Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: shawnzilla on August 26, 2004, 08:39:31 am
-
Hey All,
I'm working with a manufacturer on custom translucent microswitch buttons (with a concave top). In order to get prices, I need to be specific in terms of color & quantity.
So...
1) How many people would be interested in these buttons?
2) What colors would you like to see?
For me personally, I love the dark blue of the old translucent leaf switch buttons.
Anyway, If enough ppl are interested, I will place an order with the manufacturer.
-
I would be interested in some, depending on price. I'd be interested in a blue, and possibly red and green. I would think a translucent white would be cool too.
-
4 translucent green would be nice - also need a translucent green 3" trackball, lighted.
-
Red, red and red.
How about a translucent black/smoke?
-
I like blue, purple, clear. I would purchase a complete set for a four player machine. The clear would be nice for 1-4 player start.
-
Light blue and dark blue, followed by red.
Get some product samples first. Wouldn't like it if these turned out to be very cheap.
-
i would be interested in 2 dozen red ones.. dark blue would be cool to see
-
I would take a bunch of green. Other colors like blue, purple, orange, red, and yellow I may be intered in depending on shade.
~Mas
-
(http://www.dameon.net/BBBB/9100l.jpg)
-
I second Jakobud.
My personal preference is for Purple, Orange, Yellow, Red.
I'd buy plenty.
-
So far, the votes seem to be as follows:
Red: 6
Green: 3
Blue: 6
Purple: 3
Clear: 2
Yellow: 2
Orange: 2
Keep the input coming! I'm having these designed with all of you in mind. Depending on pricing, I may do a limited run of one color to gague everyone's response, and then do a greater variation of colors from there.
-
could we get a ballpark figure on how much these will cost?
-
I wouldnt mind 3 green ones.
And count one more vote for an approximate price :)
-
I'm working on this with the manufacturer. That's why I want input on color choices, because it will greatly effect the final cost. As soon as I have a clearer idea on cost, I will post it. My goal is to make it as affordable as possible.
could we get a ballpark figure on how much these will cost?
-
I'd be interested in red, clear and blue ones. (No it's not for a patriotic cab.)
-
Ok, now to add another twist...what kind of shades would everyone be interested in? (for example...dark blue, flourescent green, hot pink, etc...)
Manufacturer is working up some pricing for me, so hopefully, I can give a cost estimate soon!
-
(http://www.dameon.net/BBBB/9100l.jpg)
I'm going to have to agree with this. :)
-
Make Clear.
Red can be found easily enough already, dark blue is harder, but not impossible.
Clear ones are way harder to find.
Also interested in gray, purple, green
-
I think a 'crystal clear' button would be cool - as you could light it any color using lights or led's. (even changing the colors on the fly : )
Slightly frosted look might be interesting...
A matching clear 8way wico balltop handle would rock... that and a happs competition bat handle too.
Making them microswitch and leaf switch capable would be cool. Maybe thru the use of an adapter if needed.
I also think it might be nice to reduce the footprint a bit...maybe just a touch bigger than 3/4ths normal size. That would allow for less cramped panels, better mini panels, easier to reach buttons (less finger spread), easier for people with small hands...ect.
A few 1/4th size buttons would be nice for things like emu controls, coin in, start buttons, ect.
-
Red, Blue, Green, Yellow If price was reasonable i'd buy a dozen or so of each.
-Goz
-
Yellow definitely.
That's the one color they DIDN'T make originally.
-
Hopefully the colors they are able to produce are nicer than the ones they sell at Centsible (http://www.centsibleamusements.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=679)
Not bad at 1.49 a piece, but colors look off
-Goz
-
Yeah, those colors are too bright. I think the new colors should better match the original leaf buttons - which are darker 'royale' colors.
Remember also, that if the colors are too light - they will look too bright when lit up... and the colors will actually shift to a more white-ish shade.
-
I would buy a dozen dark blue if they were cheap enough.
-
Hopefully the colors they are able to produce are nicer than the ones they sell at Centsible (http://www.centsibleamusements.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=679)
Not bad at 1.49 a piece, but colors look off
Those ones are convex buttons. AND I think they have a spot in the top for a printed insert, hence why they look so light.
I would buy 6 light blue and 4 dark blue.
~Ray B.
-
1) How many people would be interested in these buttons?
2) What colors would you like to see?
Please, please, please, don't let this be a joke! I'm just about to build my cabinet and have been searching for this exact thing!
I'd like red (3), yellow (7), green (3) and blue (7). I'm planning a 4-player 7-button on players 1 and 2 and 3 buttons on players 3 and 4.
That would be 2Sweet!
dot
-
Nope, no joke. It all depends on the ability of the manufacturer to make what we want, and the cost. I'm waiting for some answers.
1) How many people would be interested in these buttons?
2) What colors would you like to see?
Please, please, please, don't let this be a joke! I'm just about to build my cabinet and have been searching for this exact thing!
I'd like red (3), yellow (7), green (3) and blue (7). I'm planning a 4-player 7-button on players 1 and 2 and 3 buttons on players 3 and 4.
That would be 2Sweet!
dot
-
I'd order 20ish blue ones and potentially more later.
-
do you have a specific button design in mind?
i think the clear plastics are too inflexible for the happs type desgn - where the microswitch holders need to bend to slide in.
-
are there any blacklight buttons.? I just think it would be cool to have buttons lit up with the blacklight.
-
Blue, red, clear & smoke. I'd be interested in probably a dozen+ of each.
-
count me in for 8 red, 6 blue, 6 green. I'd love to see purple and maybe smoke.
-
You can put me down for
blue
purple
red
clear
smoke
and maybe
yellow
green
Probably 6 per color, as long as they're not $15/button :)
-
Sounds interesting.
Is the manufacturer going to incorporate an LED holder into the design?
I agree with the previous comments. I'd like to see a range of darkish colours like the old translucent leaf switch buttons.
-
Right now I'm just working with them (the manufacturer) to get the buttons done in the first place.
Depending on how they turn out, we may try to add an LED (but that will be done here, in-house, rather than at the manufactuer).
Sounds interesting.
Is the manufacturer going to incorporate an LED holder into the design?
I agree with the previous comments. I'd like to see a range of darkish colours like the old translucent leaf switch buttons.
-
I would be definately interested in as many colours as possible, I like the idea of UV reactive colours and an LED holder incorporated into the design.
-
Not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but I just had a very simple injection molded part quoted, far simpler than a button, and the tooling charge was 4000 dollars, with per part costs at .50 for a quantity of 2500.
Are you dealing with a company that has the mold already and just custom colors run, or starting from scratch? If you are thinking of designing your own, then be prepared for a pretty sizeable investment up-front.
FWIW.
RandyT
-
Put me down for at least 12 blue since I just bought a blue track ball to match ;D
I know this one sounds strange but if pink is a color you can do I would like about 9 of them.
( I am doing a Ms-Pacman cab with differant Cp's but staying with the Mspac overlay)
-
:-) I'm not starting from scratch (not completely anyway). The company is looking into fine-tuning the plunger it a little bit for me. If it turns out to be far too expensive, then I wouldn't do it. I'm still waiting on price quotes.
Not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but I just has a very simple injection molded part quoted, far simpler than a button, and the tooling charge was 4000 dollars, with per part costs at .50 for a quantity of 2500.
Are you dealing with a company that has the mold already and just custom colors run, or starting from scratch? If you are thinking of designing your own, then be prepared for a pretty sizeable investment up-front.
FWIW.
RandyT
-
The manufactuerer has told me that he's going to try hard to get me some pricing answers by Thursday.
-
"Picking at my cuticles with anticipation" :D. Count me in for a few as long as the price is reasonable. Say around .25 cents each ?
Kidding..
-
The only problen I see with translucent buttons is that they tend to look ugly with the internal plastic supports.
If you can find a better way to strengthen the button, it will look much nicer when lit.
I like purple, clear, and light green.
UV reactive would be great....
-
i actually think the wico leafs internal supports look pretty cool. tho you could just fill the thing solid. the supports do help tho - in keeping you from seeing into the control panel... and also, to help deliver/refract the light.
-
Would be nice if you [the manufacturer] could figure out a plastic that is translucent enough for illumination, but still opaque enough that you cannot see too much of the internal structure. That would be ideal.
-
I'm a bit at the mercy of the manufacturer as far as available materials & colors. But, they are doing a good job of following my design requests...so, we will see (still waiting on a pricing quote).
Would be nice if you [the manufacturer] could figure out a plastic that is translucent enough for illumination, but still opaque enough that you cannot see too much of the internal structure. That would be ideal.
-
I might be interested if the price is good. As for colors I would pick smoke, clear, red, blue and green, and maybe some assorted others.
-
I would pick up at least a couple blue buttons - it would be best for me to match the color of the happ translucent blue trackball.
-
Any further info on the buttons?
-
Not yet. Still waiting on a price quote from the manufacturer.
Any further info on the buttons?
-
Soon, soon, soon I hope. :)
The design theme of my next personal cabinet will depends on this. :) If you can get us some nice blues I'll be going one direction, if not, something else entirely.
Of course, I've got 2 cabs to finish for customers before I can get around to one for me. So, I guess there's no rush after all. :)
-
No price answers yet, but I did get an update last night. They have determined that what I'm asking for is no problem, but they are negotiating prices with the manufacturing plant. Stay tuned!
-
Geez, are you sure you're dealing with the "right" company for this job? All this time just to find out IF they can do it??? They'll probably come back to you with a ridiculous price (or good price and ridiculous minimum run).
At least go out and get more quotes from other places, so you can get the best price possible. It's hard to get the best price if you don't have another company bidding on the project.
-
Good news! I've worked out acceptable pricing with the manufacturer. I'll only need to charge $79.99 per button to break even...just kidding, just kidding....
I'm satisfied with the pricing, so now we're at the stage where I'm going to send them some color samples. Does anyone have a dark blue translucent leaf switch button that they'd like to donate to the cause? (pm me) I will gladly pay you back with some of the new buttons, when they are produced. I'm assuming that everyone would prefer this shade of blue vs. the lighter translucent blue (please correct me if I'm wrong).
That's all for now. I will be out-of-town on my honeymoon for 10 days, starting tomorrow. So, if you message me tomorrow or later, I won't be responding until the 20th.
Thanks for everyone's input on this! I'm excited to get some samples back from the manufacturer!
-
so what IS the pricing at the moment?
-
I would prefer a medium blue.
-
How could you get pricing info and not tell us? That is just so evil :P
-
:) I don't know what my personal final cost will be as of yet...I will still have to pay for international shipping, and I haven't decided on order quantity yet. I can say this: They WILL be very reasonably priced. I'm not out to make a quick buck at the expense of the BYOAC community. I care a great deal about BYOACers and I'm trying to get a product made that will benefit us all.
As a ballpark guess (and please DON'T get mad at me if I have to change this due to overhead costs). I would say we're probably looking at the $3.00 range with discounts for multiple quantity buyers.
I am shipping color samples to the manufacturer today. Once they've matched color for me, then they are going to make a prototype run for my review.
After today, I won't be able to respond to any PMs or posts to this thread until the 19th (I'm leaving early tomorrow morning for my honeymoon).
As always, I'll keep everyone posted.
How could you get pricing info and not tell us? That is just so evil :P
-
$3 with or without microswitch?
-
$3 is pretty reasonable though, with or without microswitch. My guess is it is without. That's actually less than I thought you were going to say, so here's to hoping you can keep it close to that amount.
Can't wait to see some pics of the prototypes.
-
For colors of these things, I would recommend that he contact Bob Roberts. Surely Bob would be willing to donate perhaps one of each color of old school leaf switch buttons that he has so that they could match up the colors.
-
For colors of these things, I would recommend that he contact Bob Roberts. Surely Bob would be willing to donate perhaps one of each color of old school leaf switch buttons that he has so that they could match up the colors.
Why would Bob do that?
-
For colors of these things, I would recommend that he contact Bob Roberts. Surely Bob would be willing to donate perhaps one of each color of old school leaf switch buttons that he has so that they could match up the colors.
Why would Bob do that?
Because I could see him being able to turn around and resell buttons if there is a large run of them made. Just better for his business I guess if he is interested in them.
-
on a side note to this......an idea I have for making somewhat of a unique lighting idea is to take the outer"ring" or holder of the button and making it transparent, and the button itself solid. You'll get a glow ring effect around the button that will give a nice Tron disc look in my opinion. If these buttons do get made I will purchase a few and tinker around with the idea for my project.
-
HMMM. Are there cold cathod rings available in button size? I have seen only the ones made for fans.
-
I don't think they make CCFL rings that small. You'd be better off with some EL wire, EL tape, or lazer leds if you want to hook it directly to your PC. You could always just wire up LEDs as well, but I'm assuming you want a plug and go method.
Depending on your button setup, you could also use one or two 4" CCFLs, say one above and one below a 6 button layout....
-
Any update on this project?
Thanks,
-Goz
-
The factory is working on proofs for me right now. Once they send me the samples, and assuming they look good, then I'll order a production run of them. They've been working on the proofs for a while, so I don't think it'll be too much longer.
Any update on this project?
Thanks,
-Goz
-
I wonder how hard it would be to rig the buttons up so that they could be selectively lit up on a per-game basis, perhaps in conjunction with controls.dat. That would definitely raise the coolness factor of the lighting effect. There could even be flashing lights or a strobe effect where all the lightable buttons come on in a programmed pattern when the console is idle.
Just thinking out load, don't know if it's been done already.....
-
Wasn't DinoRoger (I think that was his screen name) working on an led project like this?
I wonder how hard it would be to rig the buttons up so that they could be selectively lit up on a per-game basis, perhaps in conjunction with controls.dat. That would definitely raise the coolness factor of the lighting effect. There could even be flashing lights or a strobe effect where all the lightable buttons come on in a programmed pattern when the console is idle.
Just thinking out load, don't know if it's been done already.....
-
Wasn't DinoRoger (I think that was his screen name) working on an led project like this?
I wonder how hard it would be to rig the buttons up so that they could be selectively lit up on a per-game basis, perhaps in conjunction with controls.dat. That would definitely raise the coolness factor of the lighting effect. There could even be flashing lights or a strobe effect where all the lightable buttons come on in a programmed pattern when the console is idle.
Just thinking out load, don't know if it's been done already.....
It was called the L.A.M.E. Project. I assume it's dead because the project site has been done for a while now.
-
There is this project...
http://web2.airmail.net/~westal/photos/arcalux_ad.htm (http://web2.airmail.net/~westal/photos/arcalux_ad.htm)
But the one who sent me the link says that it uses incadescent lights instead of LEDs which would probably get really hot over time.
I'm a newbie so I have no idea whats good or bad, but check it out.
-
OH, and definately download the little video of it in action......something like that in combination with these new buttons would be hot.........as well as that new illuminated joystick
-
OH, and definately download the little video of it in action......something like that in combination with these new buttons would be hot.........as well as that new illuminated joystick
wow, that's pretty amazing.
-
What material are they being made of? As was mentioned earlier, translucent and clear plastic is typically BRITTLE. The pins for the microswitches would snap easily, hopefully this is being considered.
-
I expressed that very concern to the manufacturer. If I don't like what I see with the samples they make, then I'll look into other options.
What material are they being made of? As was mentioned earlier, translucent and clear plastic is typically BRITTLE. The pins for the microswitches would snap easily, hopefully this is being considered.
-
Typically what is the best way to light a translucent button?
-
generally l.e.d. or cold cathode would be the way as their is virtually no heat, and the hour life is quite long. They are also made at many different lumen intensity levels as well.
-
Do you typically use one l.e.d. per button or do you just use a few on the bottom side of your control panel to light all of them?
-
well lets say i had 6buttons(in a fighter pattern) id simply put a cold cathode tube directly in the center of the two rows underneath them, should light all 6, given your situation of course.
As far as simply lighting one, yes id use a led either underneath the button or possibly inside the button(modification being required of course). Putting inside the button in my opinion would require a less bright led, if your going for a simple soft glow, which i would personally prefer.
-
Orange, Red and Yellow. Can't wait to see them when you get them done!
-
If you are still going into production, I am in for some opaque/white/clear so I can just put any color LED in.
