Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: RandyT on February 18, 2007, 03:50:25 pm

Title: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on February 18, 2007, 03:50:25 pm
Available from the www.GroovyGameGear.com website now!


(http://www.groovygamegear.com/Store_Images/NovaGem.jpg)

NEW from GroovyGameGear!  We didn't want to be just another "me too" re-seller of the translucent colored buttons that have been around for a while.  So we held off on offering them until we could do something special to make them our own.  We listened to the concerns about not being able to get enough light into them and the difficulties in wiring.  The NovaGem™ Pushbuttons are the result.

(http://www.groovygamegear.com/Store_Images/ngcap.jpg) (http://www.groovygamegear.com/Store_Images/NovaGem.mpg)

Click on the vidcap above to see the pulsing effect when hooked to an LED-Wiz (The pulse is smooth in real life.)  Note: This video was taken next to a window in the middle of the day.  Not in a dimly lit room!  The red button is provided for contrast.

Features:


The price will be $5.95 each. 

Thanks for looking,
RandyT


Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: leapinlew on February 18, 2007, 03:55:15 pm
awesome dude!

Just in time for my next bartop... along with a TT2 spinner. Your a genius!
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Donkey_Kong on February 18, 2007, 04:29:37 pm
...and now even the not-so-BRIGHT will be forced to illuminate our push buttons. IOW these will be really easy to bling it up GGG style...even for the electrically challenged? Is this what I should be gathering here? You remember what happened last time.


These look cool Randy!! DANG! I didn't want to light my buttons on my current cab project though. Now I probaly will.[

:applaud: 

PLEASE TELL US THE AVAILABLE COLORS!?!?

Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Kaytrim on February 18, 2007, 04:58:48 pm
Man Randy, you keep coming up with new stuff all the time.  Is this all you do all day, work on new toys for us big boys?  :dizzy: 
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Grasshopper on February 18, 2007, 05:00:59 pm
Are these the same as the IL pushbuttons?
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: squirrellydw on February 18, 2007, 05:06:49 pm
nice, I sent the link to retroblast
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: fjl on February 18, 2007, 05:58:18 pm
I'd like to see this compared to other light up buttons in both lighted and dark areas. Also, will it be possible to switch the microswitch to leafs and is replacing the LED possible or is it made so that once the LED burns out, you have to replace the whole button? Would suck if that was the case.

Is the brightness adjustable? And what colors is this going to come in? And last, what makes this button better than other buttons? Simply it's brightness? Was it redesigned for better light emitting or did they simply add in a brighter LED?  :blah:
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Fozzy The Bear on February 18, 2007, 06:21:09 pm
Also, will it be possible to switch the microswitch to leafs
Yes....PonyBoy sells adapter leaf switches that fit any Microswitch button.

is replacing the LED possible or is it made so that once the LED burns out, you have to replace the whole button? Would suck if that was the case.

A correctly powered LED will last 20 years, before it reaches 3/4 original brightness. What do you want here!

Is the brightness adjustable?

One word answer: LED-Wiz

Dude! try reading the information in the description above... Under "Features" almost all of your questions are answered there.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Fozzy The Bear on February 18, 2007, 06:23:41 pm
Will be available from www.GroovyGameGear.com (http://www.GroovyGameGear.com) Website in a couple of days

Yet again...Cool Product Randy.... Keep em coming!!  :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:

As always you're offering more than anything else on the maket. I'm just about to start work on "Supergun" based cabinet for MVS and JAMMA boards... I can see these getting used  ;D

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on February 18, 2007, 07:40:26 pm
Man Randy, you keep coming up with new stuff all the time.  Is this all you do all day, work on new toys for us big boys?  :dizzy: 

Yes.  ;D


RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Kremmit on February 18, 2007, 09:37:35 pm
If I wanted to run these without an LED-Wiz, what voltage would I need to feed 'em, and what's the approximate current draw?
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Kaytrim on February 18, 2007, 10:11:47 pm
Man Randy, you keep coming up with new stuff all the time.  Is this all you do all day, work on new toys for us big boys?  :dizzy: 

Yes.  ;D


RandyT

No wonder you are my favorite vendor.  ;D
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Kaytrim on February 18, 2007, 10:12:56 pm
If I wanted to run these without an LED-Wiz, what voltage would I need to feed 'em, and what's the approximate current draw?

