Sources for lighted pushbuttons

[GAtekwriter]

Like many of you, I like to check out ALL my sources before I purchase... I'm wanting to make certain I haven't missed any sources of lighted pushbuttons - I know about the GGG Gems and the homemade method for integrating LEDs, but are there any sources NOT found in Saint's book for lighted pushbuttons that don't require additional drilling or homemade methods?  Thanks in advance.

Jim

[WLVRYN]

I dont have any other sources for you, but I used the red and blue NovaGems from GGG on my cab and they work great (especially when combined with an LEDwiz).

[GAtekwriter]

I do like the Gems, but at $5.00+ each, I'm just wanting to make sure I've exhausted all my options.  I've read a lot of positive feedback on GGG's product and may still go that route.

Jim

[whammoed]

Sounds like you are looking for microswitch button solutions...but just in case, I have a product meant for lighting leaf switch buttons.  (assembly required)
http://www.nicemite.com/LightmiteLB/LightmiteLB.htm

[WLVRYN]

I do like the Gems, but at $5.00+ each, I'm just wanting to make sure I've exhausted all my options.  I've read a lot of positive feedback on GGG's product and may still go that route.

Jim

Good point.  I spent over $150 to get all my buttons and trackball to light up, so its definitely not a cheap proposition.

[fjl]

But was it worth it?

[WLVRYN]

Totally.  If I'm going to spend $1,400 to build a nice cabinet, whats another $150 on top of it to really trick it out?  It adds a neat dimension to the cabinet, and everyone that has seen it is really digs it.  It also make it much easier to play games when the required buttons light up.  Even my 3 year old son can figure out which buttons to use.

[GAtekwriter]

WLVRYN,

So the Gems were worth it... okay, I think you may have convinced me.  I take it you purchased the LEDWiz to control the light up effect?

As I understand it, the Gems work just like regular buttons (in terms of installation) and only require a 5V power source, right?  But if you use the LEDWiz, you don't need to separately power them, right?  The LEDWiz provides power, too?

Jim

[Hoopz]

WLVRYN,

So the Gems were worth it... okay, I think you may have convinced me.  I take it you purchased the LEDWiz to control the light up effect?

As I understand it, the Gems work just like regular buttons (in terms of installation) and only require a 5V power source, right?  But if you use the LEDWiz, you don't need to separately power them, right?  The LEDWiz provides power, too?

Jim

Yep, they work just like regular buttons.  They are regular buttons really.  They simply have an LED in them.  Everything else is the same.  They feel the same and install the same way. 

You are right about the LEDwiz.  It can provide the power to light all the buttons.  And it does cool things to the lights.   

[Kaytrim]

One important thing to keep in mind is the amount of power supplied via USB, around 500ma.  Each NovaGem uses about 100ma each.  This is way more than the button blaster LEDs that GGG has for sale, they are around 20ma.  You will easily over power the LEDWiz unless you follow the instructions in supplying an external 5v power source.  You can get the 5v from a wall wart or the PC power supply.  If you don't get the power from something other than USB you could end up with a expensive paper weight, the LEDWiz. 

Have fun with your build
Kaytrim

[Kaytrim]

From GGG Site

Power Requirements: 100ma @ 5v DC Per button.

Connection:

The buttons have 2 wires attached to them. One side has a resistor at the end wrapped in heat-shrink tubing. This lead goes to the LED-Wiz™. The metal post was left long so multiples could fit beside each other on the terminal, so it might need to be clipped a bit to fit. The other wire goes to +5v. Be sure that the power requirements for the device are met properly, otherwise damage may occur to the components the power is being drawn from. GroovyGameGear / IDVT Inc. will assume no responsibility for damages caused by improper use.

[RandyT]

Just a quick clarification:

The LED-Wiz isn't the problem, rather the USB port.  The LED-Wiz can handle 500ma per output, while the USB can only supply 500ma in total.

Also, the LED-Wiz is repairable, but your USB port probably won't be.

To run any quantity of the NovaGems, you will need to split a 5v line off from your PC power supply.

RandyT

[Hoopz]

I am using the LEDwiz to power 14 buttons and it's connected via USB.  Should I have the 5v line connected to the LEDwiz?  It's been this way since early March and I haven't had any problems.  At least, not yet...   

[Kaytrim]

I am using the LEDwiz to power 14 buttons and it's connected via USB.  Should I have the 5v line connected to the LEDwiz?  It's been this way since early March and I haven't had any problems.  At least, not yet...   

Are you using the NovaGems or the button blaster LEDs?  If you are using the Button Blasters then you are fine.
14 x 20 = 280ma, well below the 500ma that you can get via USB.

Just a quick clarification:

The LED-Wiz isn't the problem, rather the USB port.  The LED-Wiz can handle 500ma per output, while the USB can only supply 500ma in total.

Also, the LED-Wiz is repairable, but your USB port probably won't be.

To run any quantity of the NovaGems, you will need to split a 5v line off from your PC power supply.

RandyT

Thanks for straighting me out Randy 

[Hoopz]

I am using the LEDwiz to power 14 buttons and it's connected via USB.  Should I have the 5v line connected to the LEDwiz?  It's been this way since early March and I haven't had any problems.  At least, not yet...   

Are you using the NovaGems or the button blaster LEDs?  If you are using the Button Blasters then you are fine.
14 x 20 = 280ma, well below the 500ma that you can get via USB.

Sorry, I am using the NovaGems.

[Kaytrim]

I am using the LEDwiz to power 14 buttons and it's connected via USB.  Should I have the 5v line connected to the LEDwiz?  It's been this way since early March and I haven't had any problems.  At least, not yet...   

Are you using the NovaGems or the button blaster LEDs?  If you are using the Button Blasters then you are fine.
14 x 20 = 280ma, well below the 500ma that you can get via USB.

Sorry, I am using the NovaGems.

If I were you I'd get an external 5v source on your LEDWiz.  If you max out all the NovaGems you are looking at 1400ma nearly triple what USB can supply.

[RandyT]

Yes, get the external 5v line hooked up.  The implementation will vary, and I've heard that some USB ports are fused for as much as 2 amps (surge.)  And of course, if all of the buttons are not on at full power at the same time, then the requirements would be lower.  But it's good to play it safe.

RandyT

[Hoopz]

I'm on it!  Thanks Kaytrim and RandyT.   

[GAtekwriter]

The sheer amount of free tech support I've seen from Randy has convinced me   NovaGems it is!

Jim

[Cornchip]

  Wikpedia has a good section about USB and the current that it can supply.

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB

 Cornchip.