How do you cable two rows of three buttons right next to each other?

[Diewrecked]

Can any of you offer any advice here please?

I've seen a whole load of CP's where the buttons are set out in two rows of three such that they are right next to each other and almost touching, say only a mm or two between them.

Given that Cherry microswitches stick out a few mm either side of the screw thread, and then the crimps on the connectors stick out further still, how do you physically wire them up? How do you align the switches so that everything fits? My CP will be a pretty tight fit once I've finished (trackball, spinners etc) so if I can get the buttons quite close up against each other I'd like to.

Thanks in advance you guys
Jon

[javeryh]

It just fits underneath the CP.  This should not be a concern.  Check the CP database for pics of the wiring jobs and you will see there is plenty of room.

[Chadwick]

Secure the buttons so the switches are at 45 degree angles.

[um3k]

Given that Cherry microswitches stick out a few mm either side of the screw thread, and then the crimps on the connectors stick out further still, how do you physically wire them up? How do you align the switches so that everything fits? My CP will be a pretty tight fit once I've finished (trackball, spinners etc) so if I can get the buttons quite close up against each other I'd like to.

Just turn the top row so their microswitch connectors face up and the bottom row so those face down.  (The short "leg" of the button will be where the microswitch faces once installed.)

[Diewrecked]

Excellent many thanks you guys. That gives me more scope to play with my CP design.

[dgame]

Not that tight but this in an angled method:

[pmc]

I'd also suggest you use insulated connectors. Sometimes my buttons wiggle a little loose and the cherry switches rotate a bit. I can cause a short if the connectors touch each other. I did a sloppy job and used less than ideal (flea market) parts and pay the price for that sometimes.

-pmc

[Diewrecked]

Thanks for the extra info guys. Very helpful. PMC yeah I got the wiring set (cables, terminals and crimping tool) from Ultimarc so I should be OK on that front

[um3k]

Sometimes my buttons wiggle a little loose and the cherry switches rotate a bit.

Pick up a HAPP button wrench (from dm or ponyboy) and you'll be able to tighten down the nut enough that it won't wiggle or spin on you.