New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear

[RandyT]

Available from the www.GroovyGameGear.com website now!

NEW from GroovyGameGear!  We didn't want to be just another "me too" re-seller of the translucent colored buttons that have been around for a while.  So we held off on offering them until we could do something special to make them our own.  We listened to the concerns about not being able to get enough light into them and the difficulties in wiring.  The NovaGem™ Pushbuttons are the result.

Click on the vidcap above to see the pulsing effect when hooked to an LED-Wiz (The pulse is smooth in real life.)  Note: This video was taken next to a window in the middle of the day.  Not in a dimly lit room!  The red button is provided for contrast.

Features:

• Specially designed to take advantage of the powerful output capabilities of the LED-Wiz™
• Ready-to-Use Illuminated Translucent Pushbutton.  No Soldering Required!
• Amazing light source.  Packs the intensity of 5! standard Superbright LED's inside each button!
• Wide angle of illumination keeps more light inside the button and less on  the ceiling!
• Incredible Efficiency.  Virtually no heat compared to conventional lights
• Available in several colors
• Pre-Attached 24" wires with resistor termination.
• Includes Cherry Microswitch and plastic retaining nut

The price will be $5.95 each. 

Thanks for looking,
RandyT

[leapinlew]

awesome dude!

Just in time for my next bartop... along with a TT2 spinner. Your a genius!

[Donkey_Kong]

...and now even the not-so-BRIGHT will be forced to illuminate our push buttons. IOW these will be really easy to bling it up GGG style...even for the electrically challenged? Is this what I should be gathering here? You remember what happened last time.


These look cool Randy!! DANG! I didn't want to light my buttons on my current cab project though. Now I probaly will.[

 

PLEASE TELL US THE AVAILABLE COLORS!?!?

[Kaytrim]

Man Randy, you keep coming up with new stuff all the time.  Is this all you do all day, work on new toys for us big boys?   

[Grasshopper]

Are these the same as the IL pushbuttons?

[squirrellydw]

nice, I sent the link to retroblast

[fjl]

I'd like to see this compared to other light up buttons in both lighted and dark areas. Also, will it be possible to switch the microswitch to leafs and is replacing the LED possible or is it made so that once the LED burns out, you have to replace the whole button? Would suck if that was the case.

Is the brightness adjustable? And what colors is this going to come in? And last, what makes this button better than other buttons? Simply it's brightness? Was it redesigned for better light emitting or did they simply add in a brighter LED? 

[Fozzy The Bear]

Also, will it be possible to switch the microswitch to leafs

Yes....PonyBoy sells adapter leaf switches that fit any Microswitch button.

is replacing the LED possible or is it made so that once the LED burns out, you have to replace the whole button? Would suck if that was the case.

A correctly powered LED will last 20 years, before it reaches 3/4 original brightness. What do you want here!

Is the brightness adjustable?

One word answer: LED-Wiz

Dude! try reading the information in the description above... Under "Features" almost all of your questions are answered there.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[Fozzy The Bear]

Will be available from www.GroovyGameGear.com Website in a couple of days

Yet again...Cool Product Randy.... Keep em coming!! 

As always you're offering more than anything else on the maket. I'm just about to start work on "Supergun" based cabinet for MVS and JAMMA boards... I can see these getting used 

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[RandyT]

Man Randy, you keep coming up with new stuff all the time.  Is this all you do all day, work on new toys for us big boys?   

Yes. 


RandyT

[Kremmit]

If I wanted to run these without an LED-Wiz, what voltage would I need to feed 'em, and what's the approximate current draw?

[Kaytrim]

Man Randy, you keep coming up with new stuff all the time.  Is this all you do all day, work on new toys for us big boys?   

Yes. 


RandyT

No wonder you are my favorite vendor. 

[Kaytrim]

If I wanted to run these without an LED-Wiz, what voltage would I need to feed 'em, and what's the approximate current draw?

I am going to guess that 5v will be the necessary voltage because they work with Randy's LED-Wiz boards.