-
As promised, a little update about the buttons.
Not much to report at the moment, the distributor and their factory are having an argument about pricing.
Basically, I was quoted a price from the distributor for the prototyping and production of the buttons, and now the factory is balking and trying to raise the price & minimum number of units.
The distributor is waiting to send me the button samples until they can strike a deal with the factory.
So...I hope to have some samples to show everyone very soon! Finding a manufacturer for these is tough, so I'm going to try and stick with this one.
-
I would really like some clear Translucent & UV reactive, 24 of
each !
Keep-up the good work and let us know when you get an answer from the supplier.
Thanks :o
-
Hopefully you can get some "frosted" ones that will shine whatever color you light them up with... :D
-
Just a quick update. Unfortunately, the news is not great. The factory that my manufacturer was working with, very suddenly changed their mind about minimum # of units that I would have to order (by a ridiculous amount). Basically, I had agreed to put in an order of 10,000 units upon my approval of the button prototypes, and now they are suddenly talking 50,000+ units (and they keep changing the cost). So, the manufacturer is seeking a new production facility who would be willing to honor my original agreement.
I will keep everyone posted on any new developments. I'm still trying very hard to make these buttons a reality!
-
Hey all, thought I'd give a quick bump to let you know what's going on with these.
1) I had a distributor/manufacturer lined up to produce these and it fell through due to deception on the part of the manufacturer.
2) The distributor continues to search for a new manufacturer, but is not successful thus far.
I still want to make these buttons a reality, but I think I need a little ingenuity from everyone. Does anyone have an idea of whom I can turn to in order to get these produced?
-
Ooooh! Either 12 blues and 8-12 clear or 6 blues 6 reds and 8-12 clear...! :) that could be awesome... *drool*
Hope it works out fine...!
-
Heh, I spoke too soon. I just got some word from the distributor. He found another manufacturer that is capable of producing the buttons. BUT, they too want a minimum production run of 100,000 units. He's trying to negotiate this number down (because I seriously doubt there's THAT many BYOACers out there!).
I will continue to keep everyone posted as this develops.
-
Heh, I spoke too soon. I just got some word from the distributor. He found another manufacturer that is capable of producing the buttons. BUT, they too want a minimum production run of 100,000 units. He's trying to negotiate this number down (because I seriously doubt there's THAT many BYOACers out there!).
I will continue to keep everyone posted as this develops.
How many units do you think you'll need? (that is, if you wouldn't have a minimum run limitation, how much would you produce?
Just intrested... BTW, you didn't say if you intend on including microswitches with the buttons. (again, say everything would go perfectly fine, would you include microswitches?)
-
Heh, I spoke too soon. I just got some word from the distributor. He found another manufacturer that is capable of producing the buttons. BUT, they too want a minimum production run of 100,000 units. He's trying to negotiate this number down (because I seriously doubt there's THAT many BYOACers out there!).
I will continue to keep everyone posted as this develops.
The reason for the high production requirements is the amortization of the tooling costs. If you want cheap or low cost tooling, a manufacturer will eat some or all of the costs so long as you can guarantee the purchase of a fixed number of parts at a certain price.
I hope you have better luck in finding an inexpensive injection molded parts supplier than I have. Unfortunately, based on my experiences, I think you may be "pushing on a rope".
RandyT
-
The number that I the distributor and I originally agreed upon was 10,000 units (2,500 of each available color). Even at that number, I'm fairly certain that my inventory would have held out for a long long time.
The problem, As RandyT is pointing out, is that it's hard to find a manufacturer who will do the molding for a smaller fee.
I'm not sure about microswitches yet. I'm trying to keep costs down for the BYOACers as much as possible, so microswitches will probably be optional.
Heh, I spoke too soon. I just got some word from the distributor. He found another manufacturer that is capable of producing the buttons. BUT, they too want a minimum production run of 100,000 units. He's trying to negotiate this number down (because I seriously doubt there's THAT many BYOACers out there!).
I will continue to keep everyone posted as this develops.
How many units do you think you'll need? (that is, if you wouldn't have a minimum run limitation, how much would you produce?
Just intrested... BTW, you didn't say if you intend on including microswitches with the buttons. (again, say everything would go perfectly fine, would you include microswitches?)
-
Would it not be easier to contact Cherry themselves? www.cherrycorp.com
I think they make the buttons for happs (Cherry L4 series), they have the mold, and I think they say they offer other colors you probably just need to call and have a minimum order. I imagine the minimum is smaller than doing it yourself.
-
I will check into this.
Would it not be easier to contact Cherry themselves? www.cherrycorp.com
I think they make the buttons for happs (Cherry L4 series), they have the mold, and I think they say they offer other colors you probably just need to call and have a minimum order. I imagine the minimum is smaller than doing it yourself.
-
The number that I the distributor and I originally agreed upon was 10,000 units (2,500 of each available color). Even at that number, I'm fairly certain that my inventory would have held out for a long long time.
The problem, As RandyT is pointing out, is that it's hard to find a manufacturer who will do the molding for a smaller fee.
Cool, i understand that, it's pretty similar to printing a book in that matter. I was just asking out of curiosity how much did you expect to sell...
I really hope this works out, clear buttons would make a very nice touch to my cab (still in design though, i have time...)...
*drool*
Would it not be easier to contact Cherry themselves? www.cherrycorp.com
I think they make the buttons for happs (Cherry L4 series), they have the mold, and I think they say they offer other colors you probably just need to call and have a minimum order. I imagine the minimum is smaller than doing it yourself.
You think they will allow him to use a mold that belongs to someone else? (i said that in a very unclear way, but you understand what i mean - happ gave them the plans for it, so they won't just let someone else use 'em...)
But, i don't know a thing about that so i'm probably wrong...
-
I'm curious... why are you dealing with a distributor who then in turn deals with the manufacturer? Isn't the distributor cutting themselves in on the profit? What do you need the distributor for?
~Ray B.
-
I'm curious... why are you dealing with a distributor who then in turn deals with the manufacturer? Isn't the distributor cutting themselves in on the profit? What do you need the distributor for?
~Ray B.
They are probably handling shipping and stuff, and i assume they are like real-estate brokers - they do most of the dirty work for a charge...
-
I happen to be a realtor... ;)
I'm curious... why are you dealing with a distributor who then in turn deals with the manufacturer? Isn't the distributor cutting themselves in on the profit? What do you need the distributor for?
~Ray B.
They are probably handling shipping and stuff, and i assume they are like real-estate brokers - they do most of the dirty work for a charge...
-
I happen to be a realtor...
-
None yet. I'll keep everyone posted.
I happen to be a realtor... ;)
I'm curious... why are you dealing with a distributor who then in turn deals with the manufacturer? Isn't the distributor cutting themselves in on the profit? What do you need the distributor for?
~Ray B.
They are probably handling shipping and stuff, and i assume they are like real-estate brokers - they do most of the dirty work for a charge...
Lol!!! ;D
BTW, Any progress??
-
I know i'm being a pain in the ass, but is there any progress yet???
(man, i am such a nag... :P)
I just can't wait any longer!!! I think i'm gonna blow up or something!!!!
Must... Have... CLEAR... PUSHBUTTONS!!!!!!
-
Just be patient. I have been working on this for months. As you can see in this thread, it isn't easy to get a manufacturer to make a custom product without spending a fortune. Trust me, when I know something, you'll know something. :)
I know i'm being a pain in the ass, but is there any progress yet???
(man, i am such a nag... :P)
I just can't wait any longer!!! I think i'm gonna blow up or something!!!!
Must... Have... CLEAR... PUSHBUTTONS!!!!!!
-
Trust me, when I know something, you'll know something. :)
And when that happens, i'm happy :)!
(unless it's a bad something, lol...)
-
Well, unfortunately I did not have luck going through Cherry. At least they were friendly about it. The guy actually checked into for me (unlike some other companies that I have approached). Cherry doesn't have the capability to make the translucent colors.
I'll keep trying, but things are looking less likely.
-
Maybe we shold go straight to the source... Like Industrias Lorenzo (sp?) and petition them to make some clear buttons!
-
Industrias Lorenzo.
-
Industrial Lorenzo Lamas!
(http://img180.exs.cx/img180/8541/lorenzolamas9xc.jpg)
-
Alrighty, I have sent my questions to Industrias Loreno.
-
Alrighty, I'm now in communication with IL and they have emailed me back. They are confused as to why I would want the translucent colors and want to know what the intended application is for. They're also confused about the translucency, because in their view, it is a non-lighted pushbutton.
I've sent a responsse that hopefully explains it to them. I'll keep y'all posted!
-
In your explaination, did you include any pics from the board of lit up buttons from some of the custom cp's? I think that might give them a better idea of what material and colors can be used in production.
Steve
-
In your explaination, did you include any pics from the board of lit up buttons from some of the custom cp's?
-
Just tell them there is a big demand for them. Point them to all the Ebay auctions of old translucent buttons. Tell them also that alot of collectors need translucents for accurate restoration of Williams cabs.
:)
-
Just tell them there is a big demand for them. Point them to all the Ebay auctions of old translucent buttons. Tell them also that alot of collectors need translucents for accurate restoration of Williams cabs.
:)
Except those cabs had leaf switches.
IL did the black start buttons for us, didn't they? Surely we're talking about at least as many buttons here...
The problem is probably going to be multiple colors, as I'm sure a minimum order will be required for each color.
--Chris
-
Another possible snag could be the material required for the translucents.
Normal buttons are made from a Nylon material which is relatively soft, somewhat flexible and self lubricating to a good extent.
On the other hand, the translucent materials are usually harder, more brittle and would probably require a release agent to be used in the de-molding process.
Plastics are usually not thought of as abrasive materials, but they are. Injection molds have finite lifespans (admittedly in the 10's or even hundreds of thousands) but their longevity can be greatly affected by the types of plastic used in them. Usually, the harder or more brittle the plastic, the rougher it is on the molds.
Molds are also sometimes constructed with a specific material in mind. Some of the gating might not work well if the viscosity of the melted plastic is greater than what it is designed to use. This probably won't be an issue, as I expect Nylon would be more viscous, but it's another unknown.
So it will probably boil down to whether they want to risk their molds, if they will work at all with the different material, and whether
there is a sufficient quantity to warrant the extra effort.
While they seem to be a company that will work with folks, as evidenced by the black player select buttons, this is really a much different scenario from the manufacturing side of things.
Keep your fingers crossed ;)
RandyT
-
Still waiting on an answer from IL. Another idea I thought of (I would require some help on this one) would be to get a member of BYOAC who is savvy with the Emachineshop software.
Basically, we could design the button (it is comprised of three parts I believe -- the plunger, the housing and the spring) in the emachinshop's cad software, and then price it out for the translucent materials.
RandyT or anyone, do you have any thoughts on this?
-
Hey,
I love this idea and I would definitely be interested in a control panel or two worth of buttons. Personally the colors I'm most interested are green and yellow, red is good too.
However, there's another way of approaching this problem.
Translucent leaf-switch buttons are readily available (http://www.centsibleamusements.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=412). Not that I want to use leaf switches... but it seems as though one could build a microswitch housing to fit these buttons, right? And since it'd just be housing a microswitch instead of a leaf switch it should be a whole lot smaller than a leaf switch housing. That's my theory, anyway...
Of course, a horizontal microswitch button would definitely be easier to light (by mounting an LED right in the middle of the microswitch - since the actuator is off-center it's relatively easy) whereas for the leaf-switch button the actuator is in the middle so the light would probably have to be off-center...
This is just an idea. I'll likely try to build such a thing myself to test the idea. I want illuminated microswitch buttons but they have to be concave-style with a normal throw distance... :)
-
Well, I think that the clear plastics arnt good to use the
happs style holder - as its more prone to cracking.
I also personally would like a slightly smaller button than the
happs. Not much, but just a tad.
Ability to interface leaf and micros would be a huge plus.
I just took the plunge and purchased a metal cutting lathe a short while ago (9x20 -harbor freight)... however, Im not yet knowledgable on how to use it.
If/when i do... i will try to make custom buttons. Hopefully out of clear plastic dowels... but not sure how well it will work that way.
Btw - the current leaf styles have too long a throw. I think this detracts from thier look and feel. (button top sticks up way too far)
-
it seems as though one could build a microswitch housing to fit these buttons, right?
Damn! That's some brilliant "outside the box" thinking there dude!
Such a holder would only need to be made in one generic color since it's not visible!!!
OK let's see who gets to the patent office first... ;D
-
it seems as though one could build a microswitch housing to fit these buttons, right?
Damn! That's some brilliant "outside the box" thinking there dude!
Well, the idea might not be so brilliant if
1: it won't work, or
2: the supply of translucent leaf-switches dries up. (This seems like a distinct possibility...)
But it seems like it should work, and given the apparent lack of translucent buttons in the style I want... (though this project (http://www.catver.com/arcade8.htm) seems to indicate that Wico (http://www.wicothesource.com) used to carry them...) it might at least be a good temporary fix. Having never even examined a leaf-style arcade button firsthand I can only speculate at the moment, and I'm still trying to figure out how I'd light the thing. But I figure it's worth my time and money to try it.
If this bit with custom-manufacturing translucent buttons works out, though, I'm so there...
-
Out of curiosity, does anyone know who is the actual manufacturer of leaf-switch buttons? Is it actually WICO?
-
it seems as though one could build a microswitch housing to fit these buttons, right?
Damn! That's some brilliant "outside the box" thinking there dude!
Such a holder would only need to be made in one generic color since it's not visible!!!
OK let's see who gets to the patent office first... ;D
Heh. I went down this road once already, but in the other direction.
The end result is, you still need to have an expensive injection mold made if you go with plastic, not to mention do all the engineering.
I tried the metal route, but without making stampings by the thousands (also tooling charges apply) you couldn't make an adapter for less than $3 each. It's a hard sell to convince someone they need a $3 adapter to make $1 button do what they want and that's with a 0% profit margin :)
Some things just need to be done big if you want to do them at all. Unfortunately, I face this every time I have an idea, and that ultimately ends up limiting what can be offered. Point in case....Just spent $2500 for a custom run of parts that I have no idea will sell because I needed to make minimum orders or the manufacturer would have nothing to do with me. Oh, and based on what I wanted, even that was a "favor" :P
RandyT
-
Good news of sorts! A production manager from IL just called me and we discussed what I am looking for and minimum production runs, etc... He is going to speak with the injection molding manager this week and discuss the options for creating the translucent colors.
He was primarily concerned about what type of illumination would be used for these, due to heat vs. material used. He said that different colors have different heat tolerances. I told him that my guess is that most people will be using LEDs, so that heat tolerance isn't a big factor.
He was somewhat shocked that Happs was not willing to help me out. He is going to check into the reasons for this.
-
He was somewhat shocked that Happs was not willing to help me out. He is going to check into the reasons for this.
...because Happs is a seller in a shrinking market... = not a risk taker.
-
How much different in color and design are we actually talking about these being different that the translucent microswitch buttons that are already available from
Centsible Amusements (http://www.centsibleamusements.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=679) ?
Any one used these? Perhaps the manufacturer that they use are open to design change or different material options if the color or quality of these are sub par.
-Goz
-
I haven't seen one of those in person, but just by the photo I can tell they are "Sanwa" style buttons. The top of the button is rounded (convex) rather than a depression (concave).
-
good catch
-Goz
-
This was one of the first lines of inquiry that I opened in my search. The manufacturer was not able to deliver as promised.
I'm definitely talking about better colors than those buttons (and concave, not convex like the ones that centsible has).
How much different in color and design are we actually talking about these being different that the translucent microswitch buttons that are already available from
Centsible Amusements (http://www.centsibleamusements.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=679) ?
Any one used these? Perhaps the manufacturer that they use are open to design change or different material options if the color or quality of these are sub par.
