#61169 - 19/01/2002 11:05
Translucent Buttons
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enthusiast
Registered: 15/06/1999
Posts: 259
Loc: Lincoln, NE
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I am now working on making translucent buttons and knobs for the led hack. I have not prefected the process just yet but when I do I will be offering buttons, knobs, led hack kits, and maybe an led hack service. I you might be interested email me at [email protected] and let me know what you would be interested in. Some pictures of what I'm working on are below, enjoy.
First good attempt
Second better attempt
You can see the defects I get right now, but I've only tried about five times so far. Right now I can only make blue but if the demand is there other colors will follow.
Here is the board I designed to light the knob. I will offer it with all three leds or only the two opposite each other as requested.
First set of buttons and knob in place.
Same buttons with facia.
_________________________
Brian
-See my empeg <a href="www.hulkster.net/empeg" target="_blank">here</a>-
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#61170 - 19/01/2002 11:07
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: bmihulka]
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member
Registered: 01/01/2002
Posts: 144
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Quite a nice job there, how much are you thinking about offering buttons+board for?
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#61171 - 19/01/2002 11:35
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: bmihulka]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31597
Loc: Seattle, WA
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Me want. Now. How much? Never mind how much, I'll just write you a blank check.
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#61172 - 19/01/2002 11:37
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: bmihulka]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31597
Loc: Seattle, WA
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My only suggestion... The formula for the button plastic... Can it include some white or gray pigment to make it more "milky"? To distribute the light more evenly.
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#61173 - 19/01/2002 12:09
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: tfabris]
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enthusiast
Registered: 15/06/1999
Posts: 259
Loc: Lincoln, NE
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Probably, I've just started working with this stuff and I think alot is possible.
_________________________
Brian
-See my empeg <a href="www.hulkster.net/empeg" target="_blank">here</a>-
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#61174 - 19/01/2002 12:11
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: Chao]
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enthusiast
Registered: 15/06/1999
Posts: 259
Loc: Lincoln, NE
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I'm not sure just yet. As soon as I figure it out and decide I will have a post listed in anouncments, and probably a web page.
_________________________
Brian
-See my empeg <a href="www.hulkster.net/empeg" target="_blank">here</a>-
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#61175 - 19/01/2002 12:13
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: bmihulka]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 02/06/2000
Posts: 1996
Loc: Gothenburg, Sweden
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Looks very promising!
As Tony said, any way to get them to spread the light more?
I'd be interested both in red and blue buttons, mostly for the four menu buttons (as I plan to go with an aluminum knob), but whattheheck... Hmmm, maybe through-drilled holes around the perifery of an alu knob, that LED-board with two LEDs (or a similar one with only one LED, top center...) Hmmm...
Definately add me to the very interested list.
/Michael
_________________________
/Michael
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#61176 - 19/01/2002 14:22
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: tfabris]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 09/09/1999
Posts: 1721
Loc: San Jose, CA
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Instead of "blue" colored translucent buttons, how about cloudy grey or white translucent buttons and then used the appropriate colored LED for the colored light. (this is assuming making the buttons in colors is difficult). If making the buttons in various colors is not difficult, then how about white LEDs and colored translucent buttons?
Calvin
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#61177 - 19/01/2002 19:14
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: bmihulka]
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addict
Registered: 19/08/2000
Posts: 588
Loc: England
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These look pretty good for your early attempts. Coincidentally I bought some clear casting resin and some Silicone putty for making moulds today for making buttons & knobs too.
_________________________
Marcus
32 gig MKII (various colours) & 30gig MKIIa
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#61178 - 19/01/2002 19:14
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: eternalsun]
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enthusiast
Registered: 15/06/1999
Posts: 259
Loc: Lincoln, NE
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It's basically the same as making clear translucent buttons. And actually the casting plastic without dye is actually slightly amber. I have made a modification to the buttons that should make them look beter, I'm just waiting for them to set up. I just happen to only have blue dye right now. And the white led is the route I have gone, so if I ever change my face color, I only need new buttons. My plan with a kit is to supply white leds, resistors needed, and choice of color later. The knob board will be offered separately. As soon as I get the results on the buttons I like I will post pricing info.
_________________________
Brian
-See my empeg <a href="www.hulkster.net/empeg" target="_blank">here</a>-
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#61179 - 19/01/2002 19:46
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: bmihulka]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 23/09/2000
Posts: 3608
Loc: Minnetonka, MN
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do you have picture in the dark ?
_________________________
Matt
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#61180 - 19/01/2002 20:38
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: msaeger]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 12/01/2002
Posts: 2009
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
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Definitely interested here too.
_________________________
Christian #40104192 120Gb (no longer in my E36 M3, won't fit the E46 M3)
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#61181 - 19/01/2002 21:35
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: bmihulka]
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member
Registered: 06/06/2001
Posts: 183
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I second what Tony said:
In reply to:
Me want. Now. How much? Never mind how much, I'll just write you a blank check.
Way cool! The only thing the empeg has been lacking.
I've got two - green & blue - put me in the queue!
I might need the hack service, as I can't solder my way out of a paper bag... Keep me informed!
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#61182 - 20/01/2002 10:47
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: bmihulka]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 09/09/1999
Posts: 1721
Loc: San Jose, CA
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Regarding the LEDs -- Are they set up to dim with the rest of the display?
Calvin
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#61183 - 20/01/2002 11:32
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: eternalsun]
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member
Registered: 01/01/2002
Posts: 144
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That shouldn't be necessary, the only time you need lit buttons is at night... so have them pre-dimmed
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#61184 - 20/01/2002 11:38
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: eternalsun]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31597
Loc: Seattle, WA
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Regarding the LEDs -- Are they set up to dim with the rest of the display?