I am going to guess that 5v will be the necessary voltage because they work with Randy's LED-Wiz boards.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on February 18, 2007, 11:09:47 pm
If I wanted to run these without an LED-Wiz, what voltage would I need to feed 'em, and what's the approximate current draw?
I am going to guess that 5v will be the necessary voltage because they work with Randy's LED-Wiz boards.

That's correct.  The resistors were selected for 5v operation.  The current draw is 100ma, so don't try to use them with anything that is designed only to run a single LED.  If one wanted them only to be illuminated and not have dynamic control, they could be directly attached to the 5v line of the PC power supply.

On a related note, to be safe, I would recommend using a maximum of 4 per output of the LED-Wiz, if one wished to share outputs.  This probably won't be necessary for these, however, as they are monochromatic and need only 1 output per button.  This means that 32 of them could be driven from a single LED-Wiz.

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: bfauska on February 18, 2007, 11:32:59 pm
Hey Randy,

I wonder if now is a good time to ask if you've ever thought about doing a dark neutral grey tranlucent button?  I like the idea of using illuminated buttons with an LedWiz to indicate which buttons a specific game uses and then indicate different things by different colors.  The problem I see as things stand now is that the only way to have a button change color is to use either a clear button or the Ice buttons.  I don't really mind the clear but I think something that naturally difuses would be better.  I don't like the idea of the un-lit buttons being white.  If the buttons were more like the tinted glass color used for some of the screen covers then it would look black when it was un-lit and it wouldn't effect the color that you put behind it when it was lit.  I have seen several folks with the buttons for lighting and nobody seems to have something like this.  I think it would be a great idea, and therefor you are the person I figure could make it happen and release it.  If it were designed to either work with or come with your RGB drive it would be even better.

Either way this new button line looks like some good stuff, keep up the good work.  I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first order from you, and hope that I will need to make many more (chances are good with the great products you seem to have.)

Later,
Brian
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: JMB on February 18, 2007, 11:53:11 pm
No more new products until you finish the 49-ways.  :angry:

Yet another fine addition to your product line.  Now get back to work!
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: csa3d on February 18, 2007, 11:55:11 pm
Will there be colors other then red or blue available?
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: pointdablame on February 19, 2007, 01:37:44 am
Will there be colors other then red or blue available?

I'm not trying to speak for Randy, but my guess is he will have all the translucent colored buttons that Happ carries.

he mentions that he didn't want to be a "me too" vendor of the buttons, and has added this lighted option, so I'm willing to bet he'll carry all the ones that Happ has available.  I believe they have red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and clear
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: fjl on February 19, 2007, 02:29:18 am
Hurry, I need to buy buttons soon!
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Bobbler on February 19, 2007, 03:55:58 am
Bah!

Now you just made my choice for some bling for my cabinet even more difficult to choose! :D

Will wait and see what colours etc you put out for these as I was going to go with some ICE buttons (and the obligitory LED Wiz) later this week after pay day.

Nice one Randy, you sure keep these products coming (and my wallet empty)
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: headkaze on February 19, 2007, 05:34:09 am
I still thing the RGB Drives and Electric Ice buttons out bling these, but these a definately cool. I think I would like two red ones for my admin buttons.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Kaytrim on February 19, 2007, 09:43:19 am
No more new products until you finish the 49-ways.  :angry:

Yet another fine addition to your product line.  Now get back to work!

The sticks are finished, He is still working on the new interface (GPWiz49 V2).  I am anxiously waiting for these new boards too.  He keeps thinking of new features to add to them.  Then he has to work on the communications system for the software.  Finally test the bagebies out of them before the release.  He'll get them done soon.

Also keep in mind that he is a one man operation that has to deal with customer service issues.  He had a spot last week where he needed to fix a bug found in one of his production boards.  Randy's customer service is one of the best in any business.  I think that this is because he likes this hobby has much as we do.

Randy, I have a suggestion for these new buttons.  How about sticking a RBG LED in a clear version.  I like the ICE buttons for this but it would be interesting to see a comparison.  Grab a piece of wood, mount all the colors and an ICE button next to each one set on a similar color.  This way we can see which one we like better to purchase.

TTFN  :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Kaytrim on February 19, 2007, 09:50:30 am
If I wanted to run these without an LED-Wiz, what voltage would I need to feed 'em, and what's the approximate current draw?
I am going to guess that 5v will be the necessary voltage because they work with Randy's LED-Wiz boards.