-Goz
-
http://www.suzo.com/suzo/catalogue.asp?nG=271
Shawnzilla, Wico gets the majority of their stuff from Suzo and Suzo does happen to sell the same exact buttons. Suzo is a manufacturer even though they sell other manufacturer's stuff too. I guess you would have to e-mail them. If they don't make them then they may be able to lead you to the actual company who makes them. Arcade parts are sometimes very hard to trace back to the actual maker of the part since there's usually so many middle men and distributers. Hell, I just found out the other day that Siemitsu is the company who actually made the LS-30 rotary joysticks used by SNK and Tradewest. For years I was told that SNK manufactured the LS-30 sticks themselves only to find that they bought them from "Siemitsu" (an Asian arcade parts manufacturer) "Go figure" :-\
-
http://www.suzo.com/suzo/catalogue.asp?nG=271
Shawnzilla, Wico gets the majority of their stuff from Suzo and Suzo does happen to sell the same exact buttons. Suzo is a manufacturer even though they sell other manufacturer's stuff too. I guess you would have to e-mail them. If they don't make them then they may be able to lead you to the actual company who makes them. Arcade parts are sometimes very hard to trace back to the actual maker of the part since there's usually so many middle men and distributers. Hell, I just found out the other day that Siemitsu is the company who actually made the LS-30 rotary joysticks used by SNK and Tradewest. For years I was told that SNK manufactured the LS-30 sticks themselves only to find that they bought them from "Siemitsu" (an Asian arcade parts manufacturer) "Go figure" :-\
Thanks for that information! It may come in handy should my line of inquiry fail through IL.
-
Don't know what button mold you're using for inspiration, but if it's possible, my suggestion would be to stay as close to the Happ Microswitch Pushbuttons. In fact, I think it'd be cool if the translucent buttons you're trying to make were interchangeable with the Happs buttons. From a design stand-point, the color options increase exponentially. I could have a translucent plunger in a colored Happ bases, etc... for more fit n' finish options.
Just thinking out loud. I have no idea if this would be a patent infringement or whatever.
mrC
-
it seems as though one could build a microswitch housing to fit these buttons, right?
Actually, they already exist, sort of (maybe not exactly what you are referring to as these are more of a "mount" as opposed to a "housing."). They were made by Nintendo and you can occasionally find them for about $1 each on eBay.
-
Don't know what button mold you're using for inspiration, but if it's possible, my suggestion would be to stay as close to the Happ Microswitch Pushbuttons. In fact, I think it'd be cool if the translucent buttons you're trying to make were interchangeable with the Happs buttons. From a design stand-point, the color options increase exponentially. I could have a translucent plunger in a colored Happ bases, etc... for more fit n' finish options.
Just thinking out loud. I have no idea if this would be a patent infringement or whatever.
mrC
This is exactly what I wish would happen, although I don't know if it would be possible. The idea of say... an outer glowing ring with the button solid, or vice versa, is very cool though.
-
I'm pretty sure the microswitch buttons that Suzo sell are actually manufactured by IL.
I don't know who manufactures Suzo's leaf buttons, but I get the impression they are no longer made and once Suzo's stock has run out that's it.
Also, one other problem about the clear brittle plastic that no one has mentioned is that buttons made from this material are likely to be a lot noisier than IL's standard Lylon buttons. I know this from personal experience. I bought some leaf buttons from Video Connection a few years ago and they are actually noisier than microswitch buttons because of the brittle material used.
Has anyone tried contacting the Tron guy about this:
http://members.aol.com/specialtyplastic/index.htm
He sells joysticks made of clear plastic so why not buttons as well.
-
Good news! I've got the manufacturer lined up and working with me. We're sorting out colors, pricing, etc... I'm going to keep the rest a surprise for now (until I've seen some samples), but things are looking up! As always, I'll keep y'all posted.
-
I would pick up at least a couple blue buttons - it would be best for me to match the color of the happ translucent blue trackball.
I'll agree with that.. my vote is for blue. and I think clear buttons that could be illuminated with different color bulbs/leds is a great idea. then the color possibilities are endless. You could light them with Christmas lights :)
-
first i've seen of this thread, and i'd go with clear, cause then you could make them whatever color you wanted. also, i'd like to see what they look like...modeled after happs or wico? anyways, keep us updated.
-
Just a note... for "clear" personally I think it should be more of a semi-transparent smokey clear than completely "see through to the cab guts" clear, since I think it would diffuse the light better (?)
-
Regarding clear buttons.... I will ask them for a clear prototype, but my concern echos that of RayB's in that a crystal clear button will reveal too much of the inside of the CP. I'm not sure if they have the ability to make a smoke color or not, but I will look into it.
-
what if the clear was textured or frosted? that way it would defuse the light a bit... just a thought..
-
what if the clear was textured or frosted? that way it would defuse the light a bit... just a thought..
Yes yes yes. This is another vote for frosted clear!
-
I guess we could always sand them with fine sandpaper to make them frosted.. sort of give them a "fiber obtic" look when lit maybe... ???
-
Better than sandpaper would be to dip the parts in acetone. That'd etch the surface quite effectively, pitting it at a much finer scale than what you're likely to achieve with sandpaper. Good if you want to diffuse light.
I anxiously await the buttons. :)
-
ooh.. acetone.. great idea :) I remember when I was a kid trying to clean a pair of swimming goggles with fingernail polish remover ;D visibility was "greatly" improved ;)
-
If these things come about, we're gonna have to wire up a parallel port or USB-based light controller and get with the controls.dat project to make the buttons used for a game light up...
-
Not a huge update, but some good news.
The manufacturer is going to start working with the color samples this week. I'd like to keep the final color choices a surprise for now, but I think the majority will be pleased.
I will divulge one secret: They are also working on a smoke color for me. It is a special material and may prove to be too dark, but I will test it once I have a sample.
I don't have a timetable yet as far as when the first production run will come out, but rest assured, it will be sooner than later! I still need to see the samples and submit them for my final approval.
More to come....
-
If these things come about, we're gonna have to wire up a parallel port or USB-based light controller and get with the controls.dat project to make the buttons used for a game light up...
I am working on a parallel port based LED controller. I hope to interface it to my CPMaker code.
I hope that Shawn's buttons include a holder for the light or LED.....
-
or you could just BYO it... since that is what were all about. if he models it after happs buttons, some people have already done this.
-
Yes, you COULD BIY, but then think about how many buttons people would use per control panel, and alot of people have hot-swappable panels. To make a custom button holder for all of your buttons, well it would take alot of time, and im sure it wouldnt be too much fun, so I odnt think that's a great idea. Im sure you could do simple ones though, it couldnt be too hard. I was going to just drill some holes for LEDs into the button beneath the plunger, above the microswitch. A site tells how to illuminate Happs pushbuttons, so that would be my technique.
-
or you could just BYO it... since that is what were all about.
-
just a quick note regarding the comments above about the clear buttons revealing too much cp inside.
How so? Ever try to see through something that is brightly lit? Using superbrights will attest to this. Its like staring into a headlight after it gets switched on, I dont think youll see or be worried about looking inside.
-
I want 12 Red translucent Buttotranslucentns! and 2 red translucent Joysticks, anyone know if a translucent joystick was ever made?
-
Sorry about my last Post, (my Keyboard fell off the desk) ;D
-
Although this may be strange, I would like the player 1 and 2 buttons to light :) Its common, but requesting special buttons for them is strange :)
-
I want 12 Red translucent Buttotranslucentns! and 2 red translucent Joysticks, anyone know if a translucent joystick was ever made?
Found this site waaay back in this very thread: http://members.aol.com/specialtyplastic/Joysticks.htm
They sell translucent red, blue, green and purple replacement handles.
-
I want 12 Red translucent Buttotranslucentns! and 2 red translucent Joysticks, anyone know if a translucent joystick was ever made?
Found this site waaay back in this very thread: http://members.aol.com/specialtyplastic/Joysticks.htm
They sell translucent red, blue, green and purple replacement handles.
Yes, I believe this is the person that does those cool Tron repro sticks.
-
I want 12 Red translucent Buttotranslucentns! and 2 red translucent Joysticks, anyone know if a translucent
-
I would not buy a smoke color. Nor a frosted. Id want pure clear.
Think about it.. the button shape will be curved and thick. This will distort the image on the other side. Also, the lighting will further mask things.
Of course, The wico clear buttons also used an internal support structure. The I-beam-like trails form a cool little design and help to mask whats below. Something like this could also be done if nessessary.
-
If you have a problem because you can see the insides of your panel, put like a piece of paper in the very bottom of the plunger or something. This way the button is pure and you can't see the inside, but it also looks nice.
-
I would not buy a smoke color. Nor a frosted. Id want pure clear.
Think about it.. the button shape will be curved and thick. This will distort the image on the other side. Also, the lighting will further mask things.
Of course, The wico clear buttons also used an internal support structure. The I-beam-like trails form a cool little design and help to mask whats below. Something like this could also be done if nessessary.
Some guy found clear buttons on a PC stick that he scavenged and used on his MAME.. It was a Pelican stick, don't remember the exact name.
-
the pelican sticks are built for console...pelican is an accessories manufacturer...here's the link to em.
http://www.pelicanperformance.com/
and the arcade panel is on the sixth page of the ps2 stuff...they do sell nice stuff, but i would be wary of quality. you could always write to find out where they get their buttons....
-
heh, I forgot about those. Way back when I started my search for the translucents, I saw one of these control panels in a store. I tried emailing Pelican about it and never got an answer.
the pelican sticks are built for console...pelican is an accessories manufacturer...here's the link to em.
http://www.pelicanperformance.com/
and the arcade panel is on the sixth page of the ps2 stuff...they do sell nice stuff, but i would be wary of quality. you could always write to find out where they get their buttons....
-
I had a thought today.
I took a button apart and there are four pieces. Two of them are the spring and the lock nut. For lack of better, more accurate words, I'll call the other two pieces the "housing" and the "plunger". The plunger is the piece of the button that moves when you press it, and the microswitch and nut attach to the housing.
My thought was this. Wouldn't it be easier to get an injection mold company to make duplicates of just the plungers? After all, most of the housing is below the surface of the panel. That way, there would be just one simple piece to reproduce.
The downside is that the ring of plastic surrounding the plunger would still be visible. It would be okay if it was black or roughly the same color as the plunger, but we wouldn't want a mishmash of colors.
This also lends itself well to people wanting to retrofit their panels with lit buttons without the cost of all new buttons.
There is an injection molding company,Globecorp (http://www.globecorp.com), just a few miles from my house. I wonder if they would do just the plungers and what they would charge for a small run of a few thousand.
-
I went to the source of the buttons and they are producing them for me. Right now, I'm waiting on a sample set from them (they're working hard to match the color samples that I sent).
As always, I'll keep everyone posted on the progress. I hope to have pics for everyone very soon!
I had a thought today.
I took a button apart and there are four pieces. Two of them are the spring and the lock nut. For lack of better, more accurate words, I'll call the other two pieces the "housing" and the "plunger". The plunger is the piece of the button that moves when you press it, and the microswitch and nut attach to the housing.
My thought was this. Wouldn't it be easier to get an injection mold company to make duplicates of just the plungers? After all, most of the housing is below the surface of the panel. That way, there would be just one simple piece to reproduce.
The downside is that the ring of plastic surrounding the plunger would still be visible. It would be okay if it was black or roughly the same color as the plunger, but we wouldn't want a mishmash of colors.
This also lends itself well to people wanting to retrofit their panels with lit buttons without the cost of all new buttons.
There is an injection molding company,Globecorp (http://www.globecorp.com), just a few miles from my house. I wonder if they would do just the plungers and what they would charge for a small run of a few thousand.
-
black smoke..
White frost..
True Blue..
-
black smoke..
White frost..
True Blue..
lol. A little late don't you think?
mrC
-
Definitely. Blue, black, white.
-
Darnit! I already ordered Chartreuse, lavender and desert sand mica. ;)
They are experimenting with some different colors for me (I gotta save some surprises for y'all).
More soon....
-
Damn you, I want Seafoam and Chocolate Parfait!
-
I havne't read back through all the pages, but has anybody thought of just using the Nintendo pushbutton holders?
-
Haven't been here for a while (moving 7 timezones is tough), i like the way this thread is going... Shawn, any rough estimation as to when these will be available? Hope the clear ones come out good... *drool*...
-
They've had my color samples for a while now and the last I heard (couple of days ago), they are messing around with color mixing/materials. I'm hoping that they'll have some samples ready to show me within a couple of weeks.
Haven't been here for a while (moving 7 timezones is tough), i like the way this thread is going... Shawn, any rough estimation as to when these will be available? Hope the clear ones come out good... *drool*...
-
They've had my color samples for a while now and the last I heard (couple of days ago), they are messing around with color mixing/materials. I'm hoping that they'll have some samples ready to show me within a couple of weeks.
Haven't been here for a while (moving 7 timezones is tough), i like the way this thread is going... Shawn, any rough estimation as to when these will be available? Hope the clear ones come out good... *drool*...
Note even a really rough estimation? 200% +-??? Anything??? I've been thinking of starting my cab in the next couple of weeks, so this would mean a lot to me...
Man, i want a clear one... :)
-
black smoke..
White frost..
True Blue..
lol. A little late don't you think?
mrC
yeah.. lol.
-
Sorry, I'm a little bit at the mercy of the manufacturer.
They've had my color samples for a while now and the last I heard (couple of days ago), they are messing around with color mixing/materials. I'm hoping that they'll have some samples ready to show me within a couple of weeks.
Haven't been here for a while (moving 7 timezones is tough), i like the way this thread is going... Shawn, any rough estimation as to when these will be available? Hope the clear ones come out good... *drool*...
Note even a really rough estimation? 200% +-??? Anything??? I've been thinking of starting my cab in the next couple of weeks, so this would mean a lot to me...
Man, i want a clear one... :)
-
Wait a minute......you're not just stringing us along are you? The buttons really are coming, right? ;D
I thought you said it would be a couple weeks a couple weeks ago.
-
You can put me down for the following,
20 dark blue
10 red
10 orange
4 green
10 smoke
Let me know when they ready and if the colors are true to the old leaf switch style buttons (that is what I use currently), Thanks. Alex B.
-
Not that I'm doubting you shawnzilla, but I just really hope this all comes to fruition... I would love some trans blue buttons... or smoke... or damn.. almost anything I can get haha.
As long as prices aren't off the wall, put me down for an order ;)
-
Put me down for a bunch, too
-
put me down for some. Oh wait I already did that 6 months ago. ;)
-
shawn, how much of a discount did you say MODS get? I cant recall ;D ;D
-
shawn, how much of a discount did you say MODS get? I cant recall ;D ;D
;D
-
I might like in on the buttons... I will wait until I see the prototypes first, if that's cool. 8)
-
I'd be in for a few of each if I can see prototypes first : )
-
Good, Bad, I'm the one with the gun.
-
I'm really hoping these turn out to be cheap enough for my new CP.
I know I said blue earlier, but some completely translucent buttons would be awesome since you could change their color on the fly. Just change the color of the LED in them, you could even put them on a switch. I may consider this.
-
Then youll need either several LEDs per button or you'll need an RGB one, but either way, youll need some way of controlling them, probably a circuit, so if you're willing to spend that much money......
On the other hand, Id rather buy some blue ones and light them up instead. ll probably be down for 6-8 red, 6-8 blue, maybe some clear ones, etc.
Too lazy to search: are there going to be 1/2p ones? Perhaps coin ones?
-
Regarding clear vs. colors. I'll just have to see how the prototypes look first. Still waiting for them to be done. I thought it'd be this week, but they haven't given me a solid answer (I think they're experimenting with different materials).
I wasn't planning on 1/2 player buttons, but if my first run of buttons sells well enough for me to get my costs back and there is enough demand for 1/2 player buttons then I will order a run.
Then youll need either several LEDs per button or you'll need an RGB one, but either way, youll need some way of controlling them, probably a circuit, so if you're willing to spend that much money......
On the other hand, Id rather buy some blue ones and light them up instead. ll probably be down for 6-8 red, 6-8 blue, maybe some clear ones, etc.
Too lazy to search: are there going to be 1/2p ones? Perhaps coin ones?
-
Do you have any extra info you can give us? Are the prices solid yet or do you even have a new estimate? Last time I checked this thread you were getting them from a different manufacturer and selling for around $3?
-
I have tried to pin the manufacturer down on price several times over the last few weeks, but I think they are hesitant to give me numbers until they decide on a material. This is a completely different manufacturer from the original one (when I quoted $3.00).
