NeoPixel Arcade Buttons - Adafruit Industries · LED Arcade Buttons The 30mm arcade buttons in the Adafruit shop are excellent for retrogame projects. They're also quite aesthetically

NeoPixel Arcade ButtonsCreated by Ruiz Brothers

Last updated on 2018-08-22 03:48:10 PM UTC

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Guide Contents

Guide ContentsOverview

LED Arcade ButtonsPrerequisite GuidesParts, Tool & Supplies

3D Printing3D Printed PartsSlicer SettingsModify DesignTolerancesMaterials

AssemblyArcade Button AnatomyRemove the capPull off capRemove Stock DiffuserInstall 3D DiffuserNeoPixel Mini PCB wiringWiring Multiple PixelsInstall NeoPixelsThread NeoPixelsInstalled NeoPixelMount to ConnectorFitted NeoPixelInstall ConnectorInstalled NeoPixel DiffuserInstall Cap to BodyNeoPixel Wire CheckLight em' Up!

© Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-arcade-button Page 2 of 18

Overview

LED Arcade Buttons

The 30mm arcade buttons in the Adafruit shop are excellent for retrogame projects. They're also quite aestheticallypleasing. They feature a translucent body with a very slim micro switch, so it's great for internal lighting effects.

Although they do not have LEDs built in, you can actually fit NeoPixels into the body with a 3D printed diffuser.

In this tutorial you'll learn how to add NeoPixels to arcade buttons.

Prerequisite Guides

Check out the following guides below to get a better understanding of the Trinket micro-controller, NeoPixels and theNeoPixel Arduino library.

Uber NeoPixel Guide (https://adafru.it/dhw)Introducing Trinket (https://adafru.it/dhx)

Parts, Tool & Supplies

You'll need 30mm arcade button and some NeoPixel mini's (the 8mm x 10mm cuties), an arduino micro-controller and apower source. If you don't have access to a 3D printer, you can send the files to a service or check with your localhackerspace/library.

30mm Arcade Button (https://adafru.it/f9C)NeoPixel Mini PCB (https://adafru.it/f9D)5V Adafruit Trinket (https://adafru.it/dyV)3D Printer (https://adafru.it/doT)Filament (http://adafru.it/2080)Flat Pliers (https://adafru.it/diI)


https://www.adafruit.com/product/471



https://www.adafruit.com/category/128

https://www.adafruit.com/products/2080



3D Printing

3D Printed Parts

All you need is these two parts, thats it (for one arcade button, at least).

https://adafru.it/f9F


Slicer Settings

You can use the settings below as a reference. The parts are oriented in the center of the bed and ready to print "asis". They do not require any support material.

abd-cap.stl

220c

2 shells

4 top/bottom layers

.2mm layer height

50mms speeds

10% infill

about 5 minutes

abd-connector.stl - about 5 minutes


http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:823588



Modify Design

The parts were modeled in Autodesk 123D Design and available to modify. The file includes the original solids andsketches.

Tolerances

The cap snaps onto the connector piece and they're held together by friction. The tolerances for these parts will varydepending on your print settings, but you can download and modify the design to fit your project.


http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:823588

Materials

For a nice soft LED diffusion, ideally you want your diffuser printed a filament with a light colored pigment. White,natrual and of course transparent filament will work best.

In my demos I used glowFill, which is glow-in-the-dark PLA/PHA filament from Colorfabb. It's kinda cool that theNeoPixel LEDs charge up the material so it glows when the lights are turned off.


Assembly

Arcade Button Anatomy

The arcade button is very modular and really easy to take apart. The button consists of four pieces.

CapDiffuserBodyMini micro switch


Remove the cap

To get to the clicky center of the button, we need to remove the top cap. Look for the two openings in the side of thebutton. You'll see a clip on the side, near the top of the opening. Use a screwdriver or flat pliers to push the clip inwardand up, so that the cap lifts up from the body.

Pull off cap

If the cap is hard to remove, try pushing in both of the clips from the side. Carefully pull the cap off the button.


Remove Stock Diffuser

The stock diffuser has a stem coming from the center. Grab it and pull it out. You can disgard this or save it for anotherproject.

Install 3D Diffuser

Insert the 3D printed diffuser into the top cap with the cut outs lined up with the clips on the sides. Press it down, allthe way into top cap. The tolerances should have a tight hold.

Make sure the two nubs on the side pass through the slits near the clips.


NeoPixel Mini PCB wiring

The NeoPixels require three wires, power, data and ground. These are indicated on the pads near on the bottom ofthe PCB. The arrow indicates the direction of the chain.

Wiring Multiple Pixels

You'll need to determine how many NeoPixels your project will need. NeoPixel LEDs can be chained together bysoldering wires from the data in to the data out.


The wires in between NeoPixels should have a minimum length of about 6cm - This will vary depending on thedistance between the buttons in your project.

Install NeoPixels

Carefully insert the chain of NeoPixels through the opening in the side of the arcade button. This opening is just largeenough for the NeoPixel mini PCB to pass through.

Thread NeoPixels


If your project uses multiple buttons, you need to pull the entire chain of NeoPixels through the body of the first arcadebutton.

Installed NeoPixel

Pull the first NeoPixel in the chain to the center of the body and position the wires so you have some slack to workwith.

Depending on how many NeoPixels you have, you'll need to thread them all!


Mount to Connector

Insert the NeoPixel mini PCB into the 3D printed connector using flat pliers. The PCB fits in the center of the part andheld in place with the two clips on the sides.

Fitted NeoPixel

The NeoPixel mini PCB is fitted into the 3D printed part.

The NeoPixel should only be installed into the connector if its installed through the arcade button!


Install Connector

Insert the connector into the diffuser cap with the wires lined up with the cut outs. Press the two pieces together tosnap them shut.

Installed NeoPixel Diffuser

The bottom of the 3D printed connector has space for wires to pass through.


Install Cap to Body

Insert the assembled diffuser cap into the body of the arcade button with the clips lined up with the openings on theside.

NeoPixel Wire Check

Be aware of the wires while installing the cap, they could get stuck or kinked!


Ensure the clips from the cap are in place and free to press. There should be enough clearance for the wires to bestrain-free.

Light em' Up!

The NeoPixel works with most arduino micro-controllers. In this example it's wired to the 5V, GND and D0 pins on the5V Trinket. You can use the strandtest demo sketch included with the NeoPixel Arduino library for a sweet rainbowanimation and chasing pattern.

Once you have the first time complete, you can repeat the process.


© Adafruit Industries Last Updated: 2018-08-22 03:48:07 PM UTC Page 18 of 18

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NeoPixel Arcade Buttons - Adafruit Industries · LED Arcade Buttons The 30mm arcade buttons in the Adafruit shop are excellent for retrogame projects. They're also quite aesthetically