That's correct.  The resistors were selected for 5v operation.  The current draw is 100ma, so don't try to use them with anything that is designed only to run a single LED.  If one wanted them only to be illuminated and not have dynamic control, they could be directly attached to the 5v line of the PC power supply.

On a related note, to be safe, I would recommend using a maximum of 4 per output of the LED-Wiz, if one wished to share outputs.  This probably won't be necessary for these, however, as they are monochromatic and need only 1 output per button.  This means that 32 of them could be driven from a single LED-Wiz.

RandyT

EDIT: Just re-read your second paragraph, question answered.  :dizzy:

TTFN  :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on February 19, 2007, 11:25:00 am
No more new products until you finish the 49-ways.  :angry:

Yet another fine addition to your product line.  Now get back to work!

The sticks are finished, He is still working on the new interface (GPWiz49 V2).  I am anxiously waiting for these new boards too.  He keeps thinking of new features to add to them.  Then he has to work on the communications system for the software.  Finally test the bagebies out of them before the release.  He'll get them done soon.

Also keep in mind that he is a one man operation that has to deal with customer service issues.  He had a spot last week where he needed to fix a bug found in one of his production boards.  Randy's customer service is one of the best in any business.  I think that this is because he likes this hobby has much as we do.

Thanks Kaytrim.  Actually there are two of us.  Without Lisa pitching in, I'd never have time to develop new things.   Also, the bug was with a seldom required feature of the new KeyWiz uploader software, not a board level hardware bug.  I have nightmares about those, and fortunately my board designs have always been 100% :)  In any case, the software issue has been taken care of, so I'm mostly back on track.

I am making progress on the interface.  There are so many settings for them, I decided to make a developer's OCX right out of the gate.  Then my own control software can use it, and anyone who might want to add support from their applications will be able to as well.  The firmware is, I believe, finally complete.

Quote
Randy, I have a suggestion for these new buttons.  How about sticking a RBG LED in a clear version.  I like the ICE buttons for this but it would be interesting to see a comparison.  Grab a piece of wood, mount all the colors and an ICE button next to each one set on a similar color.  This way we can see which one we like better to purchase.

I can do something like this down the road a bit, but I can tell you the results as I conducted these tests before I developed the EI buttons.  The results in a clear button are very poor as an RGB LED requires diffusion in order to mix the three colors.  Each distinct color is visible, and the only time you get any hint of the color you were trying for is when the reflections from the internal surfaces cause the beams to scatter and they accidentally cross the paths of each other.  Unfortunately, this doesn't happen nearly enough, so the mix is almost always incomplete.

On the question of NovaGem color availability:  I need to do a couple more tests to insure compatibility of the lights to the other colors.  One of the difficulties with these buttons is that they act like filters.  If you put a blue LED in a red button, you don't get purple, you get nothing.  This is because the red button allows only the red wavelengths to pass through.  LED's are quite monochromatic, so it's pretty easy to block them.  So far, the Red and Blue are good, so those are certain.   The rest are untested, but I have high hopes ;)

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Kaytrim on February 19, 2007, 11:29:12 am
I am making progress on the interface.  There are so many settings for them, I decided to make a developer's OCX right out of the gate.  Then my own control software can use it, and anyone who might want to add support from their applications will be able to as well.  The firmware is, I believe, finally complete.

That will sure make it easy to created plugins for the various Front End packages.  Good call Randy.  :cheers:
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on February 19, 2007, 12:42:21 pm
I don't like the idea of the un-lit buttons being white.  If the buttons were more like the tinted glass color used for some of the screen covers then it would look black when it was un-lit and it wouldn't effect the color that you put behind it when it was lit.

Just so people understand, I am talking about the EI buttons, not the NovaGems here.  I actually entertained this concept when working out the details of the EI buttons.  The problem is that I didn't think it would work the way I wanted it to, and the way it would partially work, would probably result in some unattractive buttons when they are unlit.

