Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: kherem on January 08, 2003, 12:15:11 am
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I want to put labels over several pushbuttons instead of printing them over the control panel surface. This would say for example: Start, Coin, Options, Pause, ... My question is, How can I do this ? I've seen protective covers on HappControls for pushbuttons, How do they work ? Do they cover the pushed part of the button ? Don't they make the push action imposible ? Could I put a label between the button and the label ? Thanks a lot.
And sorry for my English once again... ;D
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I think the protective covers are made of flexible rubber or plastic, like the keyboard covers on restaurant computers. Using labels with these would probably not work well, as the labels would wear out and probably move around, turning upside down etc. Also, this would not look very "arcade-like". Almost all arcade games have the button labels printed on the control panel. This is easily done by having a custom CP overlay printed at a print shop for about $20.
Unfortunately, almost any kind of label you stick or print on the button surface will eventually wear off. You might want to use something like this instead: http://www.happcontrols.com/pushbuttons/95400900.htm (http://www.happcontrols.com/pushbuttons/95400900.htm)
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Theu are hard, clear plastic and secure very nicely underneath the buttons. Would look nice used for special buttons like 1p-Start, 2p-start, coin1/2, etc. The only problem is finding a good way to get the words on them. Transfer letters would prob work, esp if u put them underneath to avoid wear. I have several tags but haven't labled any cuz my cab is in a state of limbo. :(
They r cheap, so buy some and play around.... just let us know what u figure out.
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I went with extreme el-cheapo method and made some up in autocad, printed them on my color printer, then glued them under my plexi right to the control panel art work--when the plexi went back on, they look like they are part of the underlying control panel and will last forever--They look very nice and with a font that matches the rest of the machine, very well blended. I have no website but I can send you pictures if you'd like (they're small--26kb or so)
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I went with extreme el-cheapo method and made some up in autocad, printed them on my color printer, then glued them under my plexi right to the control panel art work--when the plexi went back on, they look like they are part of the underlying control panel and will last forever--They look very nice and with a font that matches the rest of the machine, very well blended. I have no website but I can send you pictures if you'd like (they're small--26kb or so)
That would sound like a low cost yet effective technique...
just print them out and glue them on the plexi... that way you don't have to mess up your artwork... if you want to change the label later or remove them all together... all you need to do is replace the plexi.. (unless you can get the labels off, which shouldn't be too hard if they are just paper)
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I am using Happ Illuminated Round Pushbuttons on my cab. 1 Player, 2 Player, Esc, Pause, Insert Coin. These buttons come apart and allow the insert of a label / artwork, etc. I printed my "stuff" on vellum cut it out(using the plastic diffuser disc in the button) and put 'em back together and bingo a lighted button with a protected label / art.
FWIW, I can take a picture of one tonight after class and post it if you'd like *shrug* (c) 2003 Rampy
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I used a Brother P-touch labeller. http://www.brother.com/usa/label/label_cntr.html
Printed this out on the clear tape with black lettering and stuck it onto my oak cp. Since the labels are above the buttons, they don't see any wear and tear.
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FWIW, I can take a picture of one tonight after class and post it if you'd like *shrug* (c) 2003 Rampy
Yeah, I'd like to see that if you get a chance. Thanks.
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Yeah, I'd like to see that if you get a chance. Thanks.
Rather than crush the thread with a bunch of images, I've added the pix to my site. <Click Me> (http://www.the-mametrix.com)
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Very Nice!! :D I may have to rethink my labeling strategy!
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Yeah, I'd like to see that if you get a chance. Thanks.
Rather than crush the thread with a bunch of images, I've added the pix to my site. <Click Me> (http://www.the-mametrix.com)
Looks great. Did you get the LED's for them through Happ?
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Looks great. Did you get the LED's for them through Happ?
Thanks Guys. 8)
The Happ LEDs look alot easier to install / plus they have a built-in limiting resisitor (if I recall); but, they were like $14.25 each or something like that. So, I went to Radio Shack (taught the staff about Ohm's law to calculate right resistor - if you don't want to buy a cell phone or sat. dish, don't ask them any ?'s - but I digress) bought a breadboard, resisitors, and LEDs and made my own custom lightboard. Similar to the one 1Up has on his site.