Author Topic: Plans to fabricate Atari volcano buttons? (Read 17022 times)

JoyMonkey · « **on:** September 02, 2005, 11:22:49 am »

I've been going through CNC training for the last few weeks and after playing with an Asteroids machine yesterday I'm thinking of trying to make some volcano buttons. Are there any detailed plans/drawings out there? What is it that's been stopping people from making reproductions of them?

Stingray · « **Reply #1 on:** September 02, 2005, 11:32:40 am »

Quote from: JoyMonkey on September 02, 2005, 11:22:49 am

I've been going through CNC training for the last few weeks and after playing with an Asteroids machine yesterday I'm thinking of trying to make some volcano buttons. Are there any detailed plans/drawings out there? What is it that's been stopping people from making reproductions of them?

I'm pretty sure that someone does make repro cones. Can't think of who that is off the top of my head. I'm not sure about the actual button though.

Edit: Just came to me. It's Gamecab. http://www.gamecab.com

-S

Timoe · « **Reply #2 on:** September 02, 2005, 11:40:00 am »

If you make the full button, I'll buy em. Especially if you can make em with everything I need to just "plug and play" with my IPAC. $60 a pair?

I dunno but I'm sure you'd get paid.

JoyMonkey · « **Reply #3 on:** September 02, 2005, 11:44:50 am »

I'm just toying the idea of making one or two at the moment. If it seems feasible maybe I'll do a run of them in the future, but who know what they'll turn out like right now.

ahofle · « **Reply #4 on:** September 02, 2005, 12:31:31 pm »

rdagger has had some success with the plastic button mold:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=42155.0

Kremmit · « **Reply #5 on:** September 04, 2005, 12:50:26 am »

Were you trying to make just cones, or complete buttons? Did you have a look at my idea posted here?

Tailgunner · « **Reply #6 on:** September 04, 2005, 01:00:04 am »

Buttons or cones? I posted dimensioned plans for both short and tall volcano cones in this thread a while back.

JoyMonkey · « **Reply #7 on:** September 04, 2005, 12:05:58 pm »

Quote from: Kremmit on September 04, 2005, 12:50:26 am

Were you trying to make just cones, or complete buttons? Did you have a look at my idea posted here?

Complete buttons. I've got a few ideas that I'll try out next week, hopefully something useful will come of it.
I'm going to see if I can get my hands on a small sheet of transparent red acrylic and machine the 'nipples' out of that. I know that I've got clear acrylic, but red is a little harder to find.
I'm going to machine the cones out of aluminum, although I don't think I have a v-bit with the correct angle.
I'll call a few distributers and see if I can get some samples of pushbuttons with LEDs. Looks like Elma make some that would work.

Santoro · « **Reply #8 on:** September 05, 2005, 12:32:42 am »

I'd buy a few full buttons.

SirPeale · « **Reply #9 on:** September 05, 2005, 07:37:47 am »

The volcano buttons are quite a simple device, but without the molds to make new parts, they'll have to be made by hand.

The parts are:

the microswitch (still made by Cherry)
the lens cap
a brace that holds them all together.

And that doesn't take into account the LED assembly. And I didn't count the cone since that *is* being made by several people.

A couple years ago I asked Cherry if they'd consider making the button assembly again. They get at least two calls like mine a week. For $25,000 they'll consider it. That's how much it would cost to get new dies made.

So if you can machine some new dies, go for it!

JoyMonkey · « **Reply #10 on:** September 05, 2005, 09:46:16 pm »

Has anybody got a spare volcano button that they could loan me? It would really help if I could see exactly how the thing is put together.

SirPoonga · « **Reply #11 on:** September 06, 2005, 10:07:55 am »

JoyMonkey, I will have to some testing on my two spares to see if the LED works. One of the LEDs on my asteroids cabinet isn't working. I'd let you borrow that one. PM me.

Franco · « **Reply #12 on:** September 06, 2005, 01:36:52 pm »

Just wondering, whats a V-bit? Do you mean you would use a form tool to create the taper? If so wouldnt you just turn the profile?

JoyMonkey · « **Reply #13 on:** September 06, 2005, 03:46:29 pm »

Quote from: Franco on September 06, 2005, 01:36:52 pm

Just wondering, whats a V-bit? Do you mean you would use a form tool to create the taper? If so wouldnt you just turn the profile?

I meant v-groove bit, I'll be making it on a cnc table mill (although I do have a friend with a cnc lathe...). If I can get an acrylic prototype to work, I'll splash out for a v-groove bit that can handle a 1/2" aluminium plate.

Franco · « **Reply #14 on:** September 06, 2005, 04:22:17 pm »

Ahh gotcha!

Pretty much any kind of v-groove bit should handle ally as long as you progressivly remove the stock. I dont know what kind of CNC milling m/c you have but if you have a CNC programmable tilting chuck, or a tilting head and rotational chuck, you should be able to do it with a regular end mill.