The material needs to diffuse, so the "screen cover" type material is non-starter.  What would need to be done, would be to create a shade of actual gray that would still be translucent enough to allow light to pass.  The big problem is that the less light it reflects (through the addition of black, which absorbs) the less light it will subsequently transmit.  The net result, I'm afraid, would be an unattractive middle-gray button that did little more than make it more difficult for the LED to illuminate it, especially in the presence of ambient room lighting.  If one had a very powerful RGB light source, it might be able to overpower the reduction caused by the darker material, but at the moment, these don't exist.  I'm always looking for ways to improve things, so if I see something that looks promising, I'll consider it.

BTW, most people who were initially concerned about the look of the white (pearlized) buttons usually end up having it grow on them once they are installed.  :)

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: loadman on February 19, 2007, 04:01:58 pm
If I wanted to run these without an LED-Wiz, what voltage would I need to feed 'em, and what's the approximate current draw?
I am going to guess that 5v will be the necessary voltage because they work with Randy's LED-Wiz boards.

That's correct.  The resistors were selected for 5v operation.  The current draw is 100ma, so don't try to use them with anything that is designed only to run a single LED.  If one wanted them only to be illuminated and not have dynamic control, they could be directly attached to the 5v line of the PC power supply.

On a related note, to be safe, I would recommend using a maximum of 4 per output of the LED-Wiz, if one wished to share outputs.  This probably won't be necessary for these, however, as they are monochromatic and need only 1 output per button.  This means that 32 of them could be driven from a single LED-Wiz.

RandyT

FYI  If you want to use these with MaLa Hardware / Iowarrior 40 there is no problem
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on February 19, 2007, 05:31:08 pm
FYI  If you want to use these with MaLa Hardware  / Iowarrior 40 there is no problem

Careful there.  You have to qualify that statement.  If you have a pre-assembled board or a board with all those resistors in place already, you will need to modify it before these will work.  The current draw will probably cause the existing resistors on the MaLa board to get very hot and possibly start smoldering.   :o

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: loadman on February 20, 2007, 05:42:22 am
FYI  If you want to use these with MaLa Hardware  / Iowarrior 40 there is no problem

Careful there.  You have to qualify that statement.  If you have a pre-assembled board or a board with all those resistors in place already, you will need to modify it before these will work.  The current draw will probably cause the existing resistors on the MaLa board to get very hot and possibly start smoldering.   :o

RandyT

Indeed you are correct.   ;)

You need to have the apporiate resistor for the Leds you are using.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: headkaze on February 20, 2007, 05:45:27 am
No offence loadman, but it's probably a bit disrespectful to make a post about another commercial product in Randy's thread.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on February 20, 2007, 10:23:15 am

On color availability:

I just checked out the troublesome translucent green.  The plunger is nice and bright, but even with all that extra internal brightness, the bezel barely glows.  They will still be offered, because even though they aren't as impressive as the blue or the red, they are still many times better than the results I have seen from them in the past.

Yellow will probably be no problem, but I need to order some more parts (someone please let me how important the yellow buttons are to them.)  The orange I am not so sure of.  Again, the light needs to match the "filter" color and getting the right wavelength might not be possible.  Will update that one as I learn more.

So out of the gate, Red, Blue, and Green.  Additionally, Clear will be offered with a choice of Red, Blue or Green light sources.  White and Yellow light sources are in the future, so you can add those to the list as well.

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: loadman on February 20, 2007, 04:00:18 pm
No offence loadman, but it's probably a bit disrespectful to make a post about another commercial product in Randy's thread.

no no..  You missunderstand. :o

I was thinking of people who have already bought a led-wiz mod chip/ mala hardware.

Letting them know that if they wanted BUY THIS NEW PRODUCT FROM RANDYT it would work with it..

I will go away now
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on February 25, 2007, 11:18:30 am

Just a quick note to say that these are now live at the store for those who are interested.

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: WLVRYN on February 25, 2007, 02:27:35 pm
Randy-

What are the benefits of one of these over the Electric Ice buttons with an RGB drive?  Seems like the EI buttons would be better given the ability to run multiple colors (though they would take up more inputs in the LEDWhiz).
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: headkaze on February 25, 2007, 02:46:47 pm
Randy-

What are the benefits of one of these over the Electric Ice buttons with an RGB drive?  Seems like the EI buttons would be better given the ability to run multiple colors (though they would take up more inputs in the LEDWhiz).

