Arcade button Led Mod Tutorial

I learned how to do led mods from modding arcade sticks I have a diy midi controller project that I'm currently working on the will be using some of the parts listed here.

I just wanted to help you guys out a bit with the easiest ways I have found to do the arcade button led mods and I will be trying this with a midi fighter some time soon.

Shout out to Bcondemi who did the first midi fighter led button mod and that got me researching to get this info and share it with you guys


Parts

The best buttons to do leds mods with are seimitsu buttons, rollieelectronic buttons and HAPP IL translucent buttons
http://www.rollieelectronics.com/ind...id=2&Itemid=13
http://www.lizardlick.com/Seimitsu-3...ons_c_188.html
http://www.lizardlick.com/Seimitsu-2...ons_c_192.html
http://www.lizardlick.com/IL-Translu...ons_c_230.html

You can also get pre modded lights here http://wp1114205.wp150.webpack.hoste...fied/index.php But I don't recommend it if your in the USA unless you have lots of cash for shipping

I would like to make special mention of electric ice buttons sold by groovygamegear.com but they are almost always on back order or sold out.
Also rollie pearl push buttons glow when led modded the white is awesome and you can view it here on this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU-LttH3mY4

If you are wondering why the leds on his fight stick are moving its due to a FGWidget which is a led controller for arcade sticks more on this later. But those pearl buttons are cool.

How to mod each type of button.

I will start with the Il translucent button first they are the easiest of the bunch to mod.

First remove the microswitch
Then push the two tabs in the center of the button together and the plunger will fall out
Drill a 3mm or 5mm hole in the center of the where the microswitch will go
Place the led in the hole and use a small amount of hot glue to secure it (you
can skip this if you want the microswitch will hold it in place as well)
The next way to this is with a small rgb pad and you can get it from paradisearcadeshop.com and place it at the base of the button over the hole you drilled
Bend the wires of the led away from the button and then wire it up

If you use the rgb pad you have to do your wiring before installing in the button. (always wiring your leds up first will save you time )



Thats it your done for photos of this mod here is a link showing you how its done http://www.instructables.com/id/Hack...tton/?ALLSTEPS



Here is a video that will show you how to do this mod
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7zdG...eature=related

Next the seimitsu buttons or rollies ( the two ways)

Seimitsu 24mm using 3mm leds

5mm leds will require some modding and only one can be used two can be used in 30mm buttons

First remove the plunger of the button by pressing the side clip in and up
Next remove the microswitch by pressing the tabs in with a small flat head screw driver on the side and pushing the microswitch up ( you can skip this is you have great drilling skills)
Next on the plunger housing(not the plunger ) drill small holes at the base using a .95mm or 1.0 mm bit.
Next take the led and wire it up and insert it into the holes
Replace the microswitch
Then the plunger ( if it contacts the led use a file or dremmel (for experienced users only) and remove a tiny amount of the plunger side do not hit the tabs to lock the plunger in
Replace the plunger and admire your work


In the attached photos you can see where to drill the holes and also how the led will fit inside the button ( the green in the photo is how much of the plunger can be removed be careful not to hit the tabs that hold the plunger in place)

Also note you can drill holes into the microswitch but I have never done this you can view photos of this here
http://bencao74.blogspot.com/2008/10...-on-press.html

30mm seimitsu or rollie 30mm
Uila S pads(rgb leds) or KnInserts pads are needed

Take apart the button as mentions above
Drill the holes exactly like above
Take the pads and wire them up then place them over the microswitch
(Note Uila pads need some filing on the tips sometimes to fit the button)
Reassemble the buttons and your done

Peep the videos for more assistance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdelJayRN34


Somethings to note

In my opinion it is better to use 30mm seimitsus or rollie buttons for led mods you will have the advantages of increased space, better mounting options and greater led selection.

Happ buttons are cool and good if you are on a budget but will not give you the feel of the Japanese arcade buttons or the rollie buttons. They also do not last as long and will not take massive amounts of abuse.

RGB Leds pads require a 5v power source. Uila Flash S pads are only support by Sparky Jr Led controller (will not work with diy midi controllers yet)

You can find Uila pads and more arcade buttons here
http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/en/
http://www.focusattack.com/categories/Joystick-Parts/

If you want more info you can PM me I will be glad to help

Oh yea and research people because the arcade community has done the foot work for you.

You can meet such persons here
http://community .arcadecontrols.com/

Hope this helps anyone looking to build something new into a old project or a new one