'm definitely talking about better colors than those buttons (and concave, not convex like the ones that centsible has).

Quote from: Gozur on January 24, 2005, 09:41:35 pm

How much different in color and design are we actually talking about these being different that the translucent microswitch buttons that are already available from
Centsible Amusements ?

Any one used these? Perhaps the manufacturer that they use are open to design change or different material options if the color or quality of these are sub par.

-Goz

spidermonkey · « **Reply #126 on:** January 30, 2005, 01:12:51 am »

http://www.suzo.com/suzo/catalogue.asp?nG=271

Shawnzilla, Wico gets the majority of their stuff from Suzo and Suzo does happen to sell the same exact buttons. Suzo is a manufacturer even though they sell other manufacturer's stuff too. I guess you would have to e-mail them. If they don't make them then they may be able to lead you to the actual company who makes them. Arcade parts are sometimes very hard to trace back to the actual maker of the part since there's usually so many middle men and distributers. Hell, I just found out the other day that Siemitsu is the company who actually made the LS-30 rotary joysticks used by SNK and Tradewest. For years I was told that SNK manufactured the LS-30 sticks themselves only to find that they bought them from "Siemitsu" (an Asian arcade parts manufacturer) "Go figure" $:-\$

shawnzilla · « **Reply #127 on:** January 30, 2005, 11:32:41 am »

Quote from: spidermonkey on January 30, 2005, 01:12:51 am

http://www.suzo.com/suzo/catalogue.asp?nG=271

Shawnzilla, Wico gets the majority of their stuff from Suzo and Suzo does happen to sell the same exact buttons. Suzo is a manufacturer even though they sell other manufacturer's stuff too. I guess you would have to e-mail them. If they don't make them then they may be able to lead you to the actual company who makes them. Arcade parts are sometimes very hard to trace back to the actual maker of the part since there's usually so many middle men and distributers. Hell, I just found out the other day that Siemitsu is the company who actually made the LS-30 rotary joysticks used by SNK and Tradewest. For years I was told that SNK manufactured the LS-30 sticks themselves only to find that they bought them from "Siemitsu" (an Asian arcade parts manufacturer) "Go figure" $:-\$

Thanks for that information! It may come in handy should my line of inquiry fail through IL.

mr.Curmudgeon · « **Reply #128 on:** January 30, 2005, 11:48:53 am »

Don't know what button mold you're using for inspiration, but if it's possible, my suggestion would be to stay as close to the Happ Microswitch Pushbuttons. In fact, I think it'd be cool if the translucent buttons you're trying to make were interchangeable with the Happs buttons. From a design stand-point, the color options increase exponentially. I could have a translucent plunger in a colored Happ bases, etc... for more fit n' finish options.

Just thinking out loud. I have no idea if this would be a patent infringement or whatever.

mrC

scooter · « **Reply #129 on:** January 30, 2005, 12:09:07 pm »

Quote from: tetsujin on January 24, 2005, 01:46:09 pm

it seems as though one could build a microswitch housing to fit these buttons, right?

Actually, they already exist, sort of (maybe not exactly what you are referring to as these are more of a "mount" as opposed to a "housing."). They were made by Nintendo and you can occasionally find them for about $1 each on eBay.

pointdablame · « **Reply #130 on:** January 30, 2005, 12:34:12 pm »

Quote from: mr.Curmudgeon on January 30, 2005, 11:48:53 am

Don't know what button mold you're using for inspiration, but if it's possible, my suggestion would be to stay as close to the Happ Microswitch Pushbuttons. In fact, I think it'd be cool if the translucent buttons you're trying to make were interchangeable with the Happs buttons. From a design stand-point, the color options increase exponentially. I could have a translucent plunger in a colored Happ bases, etc... for more fit n' finish options.

Just thinking out loud. I have no idea if this would be a patent infringement or whatever.

mrC

This is exactly what I wish would happen, although I don't know if it would be possible. The idea of say... an outer glowing ring with the button solid, or vice versa, is very cool though.

Grasshopper · « **Reply #131 on:** January 30, 2005, 12:42:32 pm »

I'm pretty sure the microswitch buttons that Suzo sell are actually manufactured by IL.

I don't know who manufactures Suzo's leaf buttons, but I get the impression they are no longer made and once Suzo's stock has run out that's it.

Also, one other problem about the clear brittle plastic that no one has mentioned is that buttons made from this material are likely to be a lot noisier than IL's standard Lylon buttons. I know this from personal experience. I bought some leaf buttons from Video Connection a few years ago and they are actually noisier than microswitch buttons because of the brittle material used.

Has anyone tried contacting the Tron guy about this:

http://members.aol.com/specialtyplastic/index.htm

He sells joysticks made of clear plastic so why not buttons as well.

shawnzilla · « **Reply #132 on:** January 31, 2005, 03:41:48 pm »

Good news! I've got the manufacturer lined up and working with me. We're sorting out colors, pricing, etc... I'm going to keep the rest a surprise for now (until I've seen some samples), but things are looking up! As always, I'll keep y'all posted.

brandon · « **Reply #133 on:** January 31, 2005, 04:13:51 pm »

Quote from: Dekelia on August 31, 2004, 04:53:16 pm

I would pick up at least a couple blue buttons - it would be best for me to match the color of the happ translucent blue trackball.