[RandyT]

If I wanted to run these without an LED-Wiz, what voltage would I need to feed 'em, and what's the approximate current draw?

I am going to guess that 5v will be the necessary voltage because they work with Randy's LED-Wiz boards.

That's correct.  The resistors were selected for 5v operation.  The current draw is 100ma, so don't try to use them with anything that is designed only to run a single LED.  If one wanted them only to be illuminated and not have dynamic control, they could be directly attached to the 5v line of the PC power supply.

On a related note, to be safe, I would recommend using a maximum of 4 per output of the LED-Wiz, if one wished to share outputs.  This probably won't be necessary for these, however, as they are monochromatic and need only 1 output per button.  This means that 32 of them could be driven from a single LED-Wiz.

RandyT

[bfauska]

Hey Randy,

I wonder if now is a good time to ask if you've ever thought about doing a dark neutral grey tranlucent button?  I like the idea of using illuminated buttons with an LedWiz to indicate which buttons a specific game uses and then indicate different things by different colors.  The problem I see as things stand now is that the only way to have a button change color is to use either a clear button or the Ice buttons.  I don't really mind the clear but I think something that naturally difuses would be better.  I don't like the idea of the un-lit buttons being white.  If the buttons were more like the tinted glass color used for some of the screen covers then it would look black when it was un-lit and it wouldn't effect the color that you put behind it when it was lit.  I have seen several folks with the buttons for lighting and nobody seems to have something like this.  I think it would be a great idea, and therefor you are the person I figure could make it happen and release it.  If it were designed to either work with or come with your RGB drive it would be even better.

Either way this new button line looks like some good stuff, keep up the good work.  I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first order from you, and hope that I will need to make many more (chances are good with the great products you seem to have.)

Later,
Brian

[JMB]

No more new products until you finish the 49-ways. 

Yet another fine addition to your product line.  Now get back to work!

[csa3d]

Will there be colors other then red or blue available?

[pointdablame]

Will there be colors other then red or blue available?

I'm not trying to speak for Randy, but my guess is he will have all the translucent colored buttons that Happ carries.

he mentions that he didn't want to be a "me too" vendor of the buttons, and has added this lighted option, so I'm willing to bet he'll carry all the ones that Happ has available.  I believe they have red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and clear

[fjl]

Hurry, I need to buy buttons soon!

[Bobbler]

Bah!

Now you just made my choice for some bling for my cabinet even more difficult to choose!

Will wait and see what colours etc you put out for these as I was going to go with some ICE buttons (and the obligitory LED Wiz) later this week after pay day.

Nice one Randy, you sure keep these products coming (and my wallet empty)

[headkaze]

I still thing the RGB Drives and Electric Ice buttons out bling these, but these a definately cool. I think I would like two red ones for my admin buttons.

[Kaytrim]

No more new products until you finish the 49-ways. 

Yet another fine addition to your product line.  Now get back to work!

The sticks are finished, He is still working on the new interface (GPWiz49 V2).  I am anxiously waiting for these new boards too.  He keeps thinking of new features to add to them.  Then he has to work on the communications system for the software.  Finally test the bagebies out of them before the release.  He'll get them done soon.

Also keep in mind that he is a one man operation that has to deal with customer service issues.  He had a spot last week where he needed to fix a bug found in one of his production boards.  Randy's customer service is one of the best in any business.  I think that this is because he likes this hobby has much as we do.

Randy, I have a suggestion for these new buttons.  How about sticking a RBG LED in a clear version.  I like the ICE buttons for this but it would be interesting to see a comparison.  Grab a piece of wood, mount all the colors and an ICE button next to each one set on a similar color.  This way we can see which one we like better to purchase.

TTFN 
Kaytrim

[Kaytrim]

If I wanted to run these without an LED-Wiz, what voltage would I need to feed 'em, and what's the approximate current draw?

I am going to guess that 5v will be the necessary voltage because they work with Randy's LED-Wiz boards.