I don't think you would run an RGB drive through the NovaGem's. They are made for single LED's in mind. You would need all three outputs to make white and then the colour's wouldn't mix properly through the clear plastic. I wonder if Randy makes single colour LED drives that are as simple to install as the RGB drives?
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: fjl on February 25, 2007, 03:29:52 pm
Hey RandyT, I left you a PM days ago but apparently you're not answering it so I'll ask here instead.

I'm planning on getting the Electric Ice buttons from GGG with the LED RGB drives. But I'm also interested in the leaf switches from Ponyboy since I don't want the clicky sound of the microswitches. I'm just wondering if its possible to add the leaf switches if the buttons will have the RGB LED drive in them. Will they still fit? Well actually I don't even know if the leaf switches will work even without the RGB drive. Are the Electric Ice buttons set so only microswitches fit? Please clarify...
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Kremmit on February 25, 2007, 03:46:52 pm
Hey RandyT, I left you a PM days ago but apparently you're not answering it so I'll ask here instead.

I'm planning on getting the Electric Ice buttons from GGG with the LED RGB drives. But I'm also interested in the leaf switches from Ponyboy since I don't want the clicky sound of the microswitches. I'm just wondering if its possible to add the leaf switches if the buttons will have the RGB LED drive in them. Will they still fit? Well actually I don't even know if the leaf switches will work even without the RGB drive. Are the Electric Ice buttons set so only microswitches fit? Please clarify...

From the pictures, there's nothing extra on the bottom of the buttons, so I don't see why the leafswitch adapters wont' fit.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: fjl on February 25, 2007, 04:03:41 pm
Well before I buy either one, I'd like an assurance  ???
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: WLVRYN on February 25, 2007, 04:06:00 pm
Randy-

What are the benefits of one of these over the Electric Ice buttons with an RGB drive?  Seems like the EI buttons would be better given the ability to run multiple colors (though they would take up more inputs in the LEDWhiz).

I don't think you would run an RGB drive through the NovaGem's. They are made for single LED's in mind. You would need all three outputs to make white and then the colour's wouldn't mix properly through the clear plastic. I wonder if Randy makes single colour LED drives that are as simple to install as the RGB drives?

I realize that the RGB drives arent made for the NovaGem's.  I'm wondering why the NovaGems with only one color are better than the EI buttons with the possibility of many colors.  They are priced that way, which would lead me to believe that Randy thinks they're better.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on February 25, 2007, 04:26:28 pm
What are the benefits of one of these over the Electric Ice buttons with an RGB drive?  Seems like the EI buttons would be better given the ability to run multiple colors (though they would take up more inputs in the LEDWhiz).

The benefits of the NovaGems are that some who want lit buttons, don't want to purchase multiple LED-Wiz units and / or like the unlit look of the translucents better than the shimmering white of the EI buttons.

IOW, neither are necessarily better, rather it comes down to what a user wants to do and what it costs me to make it happen ;)

Hey RandyT, I left you a PM days ago but apparently you're not answering it so I'll ask here instead.

Sorry, been taking a little heat on not getting the new joystick / interfaces finished, and RealLife™ has been pounding me lately.  Trying to do a lot of things at once.

Quote
I'm planning on getting the Electric Ice buttons from GGG with the LED RGB drives. But I'm also interested in the leaf switches from Ponyboy since I don't want the clicky sound of the microswitches. I'm just wondering if its possible to add the leaf switches if the buttons will have the RGB LED drive in them. Will they still fit? Well actually I don't even know if the leaf switches will work even without the RGB drive. Are the Electric Ice buttons set so only microswitches fit? Please clarify...

If you do a search on here, someone (Santoro maybe?) did a little writeup of what needs to be done to accommodate the RGB-Drive boards.  A piece of plastic needed to be whittled off of the switch adapter, but it was reported that it worked.  I cannot verify as I don't have any of these adapters.

I realize that the RGB drives arent made for the NovaGem's.  I'm wondering why the NovaGems with only one color are better than the EI buttons with the possibility of many colors.  They are priced that way, which would lead me to believe that Randy thinks they're better.

Again, not better or worse.  Just different.  As for pricing, you probably aren't taking the options into consideration fully.  The full-blown EI buttons are still more expensive than the NovaGems.

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: WLVRYN on February 25, 2007, 04:50:27 pm
Thanks for replying Randy.  You're right, I was looking at the pricing wrong.  I saw the RGB drive+EI button as +$5.20, but forgot to add on the original price of the RGB drive of $1.29, making it more than the NovaGems. 

