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Extending a hdmi switch button (Knucklehead with a soldering iron)

GuyManDude

Dec 7, 2022
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I have an HDMI switching unit that has a momentary push button to switch between 2 inputs and an output. I want to use it inside an arcade cabinet but I want to extend the button to the cabinet exterior so it can easily be switched. I have attached some pictures of the unit. If you would be kind enough to offer some guidance I would appreciate help figuring out how to go about it please.

Could I solder 4 long wires to the 4 connection points on the bottom of the circuit board under the switch? Most momentary buttons only have 2 conductors though so I'm confused as to what button I could use.

Thanks for your time and suggestions.
 

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Last edited:

Harald Kapp

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This type of pushbutton has 4 pins for mechanical reasons only - to mount it securely on a pcb. Actually only 2 pins are used, possibly these 2:
1670475869592.png
but your photo is not crisp enough to make out details. Try to provide a better image, see here how to.

Another option is to extend the pushbutton mechanically by glueing on a stick.
 

GuyManDude

Dec 7, 2022
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This type of pushbutton has 4 pins for mechanical reasons only - to mount it securely on a pcb. Actually only 2 pins are used, possibly these 2:
View attachment 57288
but your photo is not crisp enough to make out details. Try to provide a better image, see here how to.

Another option is to extend the pushbutton mechanically by glueing on a stick.
Thanks for your thoughts Harald. Here are some better pics although the back side doesn't have a whole lot of markings. I think you are right about 2 of the pins just being for mount stability, two of them don't appear to be connected to any of the pcb circuitry.
 

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Harald Kapp

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The new images aren't that much crisper :( But I think my markings are right. You can give it a try by simply connecting another pushbutton across these two pins and test the function of the switch module with this new pushbutton.

This is an example of a typical such pushbutton (datasheet):
1670482249900.png
As you can see, even if you use the wrong two pins, no harm can be done:
  • using any combination of 1-3 , 1-4, 2-3 or 2-4 will result in the expected function.
  • using any combination of 1-2 or 3-4 will not result in the expected function, but will also do no harm as these pins are connected internally anyway.
Note that this is a typical configuration for this type of pushbutton. The one on your switch module might be wired differently, but the chances are very, very, very small.
 

GuyManDude

Dec 7, 2022
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Tested successfully. I touched a jumper wire between the pins. Each touch switched the input port as expected. Thank you again.
 
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