I hope to know the answers to everyone's questions very soon (I'm dying to see a prototype)!
Do you have any extra info you can give us? Are the prices solid yet or do you even have a new estimate? Last time I checked this thread you were getting them from a different manufacturer and selling for around $3?
-
I think I would definately be down for 12-20 depending on the colors you get...
-
Then youll need either several LEDs per button or you'll need an RGB one, but either way, youll need some way of controlling them, probably a circuit, so if you're willing to spend that much money......
You can get superbright LEDs on ebay for extremely cheap. And as far as controlling them, all you need is a multiple throw switch. You could do it fairly cheaply, that is, if you don
-
Unless the company changes them on me, the buttons should be identical in size to the Happs ones. It's the same company that manufactures the Happs ones, so I'm guessing it'll be the same mold.
Then youll need either several LEDs per button or you'll need an RGB one, but either way, youll need some way of controlling them, probably a circuit, so if you're willing to spend that much money......
You can get superbright LEDs on ebay for extremely cheap. And as far as controlling them, all you need is a multiple throw switch. You could do it fairly cheaply, that is, if you don
-
Which should take off a few bucks for you considerring they only have to inject, they dont have to manufacture and design a mold, or several of them in that case.
-
Hopefully so. I do think it'll be easier on my upfront costs compared to the previous manufacturer, because I don't think they'll make me order quite as many units. The first manufacturer wanted me to buy 10,000 units of one color!!!
Which should take off a few bucks for you considerring they only have to inject, they dont have to manufacture and design a mold, or several of them in that case.
-
The first manufacturer wanted me to buy 10,000 units of one color!!!
What the problem with that? Didn't you want arcade push buttons to replace all of the switches in you home? and didn't you want to sleep on a bed made entirely of MDF and arcade buttons?
-
The first manufacturer wanted me to buy 10,000 units of one color!!!
What the problem with that? Didn't you want arcade push buttons to replace all of the switches in you home? and didn't you want to sleep on a bed made entirely of MDF and arcade buttons?
Can you imagine the noise everytime you rolled over in your sleep..... *SNORE* *clickityclickityclickity* what the hell.....
-
Haha well he doesnt have to put the microswitches in them, he could sell 10,000 switches on eBay no problem :o
-
Can you imagine the noise everytime you rolled over in your sleep..... *SNORE* *clickityclickityclickity*
-
:-) I could use them as a home protection system.
<click, click, click, click>
Wife: Honey, what's that noise?
Me: What noise? Go back to sleep?
<click, click, click, click>
-
I'm really very sorry guys, here is the email that I received from IL. As I said to everyone, they were running test samples for me.
"Dear Mr. Muller,
Our R&D dept. has made many different test and mixed different materials and colours to get the most similar PUSH BUTTONS with traslucent bezel as per your samples.
Unfortunatelly, although the buttons look fine when they are not illuminated, when fitting a led inside/besides the bezel, the light does not pass through properly enough and the button does not get illuminated correctly.
The surface of the shank is not as much polished as the samples you have sent us. I tried it to light the bezels up, but the light doesn't go through I'm afraid.
We regret to inform you that we will not be able to help you with this matter.
Please let us know if we can help you with some other products of our product range.
I have sent him a response, requesting to actually see the samples so that I can make that determination myself. We'll see, but I think this might be a dead end road.
-
Bummer . :'(
-
aww man :(
I had such high hopes
-
They're just saying the bezel doesn't light up properly?
I wouldn't expect it to, due to the shape of the microswitch buttons... Who cares? (I guess they think we do...)
-
You can get a normal pushbutton to light up, I'm sure you can get whatever they have made to light up as well. Perhaps they are just trying to find an excuse to back out of the arrangement.
-
I wonder how bright their test lamp was. I'll bet 3-4 superbrights would get some action.
-
3-4 superbrights will probably light up a standard Happs black button!
-
3-4 superbrights will probably light up a standard Happs black button!
My point exactly. You pump enough candlepower inside, you can light up a beercan!
-
Putting 3-4 superbrights in, though, is a less than optimal solution. There's only so much space one can mount an LED in there...
-
Perhaps they are just trying to find an excuse to back out of the arrangement.
The skeptic in me agrees, but for a different reason.
-
Perhaps they are just trying to find an excuse to back out of the arrangement.
The skeptic in me agrees, but for a different reason.
-
Purple, please (and I don't mean pink!)
Hey All,
I'm working with a manufacturer on custom translucent microswitch buttons (with a concave top).
-
Purple, please (and I don't mean pink!)
Hey All,
I'm working with a manufacturer on custom translucent microswitch buttons (with a concave top). In order to get prices, I need to be specific in terms of color & quantity.
So...
1) How many people would be interested in these buttons?
2) What colors would you like to see?
For me personally, I love the dark blue of the old translucent leaf switch buttons.
Anyway, If enough ppl are interested, I will place an order with the manufacturer.
good job reading the thread ;)
-
Yeah why are they talking about the bezel? No one cares if the bezel lights up or not.
Sounds like you guys had a bit of miscommunication in the translations from english to spanish.
-
I'm really very sorry guys, here is the email that I received from IL. As I said to everyone, they were running test samples for me.
"Dear Mr. Muller,
Our R&D dept. has made many different test and mixed different materials and colours to get the most similar PUSH BUTTONS with traslucent bezel as per your samples.
Unfortunatelly, although the buttons look fine when they are not illuminated, when fitting a led inside/besides the bezel, the light does not pass through properly enough and the button does not get illuminated correctly.
The surface of the shank is not as much polished as the samples you have sent us. I tried it to light the bezels up, but the light doesn't go through I'm afraid.
We regret to inform you that we will not be able to help you with this matter.
Please let us know if we can help you with some other products of our product range.
I have sent him a response, requesting to actually see the samples so that I can make that determination myself. We'll see, but I think this might be a dead end road.
Hmm, I smell BS. Surely they'd send you some samples first before unilaterally deciding it can't be done. Sounds like they're having cold feet.
-
Lets just see how this plays out...they're probably getting the wrong idea, and even so, when shawn gets the samples, hell make the decision. A few pictures oughta straighten things up.
-
Hmm, I smell BS. Surely they'd send you some samples first before unilaterally deciding it can't be done. Sounds like they're having cold feet.
I tend to agree. I get the feeling that someone promised something they were ill-equipped to deliver, or perhaps envisioned something other than what shawnzilla sent them.
We'll know for sure if they are unwilling to send the samples, or they "were unfortunately discarded or destroyed when it was decided that it couldn't be done"
Too bad in any event....
RandyT
-
I'm really very sorry guys, here is the email that I received from IL. As I said to everyone, they were running test samples for me.
"Dear Mr. Muller,
Our R&D dept. has made many different test and mixed different materials and colours to get the most similar PUSH BUTTONS with traslucent bezel as per your samples.
Unfortunatelly, although the buttons look fine when they are not illuminated, when fitting a led inside/besides the bezel, the light does not pass through properly enough and the button does not get illuminated correctly.
The surface of the shank is not as much polished as the samples you have sent us. I tried it to light the bezels up, but the light doesn't go through I'm afraid.
-
"Our R&D dept. has made many different test and mixed different materials and colours to get the most similar PUSH BUTTONS with traslucent bezel as per your samples."
Does anyone else get the impression that only the bezel area was made translucent and not the actual button itself? Now that would indicate why it didnt light properly(obviously we all know we can light the solid colored button as it has been done). Sounds funky, im getting the impression the bezel was transparent and not the button and therefore why they deemed it not possible or satisfactory. I'd love to see one for clarification as well. Hope you atleast get to see some samples Shawn, if you had to pay for a engineering run you are definitely entitled to the goods produced, working or not.
-
I've sent a second email imploring them for some samples. I basically told them that I should be the one to make the decision on ordering a production run or not.
-
I've sent a second email imploring them for some samples. I basically told them that I should be the one to make the decision on ordering a production run or not.
Good man, I would do the same if I were you. If they balk at that, I'd say that's a good sign that something is up.
-
Thats why I said keep your hopes up...because they may have thought of different things that need to be lighted, whereas we only care about the top (although it would make a cool glow if the inside did too). Well see how it all goes I guess..............better hurry.....Im gonna start buying soon!
-
"Our R&D dept. has made many different test and mixed different materials and colours to get the most similar PUSH BUTTONS with traslucent bezel as per your samples."
Does anyone else get the impression that only the bezel area was made translucent and not the actual button itself?
My thoughts exactly.
Although they also say "the button does not get illuminated correctly"
I guess my question is, what exactly did you send to them shawnzilla? They say they're trying to make it as similar as possible to your samples. What 'samples' did you send them? If you sent them a light-up-translucent-button then they should know what you're looking for.
Did you send them a translucent button? A translucent bezel? Was there an LED or bulb involved?
-
I sent them translucent leaf switch buttons...as color samples only, not design samples. The company rep and I were very clear about what I was looking for.
"Our R&D dept. has made many different test and mixed different materials and colours to get the most similar PUSH BUTTONS with traslucent bezel as per your samples."
Does anyone else get the impression that only the bezel area was made translucent and not the actual button itself?
My thoughts exactly.
Although they also say "the button does not get illuminated correctly"
I guess my question is, what exactly did you send to them shawnzilla? They say they're trying to make it as similar as possible to your samples. What 'samples' did you send them? If you sent them a light-up-translucent-button then they should know what you're looking for.
Did you send them a translucent button? A translucent bezel? Was there an LED or bulb involved?
-
So that means were all screwed over on the button situation...we were getting our hopes up for the "error"...guess we get Happs buttons now!
(Click my ads)
-
:) Looks like I've gotten us a temporary stay of execution! They emailed me back this morning. First of all, they only made a bezel to test the color and not the plunger (he said that they stopped after he couldn't get them to light properly). So...he has asked the injection department to make the plunger and assemble a few complete samples for me. The samples are going to be blue, but it should give me a good feel for the translucency.
While not a total victory yet, it was a major step forward. I also pointed out that people are able to successfully light their non-translucent buttons, so a translucent material, polished or not, should be no problem.
Keep your fingers crossed. Once I get them (and I have a feeling it'll be a little while yet), I'll post some lighted and non-lighted pics. I have some of those brighter-than-the-sun blue leds from modsthatglow.com, so it should give us a good indicator if they are lightable or not.
-
cool... way to stick to it.
-
That sounds more promising. I must learn to be less cynical. :)
I think you should keep it simple with IL. Just say you want their standard buttons but made with translucent plastic and with a hole drilled in the bottom for the LED.
In fact we could even drill out our own holes if that would help to keep the costs down.
-
That sounds more promising. I must learn to be less cynical. :)
You're not being cynical, just realistic. If they thought it was so bad as to not even send it to a potential customer for him to look at (that is assuming they actually conducted the test to begin with) that doesn't exactly give one reason to be optimistic.
I think you should keep it simple with IL. Just say you want their standard buttons but made with translucent plastic and with a hole drilled in the bottom for the LED.
In fact we could even drill out our own holes if that would help to keep the costs down.
I think the hole drilling by the user will be a given (unless Shawn wants to do it.) Those kind of part features are usually "molded-in" and anything that requires machining will end up adding unecessarily to the cost of the parts.
But that's just been my experience. Shawn will have to give the real answer on that situation :)
RandyT
-
The moment of truth has arrived! I received the samples today, and....they look fantastic!!! They only did samples in one color (blue), but I'm very pleased with the result.
Sorry, this is a teaser, but I've got to go show some houses to a client. I'll post pics later tonight.
-
AHH I NEED PICTURES! IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS! BLUE IS THE BEST. Light em up for us shawn ;)
-
The moment of truth has arrived! I received the samples today, and....they look fantastic!!! They only did samples in one color (blue), but I'm very pleased with the result.
Sorry, this is a teaser, but I've got to go show some houses to a client. I'll post pics later tonight.
Ohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboy!!11one
I think my project and yours will go together like peas and carrots!!!!
Post the pics!!!!!
-
Oh man! just after i ordered my buttons! Oh well... Maybe I'll shell out some more for 'em, and the second project is about to start (although the first has just started, lol...)...
This is probably the first post i wanted someone to post while i write and for the "Warning someone has posted-blah blah blah..." to appear... But only if the post has pics!
EDIT: Damn! No post! ;)
-
Here a couple of pics...more coming
-
a couple more
-
last one
-
So there you have it! As you can see in the pic (although the color looks a little different in real life) it is a deep blue. Looks fantastic unlit, and very nice lit up too! I did a quick & dirty lighting job with a 6 Led superbright blue lamp.
-
/me sniffles, "They're so beautiful"
Can you take some pics of how the LEDs get in there and stuff?
-
OMG!!! OMFG!!! That is awesome!!! And it won't look too bad when not lighted either!!! :o
(we need a drooling smiley people!)
I'll be sure to squeeze some of these in my budget! I want pictures of all the colors!!!
;D
Mannn! I've been waiting for these for so long!!!
-
Arent they great! How much are they as of now?
-
Arent they great!
-
/me sniffles, "They're so beautiful"
Can you take some pics of how the LEDs get in there and stuff?
I just lit this up really quick by taking off the microswitch and literally balancing the button on my 6 Led Superbright lamp. As far as lighting it in a practical sense. There are probably a couple of ways to go. 1) Drill a hole low on the shaft and put the led inside (kind of like lighting a leaf switch button) 2) Coming from underneath
My guess is that you wouldn't want the led going to far inside or up near the top, because: a) You'll go blind b) You don't want to see the led
-
Price?
-
Arent they great! How much are they as of now?
Didn't he say 4$??? Was i dreaming????
We still haven't worked out price. Now that I've seen them, we're going to discuss production run #s & such. I should be able to answer price questions very soon.
-
I hate one-word posts, so I use a smiley:
;D :o
-
I hate one-word posts, so I use a smiley:
;D :o
ROFLMAO!
-
Yes that was a one word post thank you! ;D
-
Shawn, do you know what colors you will be getting? Hopefully you will have at least 4 colors.
-
Shawn, do you know what colors you will be getting? Hopefully you will have at least 4 colors.
-
Shawn, do you know what colors you will be getting? Hopefully you will have at least 4 colors.
-
I vote too for Red, Blue, Yellow, Green.
Human Gauntlet Player Needs Lit Buttons Badly.
-
Dont the first 5 pages have color requests :P
Most important:
-blue
-red
-green
-orange
-clear
-smoked
-thick yellow
Those are the main colors that sell...possibly purple...
/me wants 6x blue, 6x red, 2x white(clear?)
-
Shawn, do you know what colors you will be getting? Hopefully you will have at least 4 colors. At least blue, red, yellow, and green.
Great work and thanks for sticking with this.
I'm definitely going to try for at least 4 - 5 colors. It depends on total price vs. minimum order amount. Since I'm not ever going to order 14,000 of the same color at one time (or even within one year), they have to color mix to achieve the various colors, rather than ordering a dyed color. It requires a little more labor on their part, and the colors will not be exactly the same (although they will be close) from batch to batch (which kind of makes for a cool limited edition thing).
-
Shawn, do you know what colors you will be getting? Hopefully you will have at least 4 colors.
-
Shawn, do you know what colors you will be getting? Hopefully you will have at least 4 colors.
-
Very nice, I would love to use these for 2 projects in particular.
Some for my neo geo cabinet with red, yellow, green, blue buttons and then ill use em for my Capcom XMEN VS SF cabinet with 2 red , 2 blue , 2 green.
Ill keep my eyes peeled for any more updates shawnzilla , great job man. :)
-
o man.. and I had just about given up on these... no offense shawn. They really look great. Please keep us informed, I'll be ordering them once they are available.
Now I just have to decide what projects to use them on... I doubt I can do them all haha
-
o man.. and I had just about given up on these... no offense shawn. They really look great. Please keep us informed, I'll be ordering them once they are available.
Now I just have to decide what projects to use them on... I doubt I can do them all haha
None taken. I myself was becoming very skeptical that these would ever see the light of day.
-
They will see the light of day, and the light of LEDs. Im glad these are finally becoming a reality, after making us wait for so long :P I hate to say it though, if they cost 4 bucks a piece, well, I just cant afford that!
-
OK... and clear for the man in the witch hat.