I'm probably leaning towards the NovaGems so that I only need 1 LEDwhiz (I have 12 buttons to light up, which would require 2 LEDwhizs with the EI buttons).

Any chance you can post pictures of the different buttons (solid colors vs clear) lit and unlit?  I'm interested in the green ones and blue ones, but if the blue totally overpowers the green, then I may have to go with the red.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: fjl on February 25, 2007, 05:12:42 pm
Thanks for the reply RandyT. I assume you mean that by whittling off a piece of the plastic, you are talking about removing it from the leaf switch, correct?

Another question I asked you on the PM was if you have P1 and P2 Electric Ice buttons. If not, what should I do to add the little P1 and P2 men on top of the button? Also what should I do if I want to add my own text to an EI button like PAUSE and CREDIT?
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: JONTHEBOMB on February 25, 2007, 05:42:58 pm
If you do a search on here, someone (Santoro maybe?) did a little writeup of what needs to be done to accommodate the RGB-Drive boards.  A piece of plastic needed to be whittled off of the switch adapter, but it was reported that it worked.  I cannot verify as I don't have any of these adapters.

Santoro's method worked slick for me.  Below is the thread.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=51918.msg508585#msg508585 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=51918.msg508585#msg508585)
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: fjl on February 25, 2007, 05:50:59 pm
Thanks for that link but thats a write up for some standard button that doesn't even use the LED RGB drive since you have to drill a hole into the button itself. I'm concerned about the Electric Ice button which I assume is built differently from a standard button since its pre manufactured to accomodate the RGB drive. I already read somewhere that the Electric Ice buttons are longer than the standard buttons.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: headkaze on February 25, 2007, 06:23:08 pm
Thanks for that link but thats a write up for some standard button that doesn't even use the LED RGB drive since you have to drill a hole into the button itself. I'm concerned about the Electric Ice button which I assume is built differently from a standard button since its pre manufactured to accomodate the RGB drive. I already read somewhere that the Electric Ice buttons are longer than the standard buttons.

They are a little taller, but apart from the hole in them they are the same as regular buttons.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: JONTHEBOMB on February 25, 2007, 06:37:06 pm
Thanks for that link but thats a write up for some standard button that doesn't even use the LED RGB drive since you have to drill a hole into the button itself. I'm concerned about the Electric Ice button which I assume is built differently from a standard button since its pre manufactured to accomodate the RGB drive. I already read somewhere that the Electric Ice buttons are longer than the standard buttons.

I have both Happ buttons and Electric Ice buttons.  By using Santoro's method I was able to modify the leaf switches to fit in either button with an RGB-Drive board.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: fjl on February 25, 2007, 06:46:10 pm
Finally, thats what I wanted to hear. Not stories of having one and not the other.

Was it difficult to do and did you by any chance mess any of them up? RandyT mentioned that the use of Super glue might be neccessary to hold the switch in place. Did you have to go that route?
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: JONTHEBOMB on February 25, 2007, 08:20:38 pm
Modifying the leaf switches was fairly easy.  I highly recommend using a dremel tool instead of a utility knife.  Using a utility knife makes the process longer and harder in my opinion.  The dremel bits I used were a large thin disk like bit and a sanding drum bit.  Also, use safety glasses or you will have little plastic pieces in your eyes.  Looking back at Santoro's thread I think I took more off the leaf switch then he did.  Even with modifying the leaf switch they still fit snug on the button so glue is not needed.

Edit: Forgot to mention I didn't mess up any of the leaf switches, but I did order a few extra to be safe.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: rockin_rick on February 25, 2007, 10:08:19 pm
Another question I asked you on the PM was if you have P1 and P2 Electric Ice buttons. If not, what should I do to add the little P1 and P2 men on top of the button? Also what should I do if I want to add my own text to an EI button like PAUSE and CREDIT?

Maybe this thread could lead you to your answer....

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=49291.0 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=49291.0)

Rick
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: SodaPopinksi on February 26, 2007, 12:28:39 pm
Any eta - or is there enough demand for orange Novagems? I would very much like 6 of them, but not sure if that's a popular enough color.  :dunno
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on February 26, 2007, 12:53:16 pm
Any eta - or is there enough demand for orange Novagems? I would very much like 6 of them, but not sure if that's a popular enough color.  :dunno

Ok, there's one vote for them.  I'll need to place another order for the parts for these soon, and when I do, I will try to get something that works for the orange.  I don't know if it will, but I am hopeful.