That's correct.  The resistors were selected for 5v operation.  The current draw is 100ma, so don't try to use them with anything that is designed only to run a single LED.  If one wanted them only to be illuminated and not have dynamic control, they could be directly attached to the 5v line of the PC power supply.

On a related note, to be safe, I would recommend using a maximum of 4 per output of the LED-Wiz, if one wished to share outputs.  This probably won't be necessary for these, however, as they are monochromatic and need only 1 output per button.  This means that 32 of them could be driven from a single LED-Wiz.

RandyT

EDIT: Just re-read your second paragraph, question answered. 

TTFN 
Kaytrim

[RandyT]

No more new products until you finish the 49-ways. 

Yet another fine addition to your product line.  Now get back to work!

The sticks are finished, He is still working on the new interface (GPWiz49 V2).  I am anxiously waiting for these new boards too.  He keeps thinking of new features to add to them.  Then he has to work on the communications system for the software.  Finally test the bagebies out of them before the release.  He'll get them done soon.

Also keep in mind that he is a one man operation that has to deal with customer service issues.  He had a spot last week where he needed to fix a bug found in one of his production boards.  Randy's customer service is one of the best in any business.  I think that this is because he likes this hobby has much as we do.

Thanks Kaytrim.  Actually there are two of us.  Without Lisa pitching in, I'd never have time to develop new things.   Also, the bug was with a seldom required feature of the new KeyWiz uploader software, not a board level hardware bug.  I have nightmares about those, and fortunately my board designs have always been 100%   In any case, the software issue has been taken care of, so I'm mostly back on track.

I am making progress on the interface.  There are so many settings for them, I decided to make a developer's OCX right out of the gate.  Then my own control software can use it, and anyone who might want to add support from their applications will be able to as well.  The firmware is, I believe, finally complete.

Randy, I have a suggestion for these new buttons.  How about sticking a RBG LED in a clear version.  I like the ICE buttons for this but it would be interesting to see a comparison.  Grab a piece of wood, mount all the colors and an ICE button next to each one set on a similar color.  This way we can see which one we like better to purchase.

I can do something like this down the road a bit, but I can tell you the results as I conducted these tests before I developed the EI buttons.  The results in a clear button are very poor as an RGB LED requires diffusion in order to mix the three colors.  Each distinct color is visible, and the only time you get any hint of the color you were trying for is when the reflections from the internal surfaces cause the beams to scatter and they accidentally cross the paths of each other.  Unfortunately, this doesn't happen nearly enough, so the mix is almost always incomplete.

On the question of NovaGem color availability:  I need to do a couple more tests to insure compatibility of the lights to the other colors.  One of the difficulties with these buttons is that they act like filters.  If you put a blue LED in a red button, you don't get purple, you get nothing.  This is because the red button allows only the red wavelengths to pass through.  LED's are quite monochromatic, so it's pretty easy to block them.  So far, the Red and Blue are good, so those are certain.   The rest are untested, but I have high hopes

RandyT

[Kaytrim]

I am making progress on the interface.  There are so many settings for them, I decided to make a developer's OCX right out of the gate.  Then my own control software can use it, and anyone who might want to add support from their applications will be able to as well.  The firmware is, I believe, finally complete.

That will sure make it easy to created plugins for the various Front End packages.  Good call Randy. 

[RandyT]

I don't like the idea of the un-lit buttons being white.  If the buttons were more like the tinted glass color used for some of the screen covers then it would look black when it was un-lit and it wouldn't effect the color that you put behind it when it was lit.

Just so people understand, I am talking about the EI buttons, not the NovaGems here.  I actually entertained this concept when working out the details of the EI buttons.  The problem is that I didn't think it would work the way I wanted it to, and the way it would partially work, would probably result in some unattractive buttons when they are unlit.

