Key Switch for "Free/Paid Play"

[dvautour]

Hello!

I am currently setting up a new cab (Xtension Arcade from recroommasters.com) with a Tankstick as the controller. I am adding a coin-door from X-Gaming. The way X-Gaming suggests setting it up is with a splitter to the side "pinball" button which is already mapped to Insert Coin.
I would like to have the option of disabling the side button to force "Pay mode".
I was thinking of having a on/off key switch which would interrupt/disable the side button but leave the coin-mech functional. The coin-mech does not have to disable in the other key position.
I'd also like an led light to be activated in either key position (2 lights) so I can make a small "Free/Paid" indicator on the cab which would light up appropriately.

I am anything but an electronics person - is this feasible? Can someone help guide me on the wiring of it? What type of key switch would I need? What type of LEDs?

I would appreciate any help that I can get!

Thanks!

[JDFan]

Easiest method I can think of would be to use a coin slot as normal and then also wire up a momentary switch like one of these key switches ( http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=060-216 ) for the free play button (once wired it acts like any other button would but you need to turn the key to press the button - so you just turn the key in order to add a credit if using the key switch instead of the coin slot.

[dvautour]

In order for that to work I'd have to disconnect the side pinball button altogether I think. Unless the Tankstick can handle extra buttons without adding a J-PAC?
Since I plan on having a pinball simulator I don't want to disable the button permanently, at least I could use it in "Free Mode" described above.

[Binkles]

The way I would do it if you don't want to add another button is this way.

Run an extra live wire (not the ground) through from the coin mech, to the key pin, through the button, and to the same holder as the credit switch on the board.

Messy, but if the key is turned then each time you press the button, it will give you a credit.

Alternately, use a momentary key and miss the wire to the button completely but use the rest of the wiring setup I suggested.

I think the second option would be the better of the two.

[PL1]

Here's a schematic using a Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch to choose between freeplay and pay. ("pinball" switch disabled)

Use this great online calculator to figure out what kind of current limiting resistor to use with whatever LED you select.

In the block for how many LEDs, put "1" because only one will be connected at a time.


Scott

[wxforecaster]

Great idea Scott!! Hard to find, but they even make 2 position DPDT key switches, which you could then run each to an LED, your input, etc... Depending if you want a regular key or a tubular key (I find these much cooler for these sorts of ideas), you're looking at $6-$15 for a switch. DigiKey and other electronics warehouses should carry a handful of options.

[PL1]

Here's a DPDT key switch from Mouser Electonics that allows you to remove the key in either position.

C&K Y2011U2C202NQ



Scott

[WindDrake]

Run the coinup signal to both switches, then run ground to both. Use a switch like the others have talked about to connect/disconnect the signal ground on the freeplay switch.

I did this on both of my MAME cabs via a hidden switch behind the CP (Northcoast Cab) or using the old test switch (3Koam Z-Back) to switch out the signal grounds on the coinup buttons.

Forces people to use tokens.

[dvautour]

Thanks for all the help. I'm going to attempt this when I get all the parts in