I'll agree with that.. my vote is for blue. and I think clear buttons that could be illuminated with different color bulbs/leds is a great idea. then the color possibilities are endless. You could light them with Christmas lights

Flinkly · « **Reply #134 on:** January 31, 2005, 06:10:39 pm »

first i've seen of this thread, and i'd go with clear, cause then you could make them whatever color you wanted. also, i'd like to see what they look like...modeled after happs or wico? anyways, keep us updated.

RayB · « **Reply #135 on:** January 31, 2005, 06:58:04 pm »

Just a note... for "clear" personally I think it should be more of a semi-transparent smokey clear than completely "see through to the cab guts" clear, since I think it would diffuse the light better (?)

shawnzilla · « **Reply #136 on:** January 31, 2005, 10:45:28 pm »

Regarding clear buttons.... I will ask them for a clear prototype, but my concern echos that of RayB's in that a crystal clear button will reveal too much of the inside of the CP. I'm not sure if they have the ability to make a smoke color or not, but I will look into it.

brandon · « **Reply #137 on:** January 31, 2005, 10:50:54 pm »

what if the clear was textured or frosted? that way it would defuse the light a bit... just a thought..

quarterback · « **Reply #138 on:** January 31, 2005, 10:52:41 pm »

Quote from: brandon on January 31, 2005, 10:50:54 pm

what if the clear was textured or frosted? that way it would defuse the light a bit... just a thought..

Yes yes yes. This is another vote for frosted clear!

brandon · « **Reply #139 on:** January 31, 2005, 10:54:25 pm »

I guess we could always sand them with fine sandpaper to make them frosted.. sort of give them a "fiber obtic" look when lit maybe...

tetsujin · « **Reply #140 on:** February 01, 2005, 03:51:37 pm »

Better than sandpaper would be to dip the parts in acetone. That'd etch the surface quite effectively, pitting it at a much finer scale than what you're likely to achieve with sandpaper. Good if you want to diffuse light.

I anxiously await the buttons.

brandon · « **Reply #141 on:** February 01, 2005, 04:49:16 pm »

ooh.. acetone.. great idea

I remember when I was a kid trying to clean a pair of swimming goggles with fingernail polish remover

visibility was "greatly" improved

Chris · « **Reply #142 on:** February 02, 2005, 01:49:04 pm »

If these things come about, we're gonna have to wire up a parallel port or USB-based light controller and get with the controls.dat project to make the buttons used for a game light up...

shawnzilla · « **Reply #143 on:** February 15, 2005, 02:18:04 pm »

Not a huge update, but some good news.

The manufacturer is going to start working with the color samples this week. I'd like to keep the final color choices a surprise for now, but I think the majority will be pleased.

I will divulge one secret: They are also working on a smoke color for me. It is a special material and may prove to be too dark, but I will test it once I have a sample.

I don't have a timetable yet as far as when the first production run will come out, but rest assured, it will be sooner than later! I still need to see the samples and submit them for my final approval.

More to come....

Buddabing · « **Reply #144 on:** February 15, 2005, 02:30:22 pm »

Quote from: Chris on February 02, 2005, 01:49:04 pm

If these things come about, we're gonna have to wire up a parallel port or USB-based light controller and get with the controls.dat project to make the buttons used for a game light up...

I am working on a parallel port based LED controller. I hope to interface it to my CPMaker code.

I hope that Shawn's buttons include a holder for the light or LED.....

Flinkly · « **Reply #145 on:** February 15, 2005, 02:34:43 pm »

or you could just BYO it... since that is what were all about. if he models it after happs buttons, some people have already done this.

cholin · « **Reply #146 on:** February 15, 2005, 04:00:51 pm »

Yes, you COULD BIY, but then think about how many buttons people would use per control panel, and alot of people have hot-swappable panels. To make a custom button holder for all of your buttons, well it would take alot of time, and im sure it wouldnt be too much fun, so I odnt think that's a great idea. Im sure you could do simple ones though, it couldnt be too hard. I was going to just drill some holes for LEDs into the button beneath the plunger, above the microswitch. A site tells how to illuminate Happs pushbuttons, so that would be my technique.

shawnzilla · « **Reply #147 on:** February 15, 2005, 04:04:20 pm »

Quote from: Flinkly on February 15, 2005, 02:34:43 pm

or you could just BYO it... since that is what were all about.

NIVO · « **Reply #148 on:** February 15, 2005, 08:56:16 pm »

just a quick note regarding the comments above about the clear buttons revealing too much cp inside.

How so? Ever try to see through something that is brightly lit? Using superbrights will attest to this. Its like staring into a headlight after it gets switched on, I dont think youll see or be worried about looking inside.

