If 8 is possible. Why not?

I think that would be too bright compared to the buttons. As it is now, when I went from three to four, the knob is already starting to look unusually bright compared to the buttons

I'd rather see someone figure out how to mix the plastic in such a way as to diffuse the light more instead of trying to brute-force it with more LEDs. Four is already overkill, I'm sure it could be done with one LED if only the plastic could do more diffusion.

(Not that it looks bad right now... I think it looks really cool as-is, I'm just saying if we're adding more LEDs to diffuse the light more, we're approaching the problem from the wrong end.)

I know it can be done because I've seen it done on other types of plastic and rubber buttons on electronic components... I have a big TV remote that lights dozens of buttons with a single LED. I'm sure it's just a question of finding the right compounds to mix.

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think that would be too bright compared to the buttons. As it is now, when I went from three to four, the knob is already starting to look unusually bright compared to the buttons

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The solution to the brightness problem as I mentioned earlier, is to increase the resistance limiting the current to the LEDs. Currently it is 100 ohms I think. If you increase the resistance, you cut the current and brightness. Doing so can keep the relative brightness in check.

Stu

I'd take 4 boards if not too pricey...

If I'm not too late - I'd like two with parts also

Ta, Sim

Not too late. I haven't ordered them yet. I have counted about 21 boards thus far.

It doesn't look good for concentrically mounting more than 4 LEDs. They are just too big.

Stu

Here's that thread on diffusing the light before it gets to the knob, and a link directly to the gallery.

I think that this (or figuring out how to diffuse the light within the knob itself) makes a lot more sense than trying to cram on more LEDs. Of course, that's all academic for me, as I'm not looking to add more lights to the interior of my car.

Thanks. I saw that earlier and it does seem to wrok rather well. You are right that we shouldn't try to increase the LED count on the boards any more, which was really my thought all along anyway .

There is some sort of material used commercially for the purpose of LED light diffusion for backlit LCD panels and such. I am trying to locate a source and additional information about it.

Stu

Okay, here's the new design. Nothing revolutionary. Pretty much like Brian's, but things are moved around a bit and connected somewhat differently to keep everyone happy . One nice thing is that the corner is trimmed for more clearance around the display nipple.

It's fairly obvious that the size of the LEDs do not allow for additional LEDs to be added. I scoured various catalogs and couldn't find any smaller than these, so 4 it is.

Stu

I have counted about 21 boards thus far.

Add 1 more with parts, I would like one too.

Thanks

If the boards and/or kits become available, I would like to purchase 5. Thanks

- Sean

Count me in on a kit/parts as well.

I'd be up for a board too!

Cheers.

Count me in for a board Stu. Saves me from doing one myself

Yeah, I'd upgrade

If it's not too late, I'd definately buy a board - send you the money right now . Would also buy parts if they were at a reasonable price.

Assuming you will ship to the UK for a price...

On a related note, has anyone made any progress on making/supplying some translucent buttons/knob other than Brian?

Okay, I've counted 34+ boards. The boards themselves will be tentatively priced at $15 + shipping.

Stu

well.... I would like one board with parts too. But only if I could get the translucent buttons from somewhere.... Anybody got any success in getting/building them?

I am interested in 3 boards plus parts. I am in the same boat as many of the others though. I still need a source for translucent buttons and knobs.

On a related note, has anyone made any progress on making/supplying some translucent buttons/knob other than Brian?

Lopan is still working on it. He's got problems with Tiny Bubbles (tm) at the moment (cue Don Ho music in everyone's head).

Please add 2 boards & LEDs for me too. I am in the UK.

If I'm not to late I'd like 2 complete boards as well please.

Thanks

So now it's 40+ boards. What is it exactly that most of you want? The complete electrical portion of the kit (everything but the buttons and knobs), just the bare PCB, or the the PCB with parts? Those of you who want more than just the PCB, please be aware that $15 only buys the PCB; the LEDs, resistors and transistor are extra.

Stu

What color solder mask? I can get standard green, or something more unusual like red, blue, or black.

Stu

As dark as possible. Mm... or I wonder, maybe ultra-reflective would help with the light diffusion..

I think I better add 2 more for good measure... (trying to convince the G/F to get an empeg) So thats 3 total for me.

I think I would prefer getting the complete electrical portion (assuming you mean the button LED's as well as the knob board)

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I think I would prefer getting the complete electrical portion (assuming you mean the button LED's as well as the knob board)

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That's what I mean. I will offer bare PCBs, knob kits, button kits and both kits together.

Stu

Black it is then unless it costs a lot more. I've never done black before, and they don't have online quoting for non-standard colors of solder mask. Now to get all these Gerber files sorted out...

Stu

What is it exactly that most of you want?

All electronics to do buttons and knob including all LEDs, etc. would be my order. I imagine it is going to be much easier for most of us to get everything through you than try to order all the individual bits through digikey or whoever. Oh, and assembly instructions would be nice too

-Mike

What is it exactly that most of you want?

Yep, what mcomb said, that sums me up nicely.