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Jeff AMN on February 26, 2007, 12:56:53 pm
Once I finish the cab I'm building now, my boss is having me build him one and another for the office. He's paying for my cab since it's kind of the guinea pig, but I'll probably go with these buttons on the 2nd and 3rd cab.

I'd be interested in orange as well. Orange is the company's official color that I work for.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: SodaPopinksi on February 26, 2007, 02:08:52 pm
Woohoo! another vote for orange  :cheers: From what I've read on the boards, orange translucent buttons seem to glow very bright, with either an orange or white led, the examples I found were the smaller leafswitch buttons though.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: SodaPopinksi on March 01, 2007, 12:37:30 am
Another thing that I think could be unique, is if you managed to illuminate a clear button purple, I was looking at some examples in this older thread of clear buttons with leds (not sure if these are the same type of clear buttons) http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=37034.360
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: pointdablame on March 01, 2007, 11:32:38 am
Another thing that I think could be unique, is if you managed to illuminate a clear button purple, I was looking at some examples in this older thread of clear buttons with leds (not sure if these are the same type of clear buttons) http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=37034.360

you should be able to do purple with the Electric Ice buttons and an RGB drive.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: edge on March 01, 2007, 11:42:48 am
Another thing that I think could be unique, is if you managed to illuminate a clear button purple, I was looking at some examples in this older thread of clear buttons with leds (not sure if these are the same type of clear buttons) http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=37034.360

you should be able to do purple with the Electric Ice buttons and an RGB drive.

Purple is definitely possible with the Electric Ice buttons and an RGB LED. 

Take a look at a video of my cabinet in action (here (http://www.mailboxhead.com/edge/Edge_MalaAndLights.avi)).  When a game is launched, you can see how the buttons flash in purple (basically at full red, blue, green).  Just to give you an idea...

Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Jeff AMN on March 01, 2007, 12:15:30 pm
A cab with a purple and orange color scheme would probably look awesome.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: MameMaster! on March 01, 2007, 04:40:39 pm
POSTED on retroblast.com

Congrats on what is sure to be another best seller!
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: SodaPopinksi on March 02, 2007, 12:02:53 am
A cab with a purple and orange color scheme would probably look awesome.

I'm actually gonna try that scheme on my next project, a Metroid inspired bar-top, got the orange t-molding and such, will have a background thats rather purple, was thinking of an Electric Ice trackball, orange Novagems, but a mixture of orange/purple buttons might look pretty nice too  :) 

edge - That looks excellent, I'm torn at which way to go with the Nova's or EI, I like the fact that the EI's can switch colors, but I like the look of the colored translucents switched on or off too  :dunno
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: mtalkington on March 09, 2007, 06:18:14 pm
Randy, please help an electronically-challenged dude through this. Right now, I use an ultimarc for my pushbuttons. But I really would like to use these LED buttons you're offering.

In order to do that, would I have to buy the LED-WIZ? If not, what all would I need? I would just take out my existing buttons (duh), and then install yours...and I could use my existing microswitches and Ultimarc? Would I run the power 5V power for the button from my computer power supply? And if so, how many Novagem pushbuttons could that same power supply handle?

If you would, go slowly in your response. Act like you're talking to a small child. :)

Thanks in advance for your patience with my questions!

EDIT**** I should add that I'm not looking for things like audio-controlled lights or flashing or anything...I just want them to light up.



Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on March 21, 2007, 01:58:49 am
Just wanted to bump this and let folks know that the new parts I got in for lighting the Yellow and Orange translucents are doing the job much better than expected.

So officially, you can add the Yellow, Orange and "Clear / White" to the list of options.  Will add them to the store right away.

Unfortunately, there are no purple translucents, so no way to offer that color currently, other than to use the Electric ICE buttons.

I should add that I'm not looking for things like audio-controlled lights or flashing or anything...I just want them to light up.

I think I already responded in email, but no, if you are just looking to have them light up, you don't need an LED-Wiz.  Just a connection to 5v power from your PC supply.


RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Racer_X on March 21, 2007, 12:40:23 pm
Randy:

I know you posted a video clip with the red/blue novagems - can you post (either here or on your site) videos with each type?  I'm trying to figure out what would look better for my CP: clear/blue and clear/red or blue and red.  A 15 second video of each one pulsing under the same light conditions would be very helpful.  And of course, if I'm asking about blues and reds, I'm guessing other folks out there would be as interested in the greens/yellow/oranges/magentas/burnt siennas/puces/metallic mint greens....   :o

Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Kremmit on March 21, 2007, 10:19:30 pm
Unfortunately, there are no purple translucents, so no way to offer that color currently, other than to use the Electric ICE buttons.

Red & Blue LEDs in a Clear button?

I wonder what purple vinyl dye would do to a clear button..
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: SodaPopinksi on March 22, 2007, 01:30:03 am
Good to hear about the oranges :) I'll be ordering some very soon.

In my post above w/ a link there's a clear button pictured in that thread with purple leds, doesn't look too bad.
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Kaytrim on March 22, 2007, 09:49:15 am
Another thing that I think could be unique, is if you managed to illuminate a clear button purple, I was looking at some examples in this older thread of clear buttons with leds (not sure if these are the same type of clear buttons) http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=37034.360

Good to hear about the oranges :) I'll be ordering some very soon.

In my post above w/ a link there's a clear button pictured in that thread with purple leds, doesn't look too bad.

wintermute hasn't posted anything since Dec 2005.  Otherwise I'd suggest trying to get a hold of him to find out where he got his LEDs from. 

It is possible that Randy doesn't have purple as an option from his LED supplier or they are not powerful enough to match the others.  I found several LED suppliers using Google that have the purple that you are looking for but I don't know if they would work the same as Randy's Button Blaster LEDs.  Most of the purple LEDs I found had a luminosity (power) of 150 - 500 mcd (micro candle display).  I don't know the luminosity of the LEDs that Randy carries so I cannot compare them.

TTFN  :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: RandyT on March 22, 2007, 10:12:16 am
It is possible that Randy doesn't have purple as an option from his LED supplier or they are not powerful enough to match the others.

That is precisely the issue.  If they don't use the same type of lighting units, then I can't call them "NovaGems."  Unfortunately, the palette of colors for these types is profoundly more limited than what is available in normal LED's.  It was very fortunate that the yellow and orange were successful with what I had to work with.

I like Kremmit's idea of giving some clear ones a dye bath and see what happens.  I think I have some purple dye around here somewhere, so I'll give it a shot.   OTOH, it might be hard to illuminate them without a proper purple light source, so that would be a factor as well.

Quote
I found several LED suppliers using Google that have the purple that you are looking for but I don't know if they would work the same as Randy's Button Blaster LEDs.  Most of the purple LEDs I found had a luminosity (power) of 150 - 500 mcd (micro candle display).  I don't know the luminosity of the LEDs that Randy carries so I cannot compare them.

The ButtonBlaster LED's are in the thousands of mcd, and have an appropriately wider view angle for lighting buttons.  But don't confuse the ButtonBlaster LED's with the light source in the NovaGems.  Light output in the NovaGem modules is roughly 5x that of the ButtonBlaster LED's. 

RandyT
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Kaytrim on March 22, 2007, 10:19:09 am

The ButtonBlaster LED's are in the thousands of mcd, and have an appropriately wider view angle for lighting buttons.  But don't confuse the ButtonBlaster LED's with the light source in the NovaGems.  Light output in the NovaGem modules is roughly 5x that of the ButtonBlaster LED's. 

RandyT

 :dizzy: And I thought that the Button Blasters were bright  :dizzy:  It would be interesting to see the NovaGem modules inside a standard button just to see how well they light up.  I like bling but I am cheep.  That is why I am using your button blasters on standard buttons in my cab.  I'll post pics when I get to that point.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: New Product: NovaGem Illuminated Pushbuttons. - GroovyGameGear
Post by: Stobe on March 28, 2007, 03:18:34 pm
Randy,

Any plans of releasing a version of the novagem line using EI buttons with different single colored LEDs installed?  I like the new idea of having the leads/resistor already hooked up (which BTW, I don't think I've seen a picture of yet).

I used the EI buttons with the press-fit LEDs on my last project, and soldered wires to each LED lead individually.  I'm still not sure how I connected them all up without breaking a single LED lead!?!?

-Stobe