-
Can you try it with a single LED and see how it looks? With 6 LED cannons, I can see a panel getting very expensive very quickly....
We need Nannu to do another run of stick-on player start guys so we can get lighted player start buttons....
--Chris
-
Those look awfully nice. Dark Red, Dark Blue, & Clear, please!
We don't need stick-on player start guys; we need some die-cut, totally opaque player start guys we can glue on underneath.
-
Those look awfully nice.
-
Can you try it with a single LED and see how it looks? With 6 LED cannons, I can see a panel getting very expensive very quickly....
We need Nannu to do another run of stick-on player start guys so we can get lighted player start buttons....
--Chris
I only used the LED cannon, because that's what I have hooked up right now. I'll do a single led in the next couple of days (I have a really bright one from modsthatglow.com)
As far as pricing, it's going to be completely dependant on my up-front costs. I'm not looking to make a fortune off of these, so I will do my best with price.
-
Gona have to say that Im not that thrilled at the translucency on the test sample.
Its almost opaque. I was so hoping for a duplicate look to the leaf style traslucents.
:'(
-
Gona have to say that Im not that thrilled at the translucency on the test sample.
Its almost opaque. I was so hoping for a duplicate look to the leaf style traslucents.
:'(
Sorry you don't like it. The translucency of the leaf switch buttons is too hard to duplicate in this design for a few reasons, ie. price, polishing & material brittleness.
These buttons seem to be nice and robust. Personally, I'm quite pleased with the results.
-
Sorry you don't like it. The translucency of the leaf switch buttons is too hard to duplicate in this design for a few reasons, ie. price, polishing & material brittleness.
I think we should wait until you get a chance to light these with a single LED with the switch attached.
-
Gona have to say that Im not that thrilled at the translucency on the test sample.
Its almost opaque. I was so hoping for a duplicate look to the leaf style traslucents.
:'(
I think the company that was producing the samples felt the same way given their hesitance to even send Shawnzilla the samples originally.
I for one prefer this look to be honest. I like that the button looks nice unlit, especially compared to translucent leafs. And once it's lit... well.... for most intents, a lit button is a lit button is a lit button IMO.
-
As requested, here are some pics of the button lit up with a single blue led (8,000 - 10,000 mcd).
In this example, I opted to slide the LED in the space above the microswitch (in reality, you'd have to drill a hole to accomplish this without hindering the plunger). Much like lighting a trackball, I've found that by moving the LED around, you can change the focus of the button glow.
-
As requested, here are some pics of the button lit up with a single blue led (8,000 - 10,000 mcd).
Thanks for those. Seems quite nice actually - as was said, the button also looks nice unlit.
How's the button action, and how solid is the design/material?
Looking forward to final price and colours :).
-
As requested, here are some pics of the button lit up with a single blue led (8,000 - 10,000 mcd).
Thanks for those. Seems quite nice actually - as was said, the button also looks nice unlit.
How's the button action, and how solid is the design/material?
Looking forward to final price and colours :).
:) Thank you! The feel/material seems pretty much identical to the normal Happs pushbuttons. I can tell no difference in button action between these and the solid Happs buttons.
-
that really looks great. I'd want my buttons to have a subtle glow, not one of those "blind you while playing" glows, and it seems like these buttons will work just fine for that. I can't wait to get a final quote on prices. I can't wait to see one in person.
-
that really looks great.
-
OK... and clear for the man in the witch hat.
-
i know it's already been said, but i'm kinda saddened too that they don't mimic the translucent look of leaf switches.
p.s. i'm not looking for a response to this, so don't argue with me, just wanted to state what i think. good lck on the buttons though. sounds like you could order some pretty large amounts and expect to sell them all within a couple years. the only problem is the money up front.
-
i know it's already been said, but i'm kinda saddened too that they don't mimic the translucent look of leaf switches.
p.s.
-
just to check are these the same size as a happs push button. so if one wanted to switch their buttons over they could?
-
Shawn,
I can see why they didn't want to bother sending them to you. The material seems to be almost clear in the center of the plunger, then goes almost opaque at the thicker parts. Not that there is particularly anything wrong with the appearance, it's probably just not very close to what you sent them as a sample.
Something you may want to try:
Get some white Krylon "Fusion" paint. Spray some in a bottle cap, or similar receptacle, until you get a puddle in there. Pour out a few drops into the plunger and swish it around until coats nice and even, then dump out the rest (don't let a puddle dry in there...too thick)
This will give you the diffusion you need, where you need it, which is at the back surface of the button rather than the surface of the LED.
You could also try to find some thin (10mil or so) white plastic film and cut a circle to fit inside the plunger.
RandyT
-
Not trying to rain on the party either, but I'm not sure what these gain for $4 over the $1.50 buttons that Centsible sells in the beginning of the thread that actually do look like transparent leafs (except that I think those are convex, not concave).
-
Well, the feel of the button and a slightly better color choice.. but ugg...
The problem here is the design of the button. If the microswitch holder was not the kida where you have to spread it open to pop the micro it.. then they could use the more translucent plastics.
If the buttons were a hair longer - then one could add a seperate microswitch holder that slides over the threaded button bottom... and is secured by the pressure from the buttom button nut.
Obviously, this would need a new part made... as well as adding to the costs all arround.
The cool wico internal button structure is sadly missing as well. I liked that pattern, and it helped to diffuse the light. If anything.. you may at least want to make the top part of the button (on the inside) thicker. This may help to diffuse the dirrect led light rays.
-
Hey I think the pics in the panel look perty nice. Yes its not the same a translucent leaf buttons but so what. They look great to me.
-
Hey I think the pics in the panel look perty nice.
-
I like them, I agree with the people who said that they look nice unlit, but they dont have to be crazy bright. As long as they're lit and noticable in light (which they are) its fantastic! It would be nice if you could take some pictures in the dark. If people can light a trackball off one LED, these buttons will go perfectly with them because they glow, rather than beam. FANTASTIC SHAWN -- LETS SEE THOSE NIGHT SHOTS!
-
Since the bezel really isn't lighting up at all, maybe a cheaper solution would be just to have the manufacturer make translucent plungers, and we can insert them into our own buttons...
--Chris
-
eh...colors would never match well. i think that would just be too juxtaposed for most people's taste.
-
eh...colors would never match well.
-
If buddabing can get his LED controller working in the way everyone dreams about, then I'd go go for a set or two of these...
-
Gona have to say that Im not that thrilled at the translucency on the test sample.
Its almost opaque. I was so hoping for a duplicate look to the leaf style traslucents.
:'(
I have to say I disagree. Those buttons look fine to me. Unless I'm missing something from the pictures, I really don't see why IL (or whoever shawnzilla went to) was so reluctant to send samples.
I've got two types of leaf button in my possession bought from different sources. The better ones (bought from Suzo) are made from a similar nylon type plastic as the Happ/IL microswitch buttons and they feel great. But I've also got some that I bought from Video Connection made of a brittle (but not translucent) plastic and these buttons are very noisy. I also suspect they are less durable although I've had no breakages so far.
I'd rather have slightly less translucency if it means the buttons are made of a sturdier less noisy plastic.
-
I have to say I disagree. Those buttons look fine to me. Unless I'm missing something from the pictures, I really don't see why IL (or whoever shawnzilla went to) was so reluctant to send samples.
If you recall, they'd only produced the bezel, which as we can see isn't very translucent.
-
I have to say I disagree. Those buttons look fine to me. Unless I'm missing something from the pictures, I really don't see why IL (or whoever shawnzilla went to) was so reluctant to send samples.
If you recall, they'd only produced the bezel, which as we can see isn't very translucent.
True but then again it does not have a LED directly behind it to lite it up. I bet that lights up ok with lighting behind it. Just place a few 3mm LEDs under that part. ;D
Or not.... they look cool to me.. Lets see a night shot!
-
Shawn, can you post a pic of a side by side comparison between the translucent blue button and a regular happ blue button both lit in the same way? I'm not sure I see a benefit of the translucent over the regular.
-
Shawn, can you post a pic of a side by side comparison between the translucent blue button and a regular happ blue button both lit in the same way? I'm not sure I see a benefit of the translucent over the regular. Here are a couple pictures of a regular happ button I lit with one led:
thanks!
I will try to do that this week. As for a night shot, my camera keeps producing a blurry picture (I may need to set up a tripod to account for the long exposure time).
-
Those look awesome in the darker shots. I cannot wait. Someone could make a small bundle creating wiring harnesses prebuilt to light these with. Make a standard PC molex connector, wire up the entire series with LEDs and resisters. Basically plug and play. 3 led, 4led, 6, 7 or however many LEDs perharness, make that be custom for each customer.
Hmm. Wish I knew enough about them, I'd do it just so the service was available, but alas, I do not. If someone were to draw out the layout needed, I would be willing to do the labor and front the money for them. I just don't know how to do it mathematically.
-
Does anybody have the picture of the inside of a microswitch? Is there enough room to maybe add a LED right in the top of it if the LED were sanded down?
-
Does anybody have the picture of the inside of a microswitch? Is there enough room to maybe add a LED right in the top of it if the LED were sanded down?
I never opened a microwsitch, but why not just get a surface mount LED and stick it to the top of the switch casing instead?
-
Shawn,
It appears that I'm still not clear on something.
Are you lighting the button via the normal method (drilling a hole the same size as the led in the bottom center of the shell and press-fitting the LED so it faces the back side of the plunger?)
Or are you lighting the whole shell from the outside?
Just curious as to what we are looking at.
Thanks,
RandyT
-
Shawn,
It appears that I'm still not clear on something.
Are you lighting the button via the normal method (drilling a hole the same size as the led in the bottom center of the shell and press-fitting the LED so it faces the back side of the plunger?)
Or are you lighting the whole shell from the outside?
Just curious as to what we are looking at.
Thanks,
RandyT
I think he posted that he was just loose fitting the LED into the space behind the plunger.
-
Shawn,
It appears that I'm still not clear on something.
Are you lighting the button via the normal method (drilling a hole the same size as the led in the bottom center of the shell and press-fitting the LED so it faces the back side of the plunger?)
Or are you lighting the whole shell from the outside?
Just curious as to what we are looking at.
Thanks,
RandyT
I think he posted that he was just loose fitting the LED into the space behind the plunger.
Correct. I just did a quick and dirty lighting job, so that I could get a picture. I'm not anxious to drill on the only sample I have. Once I have a few more to work with, I'll experiment with lighting.
-
Shawn,
It appears that I'm still not clear on something.
Are you lighting the button via the normal method (drilling a hole the same size as the led in the bottom center of the shell and press-fitting the LED so it faces the back side of the plunger?)
Or are you lighting the whole shell from the outside?
Just curious as to what we are looking at.
Thanks,
RandyT
I think he posted that he was just loose fitting the LED into the space behind the plunger.
Correct. I just did a quick and dirty lighting job, so that I could get a picture. I'm not anxious to drill on the only sample I have. Once I have a few more to work with, I'll experiment with lighting.
Can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs ;)
I understand your reluctance, but you might want to rig it up to be evaluated under "normal use" conditions before making the investment in stock. If the LED is just floating around in there, it's not going to have the same result, as LEDs have a "field-of-view" measured as an angle, and the effect will change based on the distance from and angle to the back of the plunger. Most of the high-intensity ones have narrow beams, so this should be considered as well.
Just some well intentioned minutae. My apologies if you plan on lighting them other than the "normal" method.
RandyT
-
Shawnzilla;
Could you give us an update?
I'm about to start designing a few control panels, and I would like to know if I should wait until your buttons are available or look for another solution.
Thanks!
- Mark
-
How about a translucent black/smoke?
-
I'm still waiting on the manufacturer for pricing, and in turn, they are waiting for the raw materials to arrive before giving me pricing.
As always I will give updates as soon as I have them. :)
Shawnzilla;
Could you give us an update?
I'm about to start designing a few control panels, and I would like to know if I should wait until your buttons are available or look for another solution.
Thanks!
- Mark
-
wha hoo.
-
Shawn, can you post a pic of a side by side comparison between the translucent blue button and a regular happ blue button both lit in the same way? I'm not sure I see a benefit of the translucent over the regular. Here are a couple pictures of a regular happ button I lit with one led:
thanks!
I will try to do that this week. As for a night shot, my camera keeps producing a blurry picture (I may need to set up a tripod to account for the long exposure time).
You might want to turn on the "timer" feature of the camera. When you press the button, you're moving the camera. But if you press the button, and then hold the camera still for a few seconds, the camera will be more still when the timer finally takes the picture.
I think it's kind of unfortunate that the first sample is blue. I'm sure it's a popular color, but it's a very dark color. Red, green, or orange might be better to get a feel for the translucency.
-
Am I the only one on the verg of hanging himself for one of these!?
-
Good news on the translucent button front. While I still don't have pricing from the manufacturer, I did get confirmation today that they have completed the bezels of the new samples and will complete the plungers within the next couple of days. In the words of the manager that I have been working with..."they look really good!"
I'll post pics when I have them in hand.
-
Did they do something differently with the new samples? A change in the plastics, or a different color?
-
I didn't realize that they were also making new samples..... what is different about these? Man, I'm looking forward to these. ;D
-
Different colors. They didn't tell me which ones their trying, but I think it's a few different colors this time. I'm pretty happy with the blue, so I'm leaving it as is. I'm pretty psyched to see 'em.
Did they do something differently with the new samples? A change in the plastics, or a different color?
-
WOOOO HOOOOO ;D ;D ;D ;D!!! I am so psyched about these.
-
Just got another email, the samples are headed my way!
-
That blue buttons is quite possibly the most beautiful thing I have ever seen...
::looks over shoulder and sees wife entering room::
O.k. Second most beautiful, but still amazing!
-
::looks over shoulder and sees wife entering room::
O.k. Second most beautiful, but still amazing!
Oh you're getting some tonight!
-
Hmm...maybe I should take the next round of button pictures with a beautiful model standing next to them.
::looks over shoulder and sees wife entering room::
O.k. Second most beautiful, but still amazing!
Oh you're getting some tonight!
-
I think were all okay with that...get some of the chicks from the grid girls thread :P Do you know which colors theyre sending you?
-
I think were all okay with that...get some of the chicks from the grid girls thread :P Do you know which colors theyre sending you?
I'm hoping for a redhead, a blonde, and a brunette personally. 8)
-
Nope, no idea. I gave them a long list of colors, and I get the impression that they made at least a few of them. Red, Clear and Green are all likely candadites.
I think were all okay with that...get some of the chicks from the grid girls thread :P Do you know which colors theyre sending you?
-
Nope, no idea. I gave them a long list of colors, and I get the impression that they made at least a few of them. Red, Clear and Green are all likely candadites.
No blue!? If you get clear though, that can easily be fixed with the right colored LED.
-
No it cant, I NEED BLUEEEEEE!!!! Seriously though, I think theyll send him blue considerring thats the one they sent as a test...and since he approved it...
-
I already have a blue sample. The blue is already a yes. The new samples will be different colors. :)
Nope, no idea. I gave them a long list of colors, and I get the impression that they made at least a few of them. Red, Clear and Green are all likely candadites.
No blue!? If you get clear though, that can easily be fixed with the right colored LED.
-
Greetings,
at least 2 dozen crystal clear ones would be great?
Thndrbug
-
Oh man! Awesome! Does this mean we might actually get them by the end of 2005?!?!?
j/k...
I'm still in for a few when you get 'em...
I do hope it'll be in less then a few years though...
lol... Mean-lil' me...
-
:) They've assured me that once I order, production time will be about 3 weeks. So, yes, definitely this year...Optimistically, look for them by the end of June.
Oh man! Awesome! Does this mean we might actually get them by the end of 2005?!?!?
j/k...
I'm still in for a few when you get 'em...
I do hope it'll be in less then a few years though...
lol... Mean-lil' me...
-
I finally got around to getting an led inside the button. Here are a couple of pics that I took:
1) The picture does not do it justice. My camera doesn't seem to want to take a proper picture in low-light conditions. Maybe I'll try setting up a tripod to eliminate the blurriness from the long exposure time.
2) It looks amazing with the light inside. A wonderful glow and not too harshly bright.