Otraotaku · « **Reply #149 on:** February 15, 2005, 09:40:41 pm »

I want 12 Red translucent Buttotranslucentns! and 2 red translucent Joysticks, anyone know if a translucent joystick was ever made?

Otraotaku · « **Reply #150 on:** February 15, 2005, 09:43:29 pm »

Sorry about my last Post, (my Keyboard fell off the desk)

cholin · « **Reply #151 on:** February 15, 2005, 09:59:20 pm »

Although this may be strange, I would like the player 1 and 2 buttons to light

Its common, but requesting special buttons for them is strange

romperwomb · « **Reply #152 on:** February 15, 2005, 10:33:23 pm »

Quote from: Otraotaku on February 15, 2005, 09:40:41 pm

I want 12 Red translucent Buttotranslucentns! and 2 red translucent Joysticks, anyone know if a translucent joystick was ever made?

Found this site waaay back in this very thread: http://members.aol.com/specialtyplastic/Joysticks.htm

They sell translucent red, blue, green and purple replacement handles.

shawnzilla · « **Reply #153 on:** February 15, 2005, 11:27:06 pm »

Quote from: romperwomb on February 15, 2005, 10:33:23 pm

Quote from: Otraotaku on February 15, 2005, 09:40:41 pm
I want 12 Red translucent Buttotranslucentns! and 2 red translucent Joysticks, anyone know if a translucent joystick was ever made?

Found this site waaay back in this very thread: http://members.aol.com/specialtyplastic/Joysticks.htm

They sell translucent red, blue, green and purple replacement handles.

Yes, I believe this is the person that does those cool Tron repro sticks.

brandon · « **Reply #154 on:** February 16, 2005, 02:07:50 am »

Quote from: Otraotaku on February 15, 2005, 09:40:41 pm

I want 12 Red translucent Buttotranslucentns! and 2 red translucent Joysticks, anyone know if a translucent

Xiaou2 · « **Reply #155 on:** February 16, 2005, 03:23:11 am »

I would not buy a smoke color. Nor a frosted. Id want pure clear.

Think about it.. the button shape will be curved and thick. This will distort the image on the other side. Also, the lighting will further mask things.

Of course, The wico clear buttons also used an internal support structure. The I-beam-like trails form a cool little design and help to mask whats below. Something like this could also be done if nessessary.

cholin · « **Reply #156 on:** February 16, 2005, 07:07:15 am »

If you have a problem because you can see the insides of your panel, put like a piece of paper in the very bottom of the plunger or something. This way the button is pure and you can't see the inside, but it also looks nice.

Kremmit · « **Reply #157 on:** February 16, 2005, 10:35:29 pm »

Quote from: Xiaou2 on February 16, 2005, 03:23:11 am

I would not buy a smoke color. Nor a frosted. Id want pure clear.

Think about it.. the button shape will be curved and thick. This will distort the image on the other side. Also, the lighting will further mask things.

Of course, The wico clear buttons also used an internal support structure. The I-beam-like trails form a cool little design and help to mask whats below. Something like this could also be done if nessessary.

Some guy found clear buttons on a PC stick that he scavenged and used on his MAME.. It was a Pelican stick, don't remember the exact name.

Flinkly · « **Reply #158 on:** February 16, 2005, 11:56:23 pm »

the pelican sticks are built for console...pelican is an accessories manufacturer...here's the link to em.

http://www.pelicanperformance.com/

and the arcade panel is on the sixth page of the ps2 stuff...they do sell nice stuff, but i would be wary of quality. you could always write to find out where they get their buttons....

shawnzilla · « **Reply #159 on:** February 17, 2005, 12:00:34 am »

heh, I forgot about those. Way back when I started my search for the translucents, I saw one of these control panels in a store. I tried emailing Pelican about it and never got an answer.

Quote from: Flinkly on February 16, 2005, 11:56:23 pm

the pelican sticks are built for console...pelican is an accessories manufacturer...here's the link to em.

http://www.pelicanperformance.com/

and the arcade panel is on the sixth page of the ps2 stuff...they do sell nice stuff, but i would be wary of quality. you could always write to find out where they get their buttons....


Main	Restorations	Software	Audio/Jukebox/MP3	Everything Else	Buy/Sell/Trade
Project Announcements	Monitor/Video	GroovyMAME	Merit/JVL Touchscreen	Meet Up	Retail Vendors
Driving & Racing	Woodworking	Software Support Forums	Consoles	Project Arcade	Reviews
Automated Projects	Artwork	Frontend Support Forums	Pinball	Forum Discussion	Old Boards
Raspberry Pi & Dev Board	controls.dat	Linux	Miscellaneous Arcade	Wiki Discussion	Old Archives
Lightguns	Arcade1Up	Try the site in https mode		Site News


Unread posts \| New Replies \| Recent posts \| Rules \| Chatroom \| Wiki \| File Repository \| RSS \| Submit news

Author Topic: Translucent Microswitch Buttons **www.fxbuttons.com** (Read 93669 times)

Author Topic: Translucent Microswitch Buttons www.fxbuttons.com (Read 93669 times)