Pushbutton Switches

deathbybear

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Hi everyone!

I"m currently working on a weird interactive stereo cabinet project. It certainly doesn't qualify as a "video game" though maybe an "arcade game" in the old timey mechanical sense of the word, but I do want it to have a game-like feel.

Inside the cabinet will be five mounted lights - i'm trying to run the entire box off of 12V, so I'm actually making auto bulbs with custom reflectors.

My hope is to use arcade-style pushbuttons as simple On/Off switches for these lights.

I found these push buttons, which seem absolutely perfect: http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/293-yellow-chrome-led-convex-arcade-pushbutton.html

I am not concerned with the illumination of the actual button - I'm fine with that LED being lit all the time. I'm also not concerned with the buttons themselves being momentary - I don't need them to latch and release or anything like that.

However, because I am a complete electronics novice, my concern is the functionality of the switches. I want each button to function as PUSH ON/PUSH OFF - push once and the attached light comes on, push again it goes off.

It's not clear to me if it's possible to use these buttons in this way. My concern is these they will only function as PRESS ON/RELEASE OFF buttons.

Is there a way to use these buttons as simple On/Off switches by using a different microswitch, or wiring them in a specific way?

I appreciate any help you can give me!

Below is a little more info about my project in case you're interested!

Thanks,

Jason

---

I've attached an image so you can see what the box looks like in it's current state. The outside dimensions are 17.5" wide x 23" tall.

In the bottom will be a speaker cabinet. (I ran out of room, so unfortunately I have to mount the 4th speaker of the stereo set inside the box rather than against the front. Not ideal, but on the bright side, i'm digging the look of the 3 speaker configuration.

In the open space I'm creating a "scene" of sorts, or a diorama, with some wooden figures I"m making and the aforementioned lights.

The wood piece that sits on angle is the future location of the box's "console" which will contain:

- iPod dock
- Power/Volume control knob - I'm using a Dayton Audio digital t-chip amp
- Speed Control - this will control a motor that is rotating a circular piece of wood in the back of the cabinet.
- 5 Pushbutton Switches - controlling 5 lights

Okay, I'm pretty jazzed about it and just thought I'd share! Thanks!
 

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You will need a latching microswitch in order to convert the paradise arcade switch to a push on push off type of switch.
Not sure where you can find a latching microswtich that will fit a arcade button.

But there are 12 volt latching relays that will work.
Apply 12 volts through the arcade button to the 12 volt latching relay and it should turn on..
Apply 12 volts though the arcade button to the 12 volt latching relay again and it should turn off.
 
Hey, thanks for the response! The relays are a great idea.

I also found some similar illuminated pushbutton switches that aren't quite as nice, and are a little on the pricey side, but seem like they might get the job done - http://tinyurl.com/4yet2uu

Either way I'm going to be learning a lot more than I currently know about switches and wiring, etc.

Thanks again!
 
Hi everyone!

I"m currently working on a weird interactive stereo cabinet project. It certainly doesn't qualify as a "video game" though maybe an "arcade game" in the old timey mechanical sense of the word, but I do want it to have a game-like feel.

Inside the cabinet will be five mounted lights - i'm trying to run the entire box off of 12V, so I'm actually making auto bulbs with custom reflectors.

My hope is to use arcade-style pushbuttons as simple On/Off switches for these lights.

I found these push buttons, which seem absolutely perfect: http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/293-yellow-chrome-led-convex-arcade-pushbutton.html

I am not concerned with the illumination of the actual button - I'm fine with that LED being lit all the time. I'm also not concerned with the buttons themselves being momentary - I don't need them to latch and release or anything like that.

However, because I am a complete electronics novice, my concern is the functionality of the switches. I want each button to function as PUSH ON/PUSH OFF - push once and the attached light comes on, push again it goes off.

It's not clear to me if it's possible to use these buttons in this way. My concern is these they will only function as PRESS ON/RELEASE OFF buttons.

Is there a way to use these buttons as simple On/Off switches by using a different microswitch, or wiring them in a specific way?

I appreciate any help you can give me!

Below is a little more info about my project in case you're interested!

Thanks,

Jason

---

I've attached an image so you can see what the box looks like in it's current state. The outside dimensions are 17.5" wide x 23" tall.

In the bottom will be a speaker cabinet. (I ran out of room, so unfortunately I have to mount the 4th speaker of the stereo set inside the box rather than against the front. Not ideal, but on the bright side, i'm digging the look of the 3 speaker configuration.

In the open space I'm creating a "scene" of sorts, or a diorama, with some wooden figures I"m making and the aforementioned lights.

The wood piece that sits on angle is the future location of the box's "console" which will contain:

- iPod dock
- Power/Volume control knob - I'm using a Dayton Audio digital t-chip amp
- Speed Control - this will control a motor that is rotating a circular piece of wood in the back of the cabinet.
- 5 Pushbutton Switches - controlling 5 lights

Okay, I'm pretty jazzed about it and just thought I'd share! Thanks!


Did you ever figure it out? I'm trying to do the same thing. I'm trying to hook up my dreamcast power button to a arcade button to switch it on. I've found this, but have no idea how I would wire it up.

https://www.pololu.com/product/2808
 
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