3) There is only one LED inside (a blue one from modsthatglow.com). I simply removed the plunger & spring, placed the led inside with the lead wires going out through the bottom. I put the plunger/spring back, hooked up the wiring and then put the microswitch back in. This method worked great and did not interfere with the microswitch.
4) There was no need for "frosting" the plunger, as the led caused the whole thing to glow and it was not a glaring single point of light.
-
I sure hope those new samples show up soon. I can't wait to see the other colors. If they come in at $3 a button you can put me down for around a dozen. Thanks for all your hard work in making this happen.
-
4) There was no need for "frosting" the plunger, as the led caused the whole thing to glow and it was not a glaring single point of light.
I think frosting would be more useful for while the LED is off, so you don't look in there and see the button's innards too much...
But, really, if the button is unfrosted one can probably frost it at home. That way people are happy whether they want it frosted or not.
-
But, really, if the button is unfrosted one can probably frost it at home.
-
But, really, if the button is unfrosted one can probably frost it at home. That way people are happy whether they want it frosted or not.
Might be tricky because of the small size, but spraying the inside of the plunger with a satin clearcoat should frost it quite nicely.
I was thinking a quick dip in acetone. That way you'll get the outside of the plunger (meaning the full diameter of the button face will be frosted) and it'll be less likely to wear off than if you sprayed the outer surface of the button with clearcoat. But whether that will work, I won't know until I get some.
-
Who can take a rainbow
Wrap it in a sigh?
Soak it in the sun
And make a strawberry pie
The buttonman
The buttonman can
The buttonman can
Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world look good
...look for pics later tonight. If you liked the blue buttons, prepare to be stunned. The other colors (five colors total) will knock your socks off!!!
-
Aww, damn it, gotta buy more socks....its bad enough when the dog eats them...
These are still at approx. $3 / button right?
-
Who can take a rainbow
Wrap it in a sigh?
Soak it in the sun
And make a strawberry pie
The buttonman
The buttonman can
The buttonman can
Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world look good
...look for pics later tonight. If you liked the blue buttons, prepare to be stunned. The other colors (five colors total) will knock your socks off!!!
oh that's just cruel and unusual :P
-
I have no idea. Now that I have the samples, they're going to send me pricing. I don't think they wanted to confirm anything until I approved.
Aww, damn it, gotta buy more socks....its bad enough when the dog eats them...
These are still at approx. $3 / button right?
-
If Budda's coming LED interface could control tri-colored LEDs that could light up a button to be any color via software control, the clear ones are gonna be the sweetest thing on the planet...
--Chris
-
If Budda's coming LED interface could control tri-colored LEDs that could light up a button to be any color via software control, the clear ones are gonna be the sweetest thing on the planet...
--Chris
4-lead tricolor LEDs will work, but 2-lead tricolor LEDs will not.
-
If Budda's coming LED interface could control tri-colored LEDs that could light up a button to be any color via software control, the clear ones are gonna be the sweetest thing on the planet...
--Chris
4-lead tricolor LEDs will work, but 2-lead tricolor LEDs will not.
Could you send three or four (or more) levels of voltage to the various colors, or would each one be on or off?
If controls.dat had the original color of each button... :)
-
PICTURES!
-
MORE PICS!
-
The pictures don't quite capture the vibrancy of these, but man, they are gorgeous!!!!
-
30 clear, please :)
-
WOW! Must have light up buttons! The red and clear ones look awesome! They are so cool that I can't stop using exclimation marks! Please oh please let them not cost like $10 each!
UndeadMeat!
-
Just a photography tip for ya: Take pics of them again in the daytime.
-
Hey Shawn just for you in my best Alabama drawl...Them thangs sure look purty...make a grown man cry...I could shed a tear...sniff....sniff.
Looks great man!! I'm still in it for blue, green, and red, awe hell, why not all five.
These look fantastic.
Patent Doc
-
If Budda's coming LED interface could control tri-colored LEDs that could light up a button to be any color via software control, the clear ones are gonna be the sweetest thing on the planet...
--Chris
4-lead tricolor LEDs will work, but 2-lead tricolor LEDs will not.
Could you send three or four (or more) levels of voltage to the various colors, or would each one be on or off?
If controls.dat had the original color of each button... :)
The controller has 16 levels of voltage, plus off. An unmodified 40-LED controller would only be able to control 13 tricolor LEDs. Each tricolor LED would theoretically be capable of 4913 (17*17*17) different colors. The 13 LEDs is because the red, green, and blue ports on each LED would require one connection on the controller.
-
It's official, I'm going to buy some now....are you taking pre-orders yet or waiting for pricing?
Thanks,
southpaw
-
It's official, I'm going to buy some now....are you taking pre-orders yet or waiting for pricing?
Thanks,
southpaw
Waiting on pricing. Hope to know in the next day or so. :)
-
These are amazing!!! :'( :o ;DWith Happ illuminators at over $6 a pc, these HAVE to be less expensive. I would love 6 each of red and blue if they are under $4. Please!! With Cherries!! I gotta have em! :o
-
They do look very nice, even better than the original pics. :o
The green however doesn't look translucent at all. :-\ Is this the case or is it the picture?
-
Wow! I've gotta get a bunch of these! For what, I'm not entirly sure yet.
Some pictures of these mounted would be good. It would also be cool to see some pics of what the clear ones look like lit up with different color LEDs (including pure white).
-
man, looking good!
Yes more pics, especially of the green. the others seem to look top notch.
2 questions
Is this going to be a complete button, with inner spring and microswitch? I gotta have cherry switches for these badboys so I'd like it without the swithc if the brand isn't cherry (could save you some $$).
and
why is that chick on the coach not freakin out about those totally awesome buttons?!
-
why is that chick on the coach not freakin out about those totally awesome buttons?!
She's thinking about when he used to look at her that way.
-
Those buttons look awesome!!!
-
The buttons are MUCH better than I would have thought they would turn out. Hopefully, the price will be much better than anyone could have hoped as well. I like the price you mentioned early on in the thread when you were getting all kinds of pressure to divulge one!
Let us know and then how long will it take for them to come in?
Thanks for the hard work!
Kev
-
Man, you gotta put an LED in them and take pics, these look amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
why is that chick on the coach not freakin out about those totally awesome buttons?!
She's thinking about when he used to look at her that way.
OUCH!
-
Nice Shawn.
-
Now if we could get the clear ones with the one and two player start icons on them... :)
-
Nice Shawn. I'm now tempted to cross over from translucent leafs to your clears and RGB LEDs!
I've edited one of the pictures a bit - I suspect that's closer to what they really look like:
Thanks Glitter! That does look much closer to what they really look like.
As far as the green ones go... They ARE translucent. They are dark green, almost the same as the translucent green leaf switch buttons (the colors were all modeled after the translucent leaf switch ones).
Production time will be 2 - 3 weeks from when I order them. Whether I order all five colors in the beginning will depend on 1) Pricing 2) Minimum order amount. As I've said in the past, I will keep the pricing as low as I possibly can. If needed, I will do a pre-order list and then make the order once I have enough (I'm hoping the pricing will be low enough that I won't have to do this).
The chick was not freaking out, because she was mad that I was working late and then came home and wanted to play with my buttons! ;D Ah, the life of a realtor with a hobby....
The microswitches are Honeywell. I'll have to see if there's a price difference for cherries. But, one thing the manufacturer is adamant about is that I have to order these with the microswitch. They will not sell me the buttons alone.
Yes, these are the complete buttons w/ Plunger, Spring, Bezel, Nut and Microswitch.
One thing is certain, these buttons will look awesome both lit and unlit.
-
I wasn't originally planning on clear buttons, but those look sexy.
-
I'm hard-pressed whether to go with all clear buttons and select their color via LED or use colored cuttons. I'll bet a blue button witrh either a blue or white LED looks better than a clear button with a blue LED...
-
I'm hard-pressed whether to go with all clear buttons and select their color via LED or use colored cuttons.
-
OK Shawn, what about durability? Have you done any "agressive" tests to see if they are just as durable as normal buttons? I remember reading that part of the issue here is the plastics are more brittle, which means they can crack and/or be more noisy. What's the verdict there?
-
OK Shawn, what about durability? Have you done any "agressive" tests to see if they are just as durable as normal buttons? I remember reading that part of the issue here is the plastics are more brittle, which means they can crack and/or be more noisy. What's the verdict there?
They feel a LOT like the normal Happ Microswitch buttons. These are not the brittle plastic that people are used to seeing (both with the translucent leaf switch and the centsible microswitch ones). The noise is also comparable to the Happ buttons that everyone is used to.
These are very high quality, and the blue samples that I installed in my cab have been doing really well.
-
The orangish ones... do they really look orange in person or are they more yellow? They look more on the orange side to me, so I like 'em! Let's see the tops of those buttons!
-
They look really sharp from the sides. As mentioned, lets see the tops of them!
I'm dying to see what the clear ones look like with a colored LED in them under normal to subdued external lighting conditions.
RandyT
-
As mentioned, lets see the tops of them!
Mee too
I'm dying to see what the clear ones look like with a colored LED in them under normal to subdued external lighting conditions.
Meee toooo
:)
-
I just keep getting more and more excited about these. They look great.
I'd love to see the tops too, and an LED in the clears if you can make that happen.
I'll be buying some blues and clears for sure.. .more than likely some reds too :)
-
Oh yes, definitely orange and not yellowish at all. I'll mount them on a control panel blank and take pics of the tops tonight :)
The orangish ones...
-
I'll give it a shot tonight witht the led.
BTW, the manufacturer actually called me today. They've promised to give me pricing on units with an included switch and ones without. They're also going to work with me on order minimums (ie, I'll prollly be able to make ALL of the colors available).
They look really sharp from
-
I just keep getting more and more excited about these.
Me too. Go Shawn GO! You are so THE MAN! and not in the oppressing us (i.e. We are all put down by The Man) kind of way.
::Looks at savings account with money for house closing in 2 weeks... Looks at transparent buttons...::
I sure hope I don't have to choose.
-UndeadMeat
-
Looks like I 'll have some brand new REGULAR type buttons for sale soon (as in, I'll end up ordering these instead of using the ones I already bought!)
-
Wow those look awesome. Put me down for at least a dozen.
-
First of all WOW!!!
Only just caught wind of this thread and ive been looking at the forum every day for the past six months, how the hell have I managed that!
Those buttons look da bomb!!
Couple of questions, hope they havent been answered already but I didnt fancy trawling though all dozen or so pages.
1) Will you be able to ship them internationally? (i.e.uk ;) )
2) Will you be able to sell different colour combinations of the buttons and the button bezels?
I just changed my some of my bezels like this
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/Francoberasi/WhiteBezels1.jpg)
Now ive seen these badboys im thinking about changing the whole lot!!
Would it be possible for example, to supply clear buttons in blue bezels? That way they would still look cool when not lit (not that all clear ones wouldnt rock) and then would look even more incredible when lit.
Im just thinking of all of the possibilities of these! *drools*
-
Once Budda's light boards are available, I'll bet translucent buttons become as standard on a MAME cabinet as a translucent trackball. Someone with deep pockets needs to take a chance and buy these in serious bulk....
-
:) Plans are in place for this. If the market proves itself, I'll make sure that they are always available.
Once Budda's light boards are available, I'll bet translucent buttons become as standard on a MAME cabinet as a translucent trackball.
-
:) Plans are in place for this. If the market proves itself, I'll make sure that they are always available.
Once Budda's light boards are available, I'll bet translucent buttons become as standard on a MAME cabinet as a translucent trackball.
-
:) Plans are in place for this. If the market proves itself, I'll make sure that they are always available.
Once Budda's light boards are available, I'll bet translucent buttons become as standard on a MAME cabinet as a translucent trackball. Someone with deep pockets needs to take a chance and buy these in serious bulk....
/me high fives shawnzilla
Awesome. I'd love to know that when I decide on some other project down the line, I can come back and get more of these. They look so awesome.
-
:o
...
Did i already mention this forum needs a drooling smiley (yes i did!)!!!!
AWESOME! End of June seems okay, i guess i can wait (NOT!)...
Loving it! These pics look W-A-Y better then the first pictures!
Please do post a picture of a clear one with a colored led in it, and how it looks mounted with the led turned off (will we see the led and some wire?)!!!
I am so psyched about this! This is almost as amazing as the PS3 movies!
(And beats the XBox 360 movies by light years...)
(can you tell i really want this? It's not every day you prefer a translucent piece of plastic over a few hundred dollars worth of high-end, next generation electronics...)
EDIT: Just noticed this is my 300(th?) post! Yipee!
-
Yay happy 300th :P
Here's the pictures you gotta post for me ;D err...us :
Clear lit up with white
Clear lit with each (whatever you have) color LED
Clear unlit with LED in it
Each button lit (with it's respective color, then with a white LED)
-
Looking great so far Shawn. You are going to change the face of future CP building with these.
I'm interested to see how they light up and will definitely be in for some of the clear ones...my search for clear leaf buttons was unsuccessful for the most part.
The only downside I can see is my Neon CP is soon to be not so special :'(
-
As requested...more pics! :)
-
More
-
A comparison of the two different blue samples (I just realized this tonight). The one on the right is the original sample, the one on the left is the one that I received yesterday.
-
And....drum roll...the lit clear button!!! It looks AMAZING lit. I used a blue led for this one.
-
last one!
-
Ine thing is definatewly "clear" from these photos: People aren't going to be able to get away with chipped hole edges with these... every little flaw in the hole is magnified by the bezels...
I kinda like the milkier "old" sample a bit better, but they're all gorgeous...
-
Ine thing is definatewly "clear" from these photos: People aren't going to be able to get away with chipped hole edges with these... every little flaw in the hole is magnified by the bezels...
But the flip-side is that now the bezel lights up (as opposed to the original blue sample)
I kinda like the milkier "old" sample a bit better, but they're all gorgeous...
The clear is the one I really wish was milkier. But I think there are probably a couple ways to frost it up.
They look very cool shawnzilla. Kudos for making this happen.
-
Thank you! :)
It's hard to convey in the pictures, but the clear ones aren't quite as see-through as they seem. They aren't frosted...but the plunger causes a slight blurring effect. The led did not look like a sharp point of like when lit inside.
Ine thing is definatewly "clear" from these photos: People aren't going to be able to get away with chipped hole edges with these... every little flaw in the hole is magnified by the bezels...
But the flip-side is that now the bezel lights up (as opposed to the original blue sample)
I kinda like the milkier "old" sample a bit better, but they're all gorgeous...
The clear is the one I really wish was milkier. But I think there are probably a couple ways to frost it up.
They look very cool shawnzilla. Kudos for making this happen.
-
The clear is the one I really wish was milkier.
-
First of all WOW!!!
Only just caught wind of this thread and ive been looking at the forum every day for the past six months, how the hell have I managed that!
Those buttons look da bomb!!
Couple of questions, hope they havent been answered already but I didnt fancy trawling though all dozen or so pages.
1) Will you be able to ship them internationally? (i.e.uk ;) )
2) Will you be able to sell different colour combinations of the buttons and the button bezels?
I just changed my some of my bezels like this
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/Francoberasi/WhiteBezels1.jpg)
Now ive seen these badboys im thinking about changing the whole lot!!
Would it be possible for example, to supply clear buttons in blue bezels? That way they would still look cool when not lit (not that all clear ones wouldnt rock) and then would look even more incredible when lit.
Im just thinking of all of the possibilities of these! *drools* :P
1) I don't see why I can't ship internationally. So, yes. I will ship. :)
2) It depends on the pricing I get from the manufacturer. Worst case scenario, you could buy both colors that you want and mix-and-match the plungers/bezels.
-
Those look awfully good. I was worried after I saw the original blue sample, but the new blue is awesome, much better than the old one. And the clear and red are gorgeous, too. I'll be down for some in those three colors.
-
These are sweet shawnzilla
I am going to need at least 40 if not more for the projects that I have going now.
Any specific ordering info yet? I will mail you my little sister's piggy bank if I have to. Her husband might be upset, but it will be worth it
-Thndrbug
-
The new Clear-er button samples look awesome : )
With one exception. That green is way too dark and military looking. need
a nicer lighter shade. try adding more yellow in the color mix..
btw, Yellow buttons would be nice also, to fit in with the Hot colors of orange and red.
can you post a pic of all of them lit ? to compare how they look to each other.
finally, arnt you worried about happ suing you? i mean, isnt this a direct copy? any changes made to keep that from happening? Id hate to see these dissapear as fast as they come to production.
oops, one other thing.. can you light up a clear with a colored led so we can see how that works?