The material needs to diffuse, so the "screen cover" type material is non-starter.  What would need to be done, would be to create a shade of actual gray that would still be translucent enough to allow light to pass.  The big problem is that the less light it reflects (through the addition of black, which absorbs) the less light it will subsequently transmit.  The net result, I'm afraid, would be an unattractive middle-gray button that did little more than make it more difficult for the LED to illuminate it, especially in the presence of ambient room lighting.  If one had a very powerful RGB light source, it might be able to overpower the reduction caused by the darker material, but at the moment, these don't exist.  I'm always looking for ways to improve things, so if I see something that looks promising, I'll consider it.

BTW, most people who were initially concerned about the look of the white (pearlized) buttons usually end up having it grow on them once they are installed. 

RandyT

[loadman]

If I wanted to run these without an LED-Wiz, what voltage would I need to feed 'em, and what's the approximate current draw?

I am going to guess that 5v will be the necessary voltage because they work with Randy's LED-Wiz boards.

That's correct.  The resistors were selected for 5v operation.  The current draw is 100ma, so don't try to use them with anything that is designed only to run a single LED.  If one wanted them only to be illuminated and not have dynamic control, they could be directly attached to the 5v line of the PC power supply.

On a related note, to be safe, I would recommend using a maximum of 4 per output of the LED-Wiz, if one wished to share outputs.  This probably won't be necessary for these, however, as they are monochromatic and need only 1 output per button.  This means that 32 of them could be driven from a single LED-Wiz.

RandyT

FYI  If you want to use these with MaLa Hardware / Iowarrior 40 there is no problem

[RandyT]

FYI  If you want to use these with MaLa Hardware  / Iowarrior 40 there is no problem

Careful there.  You have to qualify that statement.  If you have a pre-assembled board or a board with all those resistors in place already, you will need to modify it before these will work.  The current draw will probably cause the existing resistors on the MaLa board to get very hot and possibly start smoldering.   

RandyT

[loadman]

FYI  If you want to use these with MaLa Hardware  / Iowarrior 40 there is no problem

Careful there.  You have to qualify that statement.  If you have a pre-assembled board or a board with all those resistors in place already, you will need to modify it before these will work.  The current draw will probably cause the existing resistors on the MaLa board to get very hot and possibly start smoldering.   

RandyT

Indeed you are correct.   

You need to have the apporiate resistor for the Leds you are using.

[headkaze]

No offence loadman, but it's probably a bit disrespectful to make a post about another commercial product in Randy's thread.

[RandyT]

On color availability:

I just checked out the troublesome translucent green.  The plunger is nice and bright, but even with all that extra internal brightness, the bezel barely glows.  They will still be offered, because even though they aren't as impressive as the blue or the red, they are still many times better than the results I have seen from them in the past.

Yellow will probably be no problem, but I need to order some more parts (someone please let me how important the yellow buttons are to them.)  The orange I am not so sure of.  Again, the light needs to match the "filter" color and getting the right wavelength might not be possible.  Will update that one as I learn more.

So out of the gate, Red, Blue, and Green.  Additionally, Clear will be offered with a choice of Red, Blue or Green light sources.  White and Yellow light sources are in the future, so you can add those to the list as well.

RandyT

[loadman]

No offence loadman, but it's probably a bit disrespectful to make a post about another commercial product in Randy's thread.

no no..  You missunderstand.

I was thinking of people who have already bought a led-wiz mod chip/ mala hardware.

Letting them know that if they wanted BUY THIS NEW PRODUCT FROM RANDYT it would work with it..

I will go away now

[RandyT]

Just a quick note to say that these are now live at the store for those who are interested.

RandyT

[WLVRYN]

Randy-

What are the benefits of one of these over the Electric Ice buttons with an RGB drive?  Seems like the EI buttons would be better given the ability to run multiple colors (though they would take up more inputs in the LEDWhiz).

[headkaze]

Randy-

What are the benefits of one of these over the Electric Ice buttons with an RGB drive?  Seems like the EI buttons would be better given the ability to run multiple colors (though they would take up more inputs in the LEDWhiz).