JoyMonkey · « **Reply #15 on:** September 06, 2005, 07:03:36 pm »

Quote from: Franco on September 06, 2005, 04:22:17 pm

Ahh gotcha!

Pretty much any kind of v-groove bit should handle ally as long as you progressivly remove the stock. I dont know what kind of CNC milling m/c you have but if you have a CNC programmable tilting chuck, or a tilting head and rotational chuck, you should be able to do it with a regular end mill.

My skills are still maturing, but I'm 99% sure that my machine has a stationary chuck, so I'm going to need a 90 degree v-groove bit or do a painstakingly slow 3D mill. The cone is the least of my worries really, I'm still unsure of how the microswitch and the whole assembly attaches to the CP
I've ordered some sample Elma microswitches with LEDs, so hopefully things will be a little clearer once they arrive and I get a look at an original volcano button (thanks SirP!).

JoyMonkey · « **Reply #16 on:** September 14, 2005, 07:21:35 pm »

I got the sample switches today and they're not at all like I was expecting. That's not necessarily a bad thing though; I didn't realize the lens was included with the switch and it looks about the right size for a start button! The lens is a little rough on top if you look really close (see the photos below) and I haven't tested the LED yet, but it's looking promising!
Oh yeah, these go for $4.70 each; which is a lot less than I was expecting. So if all turns out well I should be able to do a run of these for pretty cheap. Hopefully the LED doesn't only illuminate when the switch is closed (finger crossed).

SirPoonga · « **Reply #17 on:** September 14, 2005, 08:02:45 pm »

JoyMonkey, I think I will send you both my extras.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/SirPoonga/asteroids/starts.jpg

The one on the left is an actual Cherry. The one on the right, no idea. No idea what terminals do what. It appears it could possible a DPST switch.

Also, the Cherry is from my asteroids and the LED does not work.

JoyMonkey · « **Reply #18 on:** September 14, 2005, 08:37:19 pm »

Quote from: SirPoonga on September 14, 2005, 08:02:45 pm

JoyMonkey, I think I will send you both my extras.

Thanks!

After having a second look at the switches I got and comparing to Tailgunner's cone drawings, I think the lens on these is way too small (it's about 3/16" diameter). Looks like it'll need some kind of sleeve to bring it to the required size. I'll get exact measurements of this switch tomorrow.
The LED is 2v 25mA, so I'll need to dig out a 120 ohm resistor to test it out with 5v, right?

Edit: Here's those exact dimensions

Level42 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 15, 2005, 04:19:55 am »

Just to let you know i'd be interested in a couple for my Domino's cab....keep up the good work !

paigeoliver · « **Reply #20 on:** September 15, 2005, 05:16:01 am »

I have owned plenty of these button on plenty of machines and really I can't see what the big deal about them is. I am somewhat of a purist, but I wouldn't think twice about simply drilling out a panel for a bigger button to replace them. Its not like they add ANYTHING to gameplay, or anything else.

JoyMonkey · « **Reply #21 on:** September 15, 2005, 06:57:32 am »

I'm going to make a test CP today; what diameter hole do the original buttons need?
I'm guessing it's 3/4"

paigeoliver · « **Reply #22 on:** September 15, 2005, 07:16:02 am »

Quote from: JoyMonkey on September 15, 2005, 06:57:32 am

I'm going to make a test CP today; what diameter hole do the original buttons need?
I'm guessing it's 3/4"

Might want to have someone double check that number, for some reason I am thinking it is less than that.

Timoe · « **Reply #23 on:** September 16, 2005, 05:55:32 pm »

I just want to buy a pair of buttons pre wired to simply PLUG right into my ipac and have the LEDs light when appropriate. I can then wire the switches normally.

I just dont understand all the Diodes and Resistors and whatnot that I would need just to get these things to "light" off of my IPAC.

JoyMonkey · « **Reply #24 on:** September 16, 2005, 06:04:56 pm »

Quote from: Ahigh on September 16, 2005, 05:52:39 pm

Link
--
- Ahigh

That's purdy; it would be great if that cone was the same size as the Atari cones, but they're teeny tiny I'm afraid (0.315" diameter as opposed to the 1" diameter of the Atari cone)

Tailgunner · « **Reply #25 on:** September 17, 2005, 12:34:25 pm »

Quote from: paigeoliver on September 15, 2005, 05:16:01 am

I have owned plenty of these button on plenty of machines and really I can't see what the big deal about them is. I am somewhat of a purist, but I wouldn't think twice about simply drilling out a panel for a bigger button to replace them. Its not like they add ANYTHING to gameplay, or anything else.

I'll have to disagree. Volcano buttons are unique to Atari games of the golden era, and most people haven't seen one since. They may not add anything to game play, but they definately add to the nostalgia of a cab that uses them. I though they were cool in the 80's, and I still do, to the point that I've repaired and refinished control panels so I could replace oversized buttons with volcanos.