-
oops, one other thing.. can you light up a clear with a colored led so we can see how that works?
That's exactly what you're seeing with the last "blue" light up button pic
Sweet, huh?! :)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=23801.0;id=13319;image)
-
Those look awfully good. I was worried after I saw the original blue sample, but the new blue is awesome, much better than the old one. And the clear and red are gorgeous, too. I'll be down for some in those three colors.
What he said ^ (Except I'm not down for anything yet). These look awesome though. I agree with Xiaou2 about the green needing to be a little lighter. Otherwise they look great though. Thanks for all your effort on the project!!!!
-
I have received pricing amounts from the manufacturer. What I need to know from all of you: Would you prefer to see these with or without a microswitch?
As stated earlier, the microswitch that they would include are Honeywells. They have two prongs (as opposed to the three on a cherry).
I believe I can order both with & without, as long as I hit their minimum price. So, if there's demand for both, I can order both...BUT, the more microswitch included ones that I buy, the less total inventory I'll have (due to the higher price). I'm hoping that demand can keep up on these. Everytime I order, I have to hit the manufacturers minimum price.
They also explained the difference between the first blue sample and the new blue sample. The first one was achieved by mixing two granulates. The second only one granulate. Personally, I like the new one better...it's sexier.
I don't have a final price on these to give y'all yet, because I will have to calculate my shipping costs from the manufacturer when the time comes. But, I am pleased to say that they will be very very affordable. I think you'll all be happy with the final pricing.
More soon! The manufacturer and I also need to clear up a little confusion on Euros/Dollars. :)
-
Great work Shawn, the blue, red and orange look good to me, and I much prefer them to the milky blue - you can frost these if you need to anyway, and the old one looked like it needed much more light.
I agree the green is pretty much useless though (at least judging from the pictures).
-
Oh yeah, another vote for a coloured LED in a clear button :).
-
I have received pricing amounts from the manufacturer. What I need to know from all of you: Would you prefer to see these with or without a microswitch?
As stated earlier, the microswitch that they would include are Honeywells. They have two prongs (as opposed to the three on a cherry).
I'm not in the market right now (or anytime soon, probably) so my opinions don't count much, but I think you would do better to order without the microswitches, particularly if you can't get Cherry switches - Reasons - I think a lot of us would be converting an existing panel, so will already have switches available. I have some Honeywell microswitches and mine have three prongs, not that most people will be using the NC contact. What you might do is order some Cherry switches separately from Ponyboy or someone and then price the buttons either way.
The second only one granulate. Personally, I like the new one better...it's sexier.
Agreed.
-
I believe I can order both with & without, as long as I hit their minimum price. So, if there's demand for both, I can order both...BUT, the more microswitch included ones that I buy, the less total inventory I'll have (due to the higher price). I'm hoping that demand can keep up on these. Everytime I order, I have to hit the manufacturers minimum price.
Sounds like, for the first order at least, it might be good to get deposits or pre-orders from committed people to get you through that first order...
Cherry microswitches are 72 cents each at Happ in lots of 100 or more, so maybe your solution is to get the buttons without microswitches and buy the switches separately.
-
Oh yeah, another vote for a coloured LED in a clear button :).
See picture above for the clear button with a blue LED inside :)
Regarding the green. These do actually look very nice in person. They are just about the same shade of green as the translucent leafs. But, because they are the darkest of all of the buttons, it's hard to tell from the pics. I'll light one up and take a pic.
-
See picture above for the clear button with a blue LED inside :)
Cool :).
Regarding the green. These do actually look very nice in person. They are just about the same shade of green as the translucent leafs. But, because they are the darkest of all of the buttons, it's hard to tell from the pics. I'll light one up and take a pic.
Right, I still think it'll be too dark (the leaf greens looked too dark to me too... in pictures), but we'll see.
re. switches, how about getting Cherrys seperately and offering them as an option?
-
Regarding the green. These do actually look very nice in person. They are just about the same shade of green as the translucent leafs. But, because they are the darkest of all of the buttons, it's hard to tell from the pics. I'll light one up and take a pic.
Right, I still think it'll be too dark (the leaf greens looked too dark to me too... in pictures), but we'll see.
re. switches, how about getting Cherrys seperately and offering them as an option?
I may do this. I did notice that the honeywells have a slightly louder click than the cherrys.
-
If the green came in a neon green I would so purchase those.
-
Those look incredable! I'm dying to see what a red led in the orange button would look like or a yellow led in the blue.
I need prices! I think my credit card has cooled sufficently ;D
-
on that note, I would like to see a red led in the Blue button to see if it turns out purple.
-
These are great Shawnzilla. I'm down for a couple of panels worth. I would prefer Cherry switches. I think a lot of people here feel that way, so it may be best to figure your pricing on the buttons and switches separately. That way you can order minimums in buttons and not have to carry as large a stock of microswitches. You can always order those from Happ easily.
As far as the legal question, IANAL, but isn't HAPP reselling their buttons from the same manufacturer that Shawnzilla is having make these? Unless HAPP owns a patent on this button there is no legal question.
-
These are great Shawnzilla. I'm down for a couple of panels worth. I would prefer Cherry switches. I think a lot of people here feel that way, so it may be best to figure your pricing on the buttons and switches separately. That way you can order minimums in buttons and not have to carry as large a stock of microswitches. You can always order those from Happ easily.
As far as the legal question, IANAL, but isn't HAPP reselling their buttons from the same manufacturer that Shawnzilla is having make these? Unless HAPP owns a patent on this button there is no legal question.
Just a quick note about this. They created a new product specifically for me, based upon an existing product in their line (that they sell to other people besides Happs). My guess is that the patent lies with the manufacturer.
I will probably get the buttons without the microswitches. It'll allow me to carry the largest inventory before having to re-order.
-
I will probably get the buttons without the microswitches. It'll allow me to carry the largest inventory before having to re-order.
Sounds good to me. Microswitches aren't hard to come by.
Now, to order! :)
-
Wow, what a difference between the old and new blue. I thought the old blue looked way too much like a regular button. With this new set of samples I am definitely on board. Red and Orange definitely. ;D
-
Good news! I will be placing my order today! So, I will most likely be ready to open shop the 2nd or 3rd week of June. Start your engines!!!
;D
-
That shot of the clear with the blue LED made my heart skip a beat. Maybe I could put a thousand clear ones in a grid and light them with color changing LEDs and create a complete lighting experience in my game room. :o Well, I'll take a dozen to start with.
Good news! I will be placing my order today! So, I will most likely be ready to open shop the 2nd or 3rd week of June. Start your engines!!!
;D
Prices, give us prices! ;)
-UndeadMeat
-
BTW, since initial interest in the green seems to be lower than the other colors (clear seems to be the color of highest interest), I will only order a small amount in the beginning. I will probably carry an inventory of 50 to 100 green. I will order more if there is demand.
I'll stick a light into one of the greens tonight. That may spark more interest.
-
BTW, since initial interest in the green seems to be lower than the other colors (clear seems to be the color of highest interest), I will only order a small amount in the beginning. I will probably carry an inventory of 50 to 100 green. I will order more if there is demand.
I'll stick a light into one of the greens tonight. That may spark more interest.
I'm willing to bet that the greens are awesome lit. With no yellows, a Neo-Geo panel is out of the question...
--Chris
-
Good news! I will be placing my order today! So, I will most likely be ready to open shop the 2nd or 3rd week of June. Start your engines!!!
;D
Roger, roger. Delaying multipanel project until 2nd or 3rd week in June.
-
man I really want green, do you have a green LED?
if you do then could you light the green with a white LED and then try a clear lit with a green LED? that would show some comparison. I think green is pretty popular, just not that shade you have.
thanks for doing all this.
ny
-
You're placing an order without taking pre-orders? That's brave. What if demand is higher than expected? What if demand is lower?
I'm REALLY curious if these buttons will suddenly show up at other IL distributors (like Happ).... Hmmm!
(fyi, I'll probably be ordering 16, in a variety of colors).
Regarding switches. I don't care about brand, unless the "clicking" is different or more stiff than Cherry. If it's exactly the same, then I don't care. All I want is to have switches with the buttons when I order.
-
I'm in for about 4 of each color for now. I have plenty of switches so I'm glad you went sans switch for the order.
FYI for anyone who needs switches, I think I paid ~$0.70 per for Cherry switches from Betson...and I got .250 tabs for my minipac needs too.
-Todd
-
i think you need to ask for a new green. it looks ok as it is (kinda like your first blue) but not good enough. these buttons are going on our control panels for a long time (unless some even cooler kinds of buttons come along), so i think we would all like the best looking buttons to start with. also, i think a few more colors might be in order, since it seems like demand is gonna be pretty high, at least to begin with. and as for microswitches, i'm with everyone else when i agree that cherry is the only way to go. just order them through ponyboy in a huge amount and then both of you guys will get a good deal (ponyboy with the buisness/profit and you with a lower than happs price).
-
I think its a great idea to get the buttons minus the microswitches. As people have said, most of us will probably be converting existing panels. If not, they are super easy to come by anyway.
I wish you had a yellow too for a NeoGeo setup, but that's just being picky. You will definitely see an order from me. :)
EDIT: I really like the green.. I bet people will change their minds after seeing one lit up.
-
Red-Orange-Green-Blue wouldn't be too bad for a LIGHTED Neo-Geo panel.
Agree with Shawn that Green may just not photograph well. Hard to say without someone else getting these and seeing them.
Then again, since they modified the blue, perhaps they would change the green if you requested it.
BTW, Shawn - do you have an exclusive agreement with them? Rayb's comments about Happ worry me a little bit.
-
Shawn
Great job on the buttons. I bet the green will actually look great when lit. When you take the pictures of the lit button. Do one with a green LED and one with a white LED. Maybe a white LED will lighten the color enough to quiet the naysayers. Also, would you take a picture of the clear buttons with various lighting situations (blue, green, yellow LEDs)? I'm trying to figure out how many of each color I want, and I clear could increase a lot in number.
Anyway, great job.
Patent Doc
-
the lit blue button reminds me of TRON... :o
-
the lit blue button reminds me of TRON... :o
Yes, yes it does, which is why I must have them for my Tron inspired cabinet.
-UndeadMeat
-
New samples look awsome! I'm down for about 40 I think. ;D
-
I know I will be the minority here, but I personally prefer the milkier blue color. However, the clear buttons when "fogged" may fix my issues if the colored LEDs make them look great. Once someone gets the product in hand and does that, then I'll reconsider. As it is now, I think they are just too transparent.
As was displayed earlier in the thread a standard button can be lit using an ultrabright LED. Not trying to sway people from your product Shawnzilla, but I feel that the initial sample was better. Thats just my opinion though heh.
-
BTW, since initial interest in the green seems to be lower than the other colors (clear seems to be the color of highest interest), I will only order a small amount in the beginning. I will probably carry an inventory of 50 to 100 green. I will order more if there is demand.
I'll stick a light into one of the greens tonight. That may spark more interest.
I'm willing to bet that the greens are awesome lit.
-
I know I will be the minority here, but I personally prefer the milkier blue color. However, the clear buttons when "fogged" may fix my issues if the colored LEDs make them look great. Once someone gets the product in hand and does that, then I'll reconsider. As it is now, I think they are just too transparent.
As was displayed earlier in the thread a standard button can be lit using an ultrabright LED. Not trying to sway people from your product Shawnzilla, but I feel that the initial sample was better. Thats just my opinion though heh.
I totally disagree. The purpose of this project (IMHO) was to create a microswitch pushbutton with the appearance of the transparent leaf buttons. The new sample does that admirably.
If that's not the look you want (when unlit) then certainly you can illuminate a standard button with the superbright LED's. The problem with the first sample was that it looked too much like just a deeper shade of blue standard pushbutton, where these look like the true transparent leafs.
Just my 25 cents . . .
-
Tiger-Heli, I agree with you. ;) Just not my cup of tea I guess.
-
Tiger-Heli, I agree with you. ;) Just not my cup of tea I guess.
Well, personally, I'm not sure I don't prefer the standard buttons myself (the standard buttons look better when both are unlit, IMHO). But if you wanted lit buttons or wanted to replace the buttons in a Multi-Williams or Q-bert or Sinistar, the new buttons totally rock!
-
2) Will you be able to sell different colour combinations of the buttons and the button bezels?
Would it be possible for example, to supply clear buttons in blue bezels? That way they would still look cool when not lit (not that all clear ones wouldnt rock) and then would look even more incredible when lit.
ooh.. I like that idea too!
-
They look absolutely awesome, far better than I expected. I'm definitely going to have to build a lighted panel now. Damn more expense!
With regards to whether you should sell them with microswitches or not, can you give us some approximate prices with and without before a decision is made?
I bought some pushbuttons from IL a while ago and they were extremely cheap and came with Cherry microswitches included. If I'd persuaded IL to sell me the buttons without microswitches I'd have saved a little money up front but probably ended up spending far more in the long run by having to buy overpriced microswitches separately from someone like Happ.
-
Man you just sold me with that clear one. You really do need to light up the other colors too though. It's kinda hard to decide now because we've seen a clear one lit with a blue, but what about a blue lit with a blue, and what about a blue with a white? I suggest you take 3 pictures:
Picture 1) Buttons each with their respective LED (blue - blue, clear - white)
Picture 2) Buttons each with a white LED (see how they light)
Picture 3) 4-6 clear buttons, each with a different colored LED in it. This may sell the most of them. If the clear ones look as good with red LED's, Im sold.
I just realized, Im gonna have a sweet panel! Translucent joysticks, most likely lit the color of the player; Clear buttons lit red or blue, as per the player; My lighting plan where if a joystick is pressed up, a light turns on an up arrow kinda thing;
OMG I CANT WAIT!!
-
I just saw a pic of these babies, and a tear came to my eye. BEAUTIFUL!
-
Very cool! I think I may have to replace the buttons in my standup cab with some clears lit blue (like nobody will be doing that!). I may also have to get a clear trackball to go with them.
I think the best option mentioned for the micro switches is to buy the buttons without and order a bunch of switches at the bulk rate.
Whether I buy around 15 (standup cab) or 3 (bartop cab) will depend on how much these things cost.
-
I'll be in for at least 20 of various colors including green.
-
Any chance of additional colors on top of the ones prototyped?
-
Count me in for around 40 buttons as well.
I had been trying to devise a way to combine short translucent buttons with the cherry microswitches, but option is far more realistic! I'm glad I discover this thread before I dove to far into my experiments. ;D
THESE BUTTONS LOOK AWSOME!!!!!
-
Thanks for the great feedback everyone.
I will see about making more colors available in the near future. But, I'd like to go ahead and order now. To get new/different colors, we'd have to go back to the prototyping (i.e. for every color I want, they have to go to the trouble of making me a prototype, which takes them a long time).
More lighted pics will be coming in the next day or so.
RayB makes a good point and I am now creating a new thread for pre-order requests. I want to make the order within the next day or so...so, please post on that thread.
-
I agree that yellow is conspicuously absent. Purple's nice, too, but I'd expect more demand for yellow.
Also agree with the comments about the green. It looks about like the old green translucent leaf buttons, but they were an ugly shade in the first place. Hardly ever saw 'em on a game, I think because nobody liked them then, either. Maybe that's why the interest is so low now.
Prefer the buttons without switches or with Cherry switches.
*edit - Shawnzilla's post came in while I was typing, but I think I'll leave my opinion here, anyway* ::)
-
RayB makes a good point and I am now creating a new thread for pre-order requests. I want to make the order within the next day or so...so, please post on that thread.
Link is here (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,37034.0.html).
-
I'm talking to the manufacturer about the possibility of yellow and changing the green. They will need color samples to pull it off. So....
Post any color swatches here that you would like to see (please stick to yellow, green and purple)
If I end up using your swatch, then you just might get a couple freebies of that color! Think of this as a contest of sorts. ;)
-
Can we see the green lit up before you go looking for a new one? It's hard to tell when it's dark...
