Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Muniosi on August 16, 2013, 01:28:30 pm

Title: 2 quick questions about NovaGems
Post by: Muniosi on August 16, 2013, 01:28:30 pm
1) Anyone know what size holes to use on the round NovaGem buttons? I ask because I'm considering replacing the buttons in my current control panel.

2) How does one power the buttons? On the site it said to connect it to a 5v power source, but do the buttons have a connector on them already, or will I have to do some soldering?

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: 2 quick questions about NovaGems
Post by: PL1 on August 16, 2013, 01:59:04 pm
Welcome aboard, Muniosi.

The Novagems use a standard 1-1/8" mounting hole AFAIK.

There are two things that make the round Novagems different from other LED buttons:

1. 'Pre-Attached 24" wires with resistor termination.' The wires are visible on the left side of the blue button in this MPG (http://www.groovygamegear.com/Store_Images/NovaGem.mpg).

2. 'Power Requirements: 100ma @ 5v DC Per button.' 18 buttons (12 player buttons, P1/P2 Start, P1/P2 Coin, Pause, and Exit) = 1.8 Amps.   :o

Plan your power source accordingly -- 5v from the red/black wires on a computer power supply molex connector should work fine.

Do you plan on having them always on, or will you use a controller to switch them on/off?


Scott
Title: Re: 2 quick questions about NovaGems
Post by: Muniosi on August 16, 2013, 03:31:01 pm
Thanks for answering.

The wires are visible on the left side of the blue button in this MPG
What is on the end of these wires? Is there a connector or just bare wire?


Quote
Do you plan on having them always on, or will you use a controller to switch them on/off?

I figured I'd have them always on, so I wouldn't have to buy a control board.
Title: Re: 2 quick questions about NovaGems
Post by: PL1 on August 16, 2013, 05:02:42 pm
What is on the end of these wires? Is there a connector or just bare wire?

Not sure, but since Randy's LED controllers (LED-Wiz+GP and LED-Wiz) have screw terminals, I'm guessing no connector.   :dunno

(http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/images/medium/LEDWIZ+GP_MED.jpg)  (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/images/medium/LEDwiz_MED.jpg)

When you place your order, consider including some euro-style terminal blocks (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69&products_id=201) to hook all the wires up neatly.

Daisy chain along one side (shown) including either the red (+) or black (-) wire from the molex.

Connect all the LED wires of the same polarity (+ or -) along the other side.

(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=94703.0;attach=259271;image)

Don't forget to verify that your daisy chain wire is capable of handling the amount of current your buttons will draw.


Scott
Title: Re: 2 quick questions about NovaGems
Post by: Muniosi on August 16, 2013, 06:08:53 pm
Cool, thanks! That seems fairly simple. Now to wait until they come back in stock... :p
Title: Re: 2 quick questions about NovaGems
Post by: PL1 on August 16, 2013, 08:04:09 pm
Cool, thanks! That seems fairly simple. Now to wait until they come back in stock... :p

Drop RandyT an e-mail and let him know what all you're looking for, he may still have some even though they don't show up on the webpage.   :cheers:

All colors NovaGem2's are in stock...  email me if you need some.  I had hoped to get these on the store by now, but I can't seem to catch a break with the recent order volume and all of the projects I have been working on.


Scott