I don't think you would run an RGB drive through the NovaGem's. They are made for single LED's in mind. You would need all three outputs to make white and then the colour's wouldn't mix properly through the clear plastic. I wonder if Randy makes single colour LED drives that are as simple to install as the RGB drives?

[fjl]

Hey RandyT, I left you a PM days ago but apparently you're not answering it so I'll ask here instead.

I'm planning on getting the Electric Ice buttons from GGG with the LED RGB drives. But I'm also interested in the leaf switches from Ponyboy since I don't want the clicky sound of the microswitches. I'm just wondering if its possible to add the leaf switches if the buttons will have the RGB LED drive in them. Will they still fit? Well actually I don't even know if the leaf switches will work even without the RGB drive. Are the Electric Ice buttons set so only microswitches fit? Please clarify...

[Kremmit]

Hey RandyT, I left you a PM days ago but apparently you're not answering it so I'll ask here instead.

I'm planning on getting the Electric Ice buttons from GGG with the LED RGB drives. But I'm also interested in the leaf switches from Ponyboy since I don't want the clicky sound of the microswitches. I'm just wondering if its possible to add the leaf switches if the buttons will have the RGB LED drive in them. Will they still fit? Well actually I don't even know if the leaf switches will work even without the RGB drive. Are the Electric Ice buttons set so only microswitches fit? Please clarify...

From the pictures, there's nothing extra on the bottom of the buttons, so I don't see why the leafswitch adapters wont' fit.

[fjl]

Well before I buy either one, I'd like an assurance 

[WLVRYN]

Randy-

What are the benefits of one of these over the Electric Ice buttons with an RGB drive?  Seems like the EI buttons would be better given the ability to run multiple colors (though they would take up more inputs in the LEDWhiz).

I don't think you would run an RGB drive through the NovaGem's. They are made for single LED's in mind. You would need all three outputs to make white and then the colour's wouldn't mix properly through the clear plastic. I wonder if Randy makes single colour LED drives that are as simple to install as the RGB drives?

I realize that the RGB drives arent made for the NovaGem's.  I'm wondering why the NovaGems with only one color are better than the EI buttons with the possibility of many colors.  They are priced that way, which would lead me to believe that Randy thinks they're better.

[RandyT]

What are the benefits of one of these over the Electric Ice buttons with an RGB drive?  Seems like the EI buttons would be better given the ability to run multiple colors (though they would take up more inputs in the LEDWhiz).

The benefits of the NovaGems are that some who want lit buttons, don't want to purchase multiple LED-Wiz units and / or like the unlit look of the translucents better than the shimmering white of the EI buttons.

IOW, neither are necessarily better, rather it comes down to what a user wants to do and what it costs me to make it happen

Hey RandyT, I left you a PM days ago but apparently you're not answering it so I'll ask here instead.

Sorry, been taking a little heat on not getting the new joystick / interfaces finished, and RealLife™ has been pounding me lately.  Trying to do a lot of things at once.

I'm planning on getting the Electric Ice buttons from GGG with the LED RGB drives. But I'm also interested in the leaf switches from Ponyboy since I don't want the clicky sound of the microswitches. I'm just wondering if its possible to add the leaf switches if the buttons will have the RGB LED drive in them. Will they still fit? Well actually I don't even know if the leaf switches will work even without the RGB drive. Are the Electric Ice buttons set so only microswitches fit? Please clarify...

If you do a search on here, someone (Santoro maybe?) did a little writeup of what needs to be done to accommodate the RGB-Drive boards.  A piece of plastic needed to be whittled off of the switch adapter, but it was reported that it worked.  I cannot verify as I don't have any of these adapters.

I realize that the RGB drives arent made for the NovaGem's.  I'm wondering why the NovaGems with only one color are better than the EI buttons with the possibility of many colors.  They are priced that way, which would lead me to believe that Randy thinks they're better.

Again, not better or worse.  Just different.  As for pricing, you probably aren't taking the options into consideration fully.  The full-blown EI buttons are still more expensive than the NovaGems.

RandyT