SirPoonga · « **Reply #26 on:** September 28, 2005, 06:38:09 pm »

Link

JoyMonkey, Note how those cones are a different angle than the onces I sent you.
The black cones on my asteroids are the same 45 degrees as the silver cones I sent you. I remember the thread with the dimmensions had the 30 degree cone. It's all cherry switches to you will notice. So maybe several different sizes were used.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/SirPoonga/asteroids/cp.jpg

RayB · « **Reply #27 on:** September 28, 2005, 07:29:12 pm »

POONGA! What the hell game is that Sunsoft overlay from?!?!?
I'm really intrigued, since I used to work for them.

NiN^_^NiN · « **Reply #28 on:** September 28, 2005, 10:57:25 pm »

would these work?

if you took the led out and added one of them led switches a few post back?

i don't know what the switch looks like so i don't know if these are close to what u want?

Level42 · « **Reply #29 on:** September 29, 2005, 09:49:39 am »

Nah, these are WAY too small....

SirPoonga · « **Reply #30 on:** September 29, 2005, 10:08:36 am »

Quote from: RayB on September 28, 2005, 07:29:12 pm

POONGA! What the hell game is that Sunsoft overlay from?!?!?
I'm really intrigued, since I used to work for them.

If you knew what was in the cabinet I'd like to know too

MovingTarget · « **Reply #31 on:** December 28, 2005, 08:50:46 am »

So what's the latest with this post? Are we any closer to getting some volcano buttons?

I'm probably in for 2 if so.

Major Rock Hardy · « **Reply #32 on:** February 27, 2006, 06:40:18 pm »

bump. Any updates?

ChadTower · « **Reply #33 on:** February 28, 2006, 01:19:38 pm »

Quote from: JoyMonkey on September 05, 2005, 09:46:16 pm

Has anybody got a spare volcano button that they could loan me? It would really help if I could see exactly how the thing is put together.

Yes. I have a pair I'm not using at the moment I'd be happy to loan for such a project, JoyMonkey, if you're going forward with it.

(I realize this is an oldass thread)

JoyMonkey · « **Reply #34 on:** February 28, 2006, 01:24:33 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on February 28, 2006, 01:19:38 pm

Quote from: JoyMonkey on September 05, 2005, 09:46:16 pm
Has anybody got a spare volcano button that they could loan me? It would really help if I could see exactly how the thing is put together.

Yes. I have a pair I'm not using at the moment I'd be happy to loan for such a project, JoyMonkey, if you're going forward with it.

(I realize this is an oldass thread)

Ahhh... yeahh. Just send them to my home address

Just kidding, SirPoonga loaned me a couple of his but I didn't get anywhere with them and decided to pack it in. I just returned his buttons last week as a matter of fact; they were sitting in my jacket pocket for months!

I'd never be able to make replacement switches that match the old ones, I think that's really what needs to be done here.

dphirschler · « **Reply #35 on:** February 28, 2006, 04:27:40 pm »

This place has them, but they are $10.

http://www.pinball-signs.com/NEWPARTS/SWITCHES.html

Darryl

SirPoonga · « **Reply #36 on:** February 28, 2006, 05:02:16 pm »

Quote from: JoyMonkey on February 28, 2006, 01:24:33 pm

Just kidding, SirPoonga loaned me a couple of his but I didn't get anywhere with them and decided to pack it in. I just returned his buttons last week as a matter of fact; they were sitting in my jacket pocket for months!

BTW, did you try putting the cone all the way on the knockoff? Notice how the knockoff was a different thread. That really annoys me and leads me to believe the cone is original but the switch is replaced before I got it.

JoyMonkey · « **Reply #37 on:** February 28, 2006, 09:25:05 pm »

Quote from: dphirschler on February 28, 2006, 04:27:40 pm

This place has them, but they are $10.

http://www.pinball-signs.com/NEWPARTS/SWITCHES.html

Darryl

Wow! How have I never seen these before? Looks like he's out of stock right now though, I will try emailing him to see if they're NOS or recently manufactured copies.
I don't think $10 is too bad for them either. Now if someone was still making those aluminum cones; why did I give SirP back his buttons so soon, dammit! (kidding)

Quote from: SirPoonga on February 28, 2006, 05:02:16 pm

BTW, did you try putting the cone all the way on the knockoff? Notice how the knockoff was a different thread. That really annoys me and leads me to believe the cone is original but the switch is replaced before I got it.

I noticed that alright. Strange that a company would go to the trouble of making knockoff copies of the switch and not pay attention to the thread size.

markrvp · « **Reply #38 on:** February 28, 2006, 10:06:38 pm »

Charlie at gamecab found some replacement switches with the correct thread. I bought three of them. I'll look tomorrow to see if I can get you a supplier and part number.

JoyMonkey · « **Reply #39 on:** February 28, 2006, 10:15:57 pm »

Was it this one?
http://gamecab.com/switchsolution.htm

That one doesn't include a lens though.


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