Hugo has stated in the past that there should be a way to control the brightness of the button LEDs from the software. Maybe we could gift a button kit to Mark and he could include it in Hijack? Or perhaps if enough folks do this mod, Hugo will put it into the default player software?
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#61185 - 20/01/2002 16:56
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: tfabris]
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enthusiast
Registered: 15/06/1999
Posts: 259
Loc: Lincoln, NE
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Actually, I have already hacked the kernel to do so. I still want to do a little testing, but I will provide a patch when appropriate.
_________________________
Brian
-See my empeg <a href="www.hulkster.net/empeg" target="_blank">here</a>-
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#61186 - 20/01/2002 16:59
Re: Translucent Buttons New web page
[Re: bmihulka]
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enthusiast
Registered: 15/06/1999
Posts: 259
Loc: Lincoln, NE
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I have put up a minimal web page for this stuff. It will be added to as I get new results.
Just go here.
_________________________
Brian
-See my empeg <a href="www.hulkster.net/empeg" target="_blank">here</a>-
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#61187 - 20/01/2002 20:38
Re: Translucent Buttons New web page
[Re: bmihulka]
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addict
Registered: 27/12/2001
Posts: 441
Loc: Central, NC, USA
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Now that is a work of art... beautiful...
Where do I sign up for a kit...
micman2b
_________________________
_____________ Sean in NC
130gb MK2a w/ 32mb ram 80gb MK2a empeg spare
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#61188 - 20/01/2002 23:01
Re: Translucent Buttons New web page
[Re: bmihulka]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
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Have you thought about using 4 LEDs on the ring around the rotary knob? Perhaps using smaller parts if the ones you've got on there now are too wide.
Seems like you've pretty much put together exactly what I was thinking back when some of the original lighting threads were going on.
Would you mind putting up any info on the mold-making techniques/products you've used? I looked briefly at some possible casting materials for making re-usable molds, but nothing in depth. Thinking about making the molds was driving me a bit batty without actually trying it though.
Bruno
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#61189 - 21/01/2002 08:15
Re: Translucent Buttons New web page
[Re: hybrid8]
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enthusiast
Registered: 15/06/1999
Posts: 259
Loc: Lincoln, NE
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I had thought about using 4 or 5 leds, but the display is in the way. As I get time I'll put up more info about what I've used in the process.
_________________________
Brian
-See my empeg <a href="www.hulkster.net/empeg" target="_blank">here</a>-
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#61190 - 21/01/2002 08:59
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: bmihulka]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 21/05/1999
Posts: 5335
Loc: Cambridge UK
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Very cool, if you want official qualification by the development team feel free to send over a couple of sets
Rob
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#61191 - 21/01/2002 09:13
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: rob]
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addict
Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 443
Loc: Raleigh, NC
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Though, if you want unofficial qualification, you'll have to send out a few hundred sets..
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#61192 - 21/01/2002 10:20
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: bmihulka]
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stranger
Registered: 01/01/2002
Posts: 46
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If anyone doesn't bother to check the other areas of the message board, a rather interesting alternative to the lighted buttons is being discussed http://empeg.comms.net/php/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=prodject&Number=58298&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1
We're talking about using a sheet of indiglo material. This sheet is about 2 pieces of paper thick and can be cut into any shape and size. The transformer is really small (under 1" square) and runs off of 9 volts. This can be installed in the area for the second hard drive. It can be wired directly to the headlight sense circuit to allow nighttime use.
_________________________
~Max
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#61193 - 21/01/2002 11:33
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: Chao]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 09/09/1999
Posts: 1721
Loc: San Jose, CA
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Don't settle for less! :-D If the buttons are software dimmable then you can do really slick visual effects..........
Calvin
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#61194 - 21/01/2002 12:26
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: eternalsun]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 02/06/2000
Posts: 1996
Loc: Gothenburg, Sweden
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Remember that (AFAIK; I'd be happy to be wrong) you have no individual control over each LED.
/Michael
_________________________
/Michael
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#61195 - 21/01/2002 12:27
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: eternalsun]
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member
Registered: 01/01/2002
Posts: 144
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You are completely correct
I never thought about pulsing LEDs in time to the music! (well, I did as an independant idea, and not relating to the empeg :P )
Can someone please re-post where we can get spare buttons from? I would like to cast my own, make an amateur mold, etc. but do not want to wreck or remove my current buttons. I have not been able to find the part number & supplier from searching the forum archives :|
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#61196 - 21/01/2002 15:13
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: rob]
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enthusiast
Registered: 15/06/1999
Posts: 259
Loc: Lincoln, NE
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I was already thinking about doing that. I just still need to iron a couple details out.
_________________________
Brian
-See my empeg <a href="www.hulkster.net/empeg" target="_blank">here</a>-
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#61197 - 21/01/2002 15:18
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: bmihulka]
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enthusiast
Registered: 24/08/2001
Posts: 344
Loc: France, Champagne
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Could you do and sell Transluscent buttons kit with detailed notice and electronics parts ?
_________________________
Empeg IIa - 10 Gb - Red Fascia -
Tuner, the day is coming
- I Will Strike From the Grey -
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#61198 - 21/01/2002 18:13
Re: Translucent Buttons
[Re: Nosferatu]
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enthusiast
Registered: 15/06/1999
Posts: 259
Loc: Lincoln, NE
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In reply to:
Could you do and sell Transluscent buttons kit with detailed notice and electronics parts ?
I plan on doing just that. The details will be posted to my web site and the BBS when ready.
_________________________
Brian
-See my empeg <a href="www.hulkster.net/empeg" target="_blank">here</a>-
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