-
Can we see the green lit up before you go looking for a new one? It's hard to tell when it's dark...
Working on that today. :D
-
Here is a green, lit with a green LED. It'd probably light up better with a white led (which I don't have right now). It looks good, but is definitely a more subdued glow.
-
Before anyone critiques that GREEN photo, I'd like them to pay attention to how dark the YELLOW looks. So you KNOW it's the PHOTO that makes the green look dark. In reality it's probably just perfect. :D
-
Shawn, can I just say that the pre-order thread is way premature? Without pricing, more pictures etc, it's pretty impossible for me to confirm anything (and I doubt I'm alone on this).
I'm personally good to order straight away once I have the facts (including what's happening with the micros).
-
I'm guessing we have a Catch-22 here, in which Shawn can't set the price until he has an idea of the demand, and users can't tell how many they want until they have an idea of the price, which can't be determined until Shawn gets an idea of the demand . . .
-
BTW Shawn, thanks for doing this.
-
*oldsage drools*
Not much more to say, really... I would think a yellow is better than orange and i don't think purple would get such high demand, bu that's just me...
Here's the kind of yellow I'd like (although the final picture turned "milkier" than i expected...):
EDIT: (which is why i made two colors, and now looking at how it came out on the boards, the left is more like what i wanted to post, although a tad brighter, and more "candy-ish"...)
-
BTW Shawn, thanks for doing this. They look great.
As for color swatches, I think people would prefer a neon green like one of these.
I don't know about that. I have a couple convex buttons in that kind of green, and I think they are super-ugly. I like the leaf-button green much better.
-
I'm guessing we have a Catch-22 here, in which Shawn can't set the price until he has an idea of the demand, and users can't tell how many they want until they have an idea of the price, which can't be determined until Shawn gets an idea of the demand . . .
I can appreciate that, but a ballpark figure would be nice. Or 'if I get this many orders, this much' etc.
-
BTW Shawn, thanks for doing this.
-
Heres my opinion, not that I think it matters a whole lot.
Dark green > neon green
yellow, orange , and red make the neo geo combination
Blue, red, orange, and purple make the TMNT combo.
but I bet you'll sell mainly red and blue.
And I'll but some as soon as we have pricing for them.
-
I'm guessing we have a Catch-22 here, in which Shawn can't set the price until he has an idea of the demand, and users can't tell how many they want until they have an idea of the price, which can't be determined until Shawn gets an idea of the demand . . .
I can appreciate that, but a ballpark figure would be nice. Or 'if I get this many orders, this much' etc.
I did give a ballpark in the pre-order thread. They will very likely be between $2 - $3. I'm shooting for closer to $2, but it all depends on my shipping cost. Unless I can get a good price on Cherry Microswitches, I'm going to stay away from including microswitches.
Hope that helps! :)
-
I'm talking to the manufacturer about the possibility of yellow and changing the green. They will need color samples to pull it off. So....
Post any color swatches here that you would like to see (please stick to yellow, green and purple)
If I end up using your swatch, then you just might get a couple freebies of that color! Think of this as a contest of sorts.
-
I did give a ballpark in the pre-order thread. They will very likely be between $2 - $3. I'm shooting for closer to $2, but it all depends on my shipping cost. Unless I can get a good price on Cherry Microswitches, I'm going to stay away from including microswitches.
Yes it does :).
-
How about these?
-
How about these?
Gl.tter's purple looks about right. I think his green has a little too much blue and not enough yellow. (but close) - I am picturing something between the standard microswitch green and the sample you have - less bright than the standard, but brighter than your sample.
Similar for the yellow - somewhere between the orange that you have and a standard yellow button. But darker and a LITTLE more orange than standard.
Come to think of it, they usually make plastic cups and glasses in the colors I'm picturing, if that helps.
-
Actually, if I had a physical sample of a color to send them it would work out much better. I'll have to peruse the plastic cup aisle.... 8)
How about these?
Gl.tter's purple looks about right. I think his green has a little too much blue and not enough yellow. (but close) - I am picturing something between the standard microswitch green and the sample you have - less bright than the standard, but brighter than your sample.
Similar for the yellow - somewhere between the orange that you have and a standard yellow button. But darker and a LITTLE more orange than standard.
Come to think of it, they usually make plastic cups and glasses in the colors I'm picturing, if that helps.
-
I think his green has a little too much blue and not enough yellow.
-
I think his green has a little too much blue and not enough yellow.
-
I think his green has a little too much blue and not enough yellow. (but close).
Ah, more poision-y. How's this?
Still looks very teal to me. Not green
Closer, though!
-
I think his green has a little too much blue and not enough yellow.
-
wow. give people 5 inches, they want 5 miles.
If I was Shawn, I'd feel a bit pissed off right now. We had plenty of discussions to get our color preferences down months ago, and then the whole thing almost didn't happen at all. We should be grateful to get what we can at this point. As it is right now, looking at Shawn's totals of how many people want of certain colors, there's a chance he won't meet the minimum order limit for Green and Orange already (or they will be much more expensive than the other colors).
(Here's a better idea of what the green ACTUALLY looks like. His photo was dark to begin with):
-
If I was Shawn, I'd feel a bit pissed off right now.
Then you haven't read recent messages (don't worry, happens to all of us) - Shawn was asking for colour swatches for possible future prototypes.
BTW, what you also seem to have missed (along with a few others) is this quote from Shawn on the green:
It looks good, but is definitely a more subdued glow.
ie. it's not just the picture.
-
This is what 'green' looks like to me:
Euch (no offense). But I'll go with clears & green lights anyway.
-
Yeah, I like the poisony one a little better than the one by Quarterback. Maybe something in the middle between them.
If I was Shawn, I'd feel a bit pissed off right now.
Why? Shawn said he wanted suggestions on a yellow and a new green and maybe a purple, but to stick to those. Gl.ter did a pink and I think someone else suggested it, but other than that . . .
We had plenty of discussions to get our color preferences down months ago, and then the whole thing almost didn't happen at all.
Nope, we had discussion on "would you like green, or blue, or red", not is this green too dark or should it be more yellow and less teal.
We should be grateful to get what we can at this point.
I think we are. And if Shawn said - I think the green is acceptable and I'm not gonna bother trying to change it, most people would deal with that and decide accordingly. But he's not saying that.
-
Hey, maybe since you don't have a white LED to stick in the green button you could take out the switch and put a big ol' lightbulb back there? I think there really is a visibility problem here.
(EDIT): markrvp: So who's being impatient? It's just a suggestion, geez...
-
Remember guys, PATIENCE.
We're all excited, but Shawnzilla has a regular job to tend to first. He's as excited as we are and will light these things as soon as he can.
-
Hi
I'll be up for the following:-
30 Clear
10 Blue
10 Red
Thanks for doing a great job
-
Just to back-up dphirschler's comments, I personally prefer the more neon colours. currently whatever gets sorted out is a total bonus to me as I cannot find Clear, Pink, Yellow Purple, Orange Anywhere !
Please count me in definately if you get any of the above and I would be good for 10 of each of the colours that I haven't seen before. I am in the UK and believe me these things are very rare over here, I'll be really happy whatever happens
-
Here are several pics. I found my tripod, so the blurring is gone, but light is soooo hard to capture correctly.
First: Clear Buttons With a Red LED. This came out beautiful. The picture makes it look orange, but in reality it was the exact red of the LED and it looked great.
-
Second: Red button with the same red LED. This also looked gorgeous. Slightly different from the clear. A beautiful vibrant red glow.
-
Shawn
Have you got a comparison of Clear Light Blue against Clear Dark Blue ?
I have some Clear Dark Blue and wondered if you are getting any Clear Light Blue Done ?
Regards
-
Y'all know that the colors you're posting look different on different monitors, dont'cha?
When person A posts a picture of their ideal green, and person B looks at it and says "wrong", person B is very likely not seeing the same shade person A saw when they posted. And person C is very likely seeing some other, third shade.
The only way to accurately discuss color with someone who cannot look at the actual item you're looking at is to use an item that's consistently colored, and available to both parties. Like an M'n'M, or a Pantone book.
But what's made of translucent green material that everybody can look at? Toothbrushes? We need to vote on Oral-B vs. Colgate green! ::)
-
But what's made of translucent green material that everybody can look at?
-
Well, shawnzilla could gather all the samples and print them out. That will give you the best idea of the true color.
That red looks good, though I've never been much of a fan of the color. Any chance of putting that red LED into the blue button to see if you can mix colors? Blue unlit and purple lit would be awesome.
-
I like the current green as it looks damn close to the shade of the translucent green leaf switch buttons. I have green leaf switch versions and they're a bit harder to light up then the other colors but trust me it can be done. I thought the whole idea was to match the colors of the original leaf versions plus add a few new colors and I think Shawnzilla did a stellar job at accomplishing just that. I'm happy with the colors the way they are.
-
Well, shawnzilla could gather all the samples and print them out. That will give you the best idea of the true color.
Colors vary more from printer to printer than they do from monitor to monitor. I used to work in the printing business, and this was always a hassle. People bring in their disk, and then they say "It didn't look like that at home... the purple is way to pink!" or something like that.
Posted by: spidermonkey
I thought the whole idea was to match the colors of the original leaf versions plus add a few new colors and I think Shawnzilla did a stellar job at accomplishing just that.
No argument there- these do appear to match the original leaf buttons, green included. The question is whether or not that's a good idea in the case of the green. Personally, I always thought the green leaf buttons were a bit off. Of course, I never saw them lit up in the arcade (how come no games ever took advantage of those buttons, anyway?) and I must say the pic Shawn posted of his green button when lit, looks much nicer than it does when dark. So maybe they don't need a change- after all, almost everybody that's ordering these is lighting them, anyway.
But really, the green doesn't matter so much to me, as I'm really in this for the red, dark blue, and clear. Those all look outstanding (to me), and big thanks to Shawnzilla for pulling this off.
-
BTW, check out the first pic in this post:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,23801.msg328901.html#msg328901
and look at the clear button that's just below the blue one.
Scope out the effect it picks up just from the lit red button next to it. That's way dope.
-
This is what 'green' looks like to me:
Euch (no offense). But I'll go with clears & green lights anyway.
LOL No offense taken.
-
I am going to try and make Cherry Microswitches available with these.
Has anyone ordered bulk on Happ before? They seem to have the lowest bulk rate for the switches, but of course they show you no shipping info even during checkout. So, am I going to get raped on shipping?
-
So, am I going to get raped on shipping?
From HAPP - YES!
-
So, am I going to get raped on shipping?
From HAPP - YES!
That's what I thought. Does anyone know of another vendor who sells these in bulk, but doesn't charge nearly $2 per switch?
-
You should phone Happs and talk to them directly about the shipping costs for a bulk order. Do not rely on the website order pages.
-
See if Ponyboy here on BYOAC will help. He deals with Happs and is great.
-
So, am I going to get raped on shipping?
From HAPP - YES!
That's what I thought. Does anyone know of another vendor who sells these in bulk, but doesn't charge nearly $2 per switch?
Why not buy them from the company that's manufacturing the buttons?
Alternatively, you could go direct to Cherry.
-
How are these colors? I like set 1 better than set 2, but it's mostly up to you guys.
-
A few more:
-
To get accurate colors, nab the RGBs out of the samples.
Darryl
-
See if Ponyboy here on BYOAC will help.
-
How are these colors? I like set 1 better than set 2, but it's mostly up to you guys.
I like the green from set 2 and the purple and yellow from set 1.
-
I like the green Shawnzilla already has, and I like the purple in EndTwist's Set 1.
-
The official website is now up. It is NOT nearly complete, as I just got the domain tonight. Over the next month I will be getting it up to speed and starting to list products, etc...
www.fxbuttons.com
-
The official website is now up. It is NOT nearly complete, as I just got the domain tonight. Over the next month I will be getting it up to speed and starting to list products, etc...
www.fxbuttons.com
Looking good. I thought I'd mention one thing though. Your order form says Paypal is bank transfers only. I'm assuming that is because you only have a personal PayPal account.
There is a limit on how much money you can take in each month with a personal account ($500 IIRC), and I have a feeling you might go beyond that with these buttons.... you might have to spring for a business account, otherwise you might be forced to NOT accept paypal for part of the month if you go over your limit, which could get annoying fast for both you and your customers.
Just my .02
-
The official website is now up. It is NOT nearly complete, as I just got the domain tonight. Over the next month I will be getting it up to speed and starting to list products, etc...
www.fxbuttons.com
Looking good. I thought I'd mention one thing though. Your order form says Paypal is bank transfers only. I'm assuming that is because you only have a personal PayPal account.
There is a limit on how much money you can take in each month with a personal account ($500 IIRC), and I have a feeling you might go beyond that with these buttons.... you might have to spring for a business account, otherwise you might be forced to NOT accept paypal for part of the month if you go over your limit, which could get annoying fast for both you and your customers.
Just my .02
With a business acct comes an increase in fee's as well. You can accept more money and send more money, but with each transaction comes fee's regardless of source. Hopefully this wont increase the overhead cost of selling the buttons by too much.
-
I will be accepting paypal payments from credit card sources as well. What you saw was an old version of the page that has since been updated (the site is going to update a lot in the next couple of weeks).
The official website is now up. It is NOT nearly complete, as I just got the domain tonight. Over the next month I will be getting it up to speed and starting to list products, etc...
www.fxbuttons.com
Looking good. I thought I'd mention one thing though. Your order form says Paypal is bank transfers only. I'm assuming that is because you only have a personal PayPal account.
There is a limit on how much money you can take in each month with a personal account ($500 IIRC), and I have a feeling you might go beyond that with these buttons.... you might have to spring for a business account, otherwise you might be forced to NOT accept paypal for part of the month if you go over your limit, which could get annoying fast for both you and your customers.
Just my .02
With a business acct comes an increase in fee's as well. You can accept more money and send more money, but with each transaction comes fee's regardless of source. Hopefully this wont increase the overhead cost of selling the buttons by too much.
-
Sweet! F*ck june, i want 'em now!!!
-
Closer...Closer! CLOSER!!!
/me sits there watching the clock closely waiting for June.
ARGH! I can't wait
-
This might have been asked in this large thread. I will slowly wade through it all again.
Does the happ concave buttons work with these?
I'd like a red translucent holder with a solid player 1 center.
-
This might have been asked in this large thread. I will slowly wade through it all again.
Does the happ concave buttons work with these?
I'd like a red translucent holder with a solid player 1 center.
yup, they're identical.
-
So did shawn sell out on these buttons? I've tried getting to his website - http://www.fxbuttons.com/ - for the past two days and it appears to be down. Also PM'd him, but haven't heard back yet. Anyone in the know?
-
So did shawn sell out on these buttons? I've tried getting to his website - http://www.fxbuttons.com/ - for the past two days and it appears to be down. Also PM'd him, but haven't heard back yet. Anyone in the know?
The site is working fine for me.
The site says that Clear & Blue are the only 2 buttons that are currently sold out.
-
So did shawn sell out on these buttons? I've tried getting to his website - http://www.fxbuttons.com/ - for the past two days and it appears to be down. Also PM'd him, but haven't heard back yet. Anyone in the know?
The site is working fine for me.
The site says that Clear & Blue are the only 2 buttons that are currently sold out.
Thanks, versapak. Not sure why I can't reach it. Maybe it's a west coast thing.
-
i emailed him a few days ago, and he informed me that he just got some clear buttons in.
-
put me down for
4 red
7 blue
7green
4 orange
but of course you have site up so i will order them soon
-
whoa! wait a min i just read the FAQ on fxbutton site and it says you will get first shippment sometime mid june...
is that june of 2005 or 2006?
-
2005, several members already have their's. There was a big discussion on different lighting and frosting (but not icing . . .) methods.
-
As far as I know, everything is in. He was waiting on red buttons to get in and when they did, he waived shipping and priority shipped them. I received them from the USPS on a Sunday. Shawn is another valuable dealer in the community!
-
I just had my clear buttons hand-delivered from Shawn. Apparently he lives just a few miles away from me :)
Overall, I'm very pleased with the whole process and will do business with him again in the future. Thanks!
Mike