How to Use Arcade Button (white): Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Arcade Button (White) is a push-button switch commonly used in arcade machines and gaming consoles. It features a durable plastic housing, a white-colored cap, and a spring-loaded mechanism for easy activation. This button provides tactile feedback, making it ideal for user interaction in gaming, industrial control panels, and DIY electronics projects. Its robust design ensures long-lasting performance, even under frequent use.

• Arcade gaming machines
• DIY gaming controllers
• Industrial control panels
• Interactive kiosks
• Educational electronics projects

Below are the key technical details of the Arcade Button (White):

The Arcade Button (White) typically has two solder lug terminals for electrical connections:

1. Mounting the Button: Drill a 28mm hole in your panel or enclosure. Insert the button into the hole and secure it using the provided mounting nut.
2. Wiring the Button:
   • Solder one terminal (Pin 1) to the positive side of your circuit or microcontroller input pin.
   • Solder the other terminal (Pin 2) to the ground or negative side of the circuit.
3. Testing the Button: Once connected, pressing the button will momentarily close the circuit, allowing current to flow.

• Debouncing: Mechanical buttons like this one may produce noise or "bouncing" when pressed. Use a hardware or software debounce mechanism to ensure reliable operation.
• Voltage and Current Ratings: Do not exceed the rated 12V DC and 1A to avoid damaging the button.
• Secure Connections: Ensure solder joints are strong and insulated to prevent short circuits.
• Mounting: Avoid overtightening the mounting nut, as it may damage the plastic housing.

The Arcade Button (White) can be easily interfaced with an Arduino UNO for interactive projects. Below is an example of how to connect and program the button:

• Connect Pin 1 of the button to Arduino digital pin 2.
• Connect Pin 2 of the button to the Arduino GND pin.
• Use a 10kΩ pull-down resistor between digital pin 2 and GND to ensure a stable LOW state when the button is not pressed.

// Arcade Button Example with Arduino UNO
// This code reads the state of the button and turns on an LED when pressed.

const int buttonPin = 2;  // Pin connected to the button
const int ledPin = 13;    // Pin connected to the onboard LED

void setup() {
  pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT);  // Set button pin as input
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);   // Set LED pin as output
  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW); // Ensure LED is off initially
}

void loop() {
  int buttonState = digitalRead(buttonPin); // Read the button state

  if (buttonState == HIGH) {
    // If button is pressed, turn on the LED
    digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
  } else {
    // If button is not pressed, turn off the LED
    digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
  }
}

1. Button Not Responding:

   • Cause: Loose or incorrect wiring.
   • Solution: Check all connections and ensure the solder joints are secure.

2. Button Bounces or Produces Erratic Behavior:

   • Cause: Mechanical bouncing of the button contacts.
   • Solution: Implement a debounce circuit or software debounce in your code.

3. Button Feels Stiff or Stuck:

   • Cause: Dirt or debris inside the button mechanism.
   • Solution: Clean the button with compressed air or a soft brush.

4. Button Exceeds Voltage/Current Ratings:

   • Cause: Using the button in a high-power circuit.
   • Solution: Use a relay or transistor to handle higher voltages or currents.

Q: Can I use this button with a Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, the Arcade Button (White) can be used with a Raspberry Pi. Connect it to a GPIO pin and use a pull-up or pull-down resistor for stable operation.

Q: Is the button waterproof?
A: No, the Arcade Button (White) is not waterproof. Avoid using it in environments with high moisture or water exposure.

Q: Can I replace the white cap with a different color?
A: Yes, the cap is removable and can be replaced with compatible caps of different colors.

Q: How do I debounce the button in software?
A: You can use a simple delay or a debounce library in your code to filter out noise caused by mechanical bouncing.