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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: blind_dado on August 24, 2011, 11:04:15 am

Title: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: blind_dado on August 24, 2011, 11:04:15 am
I recently received some custom button vinyl (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=64645.0) from Pongo and used it with my Ultralux pushbuttons (http://www.ultimarc.com/ultralux.html) to make graphic labels for the pushbuttons.  The results are fantastic.  Ultimarc does offer a very small selection of logo inserts for their Ultralux buttons, but they spin freely in the clear button cap and, hence, do not stay oriented unless you glue them down.  The very similar SpectraLite pushbuttons from Groovy Game Gear do not have any logo inserts (the GGG site states that their large selection of Pushbutton Graphic Inserts are not compatible with the SpectraLite style buttons).

At first I tried to make my own inserts, which you can see described here. (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=112752#msg1196920)  But then I hit on the idea of using Pongo vinyl and it is definitely the way to go.  By sticking the vinyl directly on the actual diffuser disc, which is stationary, the logo remains stationary as well.  Pongo's work is superior, and he does custom work (see below).  Of course, this technique would work equally well on similar pushbuttons, such as GGG's Spectralites (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73&products_id=343) or Chromalites (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73&products_id=338), or the lighted pushbuttons (http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/en/234-led-convex-arcade-pushbuttonwhite-led-convex-arcade-pushbutton.html) from Paradise Arcade.

Here is the vinyl stuck to the diffuser:

(http://rdowney.com/miscposts/IMG_7774)

And how it looks in the button:
(http://rdowney.com/miscposts/IMG_7775)

Another angle:
(http://rdowney.com/miscposts/IMG_7776)

I lit it up with both a white LED and a Yellow LED under different lighting conditions.  As those of you who have tried to take similar photos know, it is quite difficult to get good pictures of something that is illuminated, but here goes:

With white LED:
(http://rdowney.com/miscposts/IMG_7786)

(http://rdowney.com/miscposts/IMG_7787)

(http://rdowney.com/miscposts/IMG_7790)

(http://rdowney.com/miscposts/IMG_7789)


With yellow LED:
(http://rdowney.com/miscposts/IMG_7781)

(http://rdowney.com/miscposts/IMG_7783)

(http://rdowney.com/miscposts/IMG_7784)

Sorry for this blurry one:
(http://rdowney.com/miscposts/IMG_7785)

Here is the resulting Admin panel for my work in progress:
(http://rdowney.com/miscposts/IMG_7791)

Note the custom graphic:
(http://rdowney.com/miscposts/IMG_7793)

Incidentally, the vinyl can be used on just about anything.  I'm also using it on a keyed power switch:
(http://rdowney.com/miscposts/IMG_7805)

Finally, here is a video of just how easy it is to install the LED/switch combo into the Ultralux pushbuttons (the GGG and Paradise pushbuttons are very similar):
Installing LEDs and switches into Admin Panel Buttons (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-SPb8XLdR4#ws)

Conclusion: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Title: Re: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: Ginsu Victim on August 24, 2011, 11:49:03 am
I have also done this, but I'm not a big fan of these buttons.
Title: Re: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: blind_dado on August 24, 2011, 12:31:56 pm
Buzzkill.
Title: Re: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: mgb on August 24, 2011, 07:31:51 pm
looks good.
I have some of pongos labels to put on a few electric ice2s. I haven't had time yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing 'em on there
Title: Re: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: notroubleclubber on August 25, 2011, 03:57:21 am
I've just installed these with the LEDs and for me they are a bit noisy and hard to push.
Is there a way to make these quieter and softer without spending any money as I'm out of funds for a while now
Title: Re: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: Blanka on August 25, 2011, 05:32:18 am
Are the icons cut or printed? They look like they are cut on a cheap Chinese cut-plotter with a drag-knife.
We make these icons with a Summa rotating knife cutter, resulting in much cleaner corners.
Title: Re: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: blind_dado on August 25, 2011, 02:28:53 pm
Who is "we" in this case?  Do you sell custom vinyl?
Title: Re: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: markronz on August 25, 2011, 04:18:48 pm
Looks good my man.  I've ordered from Pongo before as well.  That's definitely an alternative to making inserts.

I'm not sure what Blanka is talking about, Pongo's decals look great.   I've never heard of any complaints from any of his customers, including myself.  If he has some other method or offers an alternative product, I'd love to see and compare them.
Title: Re: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: blind_dado on August 25, 2011, 08:53:58 pm
In terms of the buttons being "a bit noisy and hard to push," take out the springs.  See this thread:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=113947 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=113947)
Title: Re: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: Blanka on August 26, 2011, 12:27:49 am
Who is "we" in this case?
Me and some colleges who made a series of Retro Space cabs. Custom vinyl is not core business, but we can always help a few out here. Maybe handy for EU builders.
Title: Re: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: BadMouth on September 17, 2011, 02:15:36 pm

Seimitsu buttons.  Inserts painted silver.  White letters from Pongo.   ;D
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=173026;image)
These are going in the cab I'm going start after I finish the upgrades to my driving cab.
Title: Re: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: Nephasth on September 17, 2011, 02:19:45 pm
Very nice! :applaud:
Title: Re: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: BobA on September 17, 2011, 04:46:11 pm
I think the original set of pics maybe suffering from a bit of jaggedness due to compression.   Pongo's vinyl is always smooth and clean.
Title: Re: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: yotsuya on September 17, 2011, 05:20:40 pm
Those look sweet!
Title: Re: Pongo button vinyl + Ultralux buttons = Love
Post by: Ginsu Victim on September 19, 2011, 12:11:18 am
I think the original set of pics maybe suffering from a bit of jaggedness due to compression.   Pongo's vinyl is always smooth and clean.

The ones I have look great, but they aren't perfect. Good enough to recommend, though.