VCI-100 Specifications : L.E.D.'s and Arcade Button Mod Parts

Hey everybody!

I'm about to do the arcade button mod on my VCI-100 and I was wondering what other parts do I need besides the buttons and solder? I know I need wire and diodes, but what specific part #'s? (Basically, a list I can take with me to radio shack)

While I have everything taken off, I also want to change my L.E.D's. I'm clueless when it comes to LED's, so can anybody tell me which specific LEDs I will need to get for the VCI-100?

I don't want to get the wrong voltage and end up frying my board. I've also heard different opinions about LEDS that are diffused vs non-diffused. Does anyone have an opinion on this?

And, lastly, on my VCI the LEDs are green/orange. Are those two LEDs (a green and an orange)? Or is it one LED that changes color?

Thanks for the help guys!


PS: One last thing, can anyone recommend a machine shop in the bay area to cut the holes for me? Or has anyone tried it with a dremel?

PPS: Has anyone tried using a power adapter with the VCI-100, as opposed to running it off USB power alone? Is there any performance difference?

This will get you started
http://www.djtechtools.com/2009/07/2...iy-arcade-mod/

The diodes I bought from Radio Shack are IN4001. There was some discussion about them needing to be 1N4001, but after looking at the data sheets it was determined they were the same.
http://www.djtechtools.com/forum/sho...?t=6668&page=2

http://www.djtechtools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12635

It's two LED's one green and one orange. The led's are 3.3 volt 3mm, but people report that you can use 5mm LED's on everything except the jog wheel LED's, those need to be 3mm.
http://djtechtools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5008

Fa5ky did a good little write up in this thread.
http://djtechtools.com/forum/showthread.php?p=64569

And the home page
http://www.djtechtools.com/2009/08/3...-a-button-led/

Fa5ky's link to where he got the LED's
http://cgi.ebay.com/100-Pcs-3mm-Red-...d=p3911.c0.m14

thanks a million for the links photojojo! this is exactly what I need to get 'er done.

cheers again!

Thanks for the sum up from me as well! Appreciate your effort, really!

Can you guys tell me how to install the diodes to the wires that would connect to the ground?

1. Does it matter how I solder the 4 wires that will be connected to the "ground wire"?
2. Does it matter the order from with I attach the white cable to the first arcade button (ie Do I have to pay attention to attach it to the positive side of the button first)?
3.How the hell do I connect the diode to this?

THANK YOU!!!!