How Many Tokens Should I Get?

[Jamesbeat]

I am in the process of desiging a full-size upright Mame cab, and I intend to use coin mechs with tokens.

My current setup is a bartop, and the P1 & P2 start buttons are programmed to issue credits.
Using buttons instead of coin mechs makes it difficult to keep track of how many credits are being used, especially as there are four family members who use the machine.

I'd like to strike a good balance between having too many tokens ($$$) and not having enough (constantly having to empty the machine).

For those of you who use tokens or quarters etc, how much of a 'pool' do you suggest for one machine?

I know this is a bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' type question, but let me know your experiences.

[DeLuSioNal29]

Not sure on the amount you should get, but I thought you'd maybe want an AnyCoin Mech?  They take all coins including pennies, dimes, tokens, etc.  Perhaps this will make it easier to decide?

https://www.arcadeplastics.com/any-coin-mech

D

[Jamesbeat]

I already saw that actually, but thanks for the idea.

I'm planning something similar, but I'll probably just weld up a couple of sheet metal chutes instead of buying/nodding mechs.

The main reason I want tokens is for the extra realism they add to the experience, so I will still be needing tokens whether or not my mechs actually require them.
Using a motley collection of pennies, foreign coins and washers doesn't appeal to me

I have found that the lack of tokens has been an unexpected disappointment with my bartop. Just doesn't feel right.

[Token]

Jamesbeat, if you find a source that sells tokens in small quantities, please post it here. I've been looking but all the vendors want you to order in the thousands.

[vwalbridge]

I already saw that actually, but thanks for the idea.

I'm planning something similar, but I'll probably just weld up a couple of sheet metal chutes instead of buying/nodding mechs.

 

Talk about building a clock to tell time. DeL's suggestion was spot on.

[vwalbridge]

Jamesbeat, if you find a source that sells tokens in small quantities, please post it here. I've been looking but all the vendors want you to order in the thousands.

Boom

Poker Tokens

[lilshawn]

get however many tokens you want?

it's your machine, you can just open it up and take them back out if you want you know.

perhaps you misunderstood the purpose of the anymech....

the anymech is a chute that emulates the coin chinking through a mechanism sound... without the hassle of reject coins. it will take anything and reject nothing.

what you put in the slot is your business. you can put tokens if you like.

[Token]

Jamesbeat, if you find a source that sells tokens in small quantities, please post it here. I've been looking but all the vendors want you to order in the thousands.

Boom

Poker Tokens

Thank you! 

[wp34]

+1 one for anymech.  Fantastic and easy to use product.

I bought my tokens from Holland Computers.  They let you choose the qty.

http://www.hollandcomputers.com/store/pc/Arcade-amusement-game-token-designed-for-arcade-game-coin-boxes-984-7-8-Inch-Nichole-Plated-2397p6438.htm

[yotsuya]

I buy lots of token from eBay when I need to. I have 15 games that use them, so I need a lot.

Oh, and +1 on the AnyCoinMechs. Arcadenut has already done the work for you.

[lilshawn]

too bad the BYOAC token thing crashed and burned.  some great tokens where to be had.

anybody want to take a stab at 2016?

[Jamesbeat]

get however many tokens you want?

it's your machine, you can just open it up and take them back out if you want you know.

perhaps you misunderstood the purpose of the anymech....

the anymech is a chute that emulates the coin chinking through a mechanism sound... without the hassle of reject coins. it will take anything and reject nothing.

what you put in the slot is your business. you can put tokens if you like.

I understand what the Anymech is.

As to getting however many tokens I want, that is what I am trying to determine.

If I had one token, I would have to empty the machine every time I want to coin up.
If I had infinite tokens, I would never have to empty the machine.

There must be a reasonable number somewhere in between those two extremes where I would only have to empty the machine, say, once a week or so.

The question is, what is that number?

[yotsuya]

There must be a reasonable number somewhere in between those two extremes where I would only have to empty the machine, say, once a week or so.

The question is, what is that number?

42.

[harveybirdman]

So long and thanks for all the fish.

[pbj]

Go to Dave and Busters or Chuckie Cheese and buy your tokens from there.  Cheaper than you're going to get anywhere else.

[Jamesbeat]

I already saw that actually, but thanks for the idea.

I'm planning something similar, but I'll probably just weld up a couple of sheet metal chutes instead of buying/nodding mechs.

 

Talk about building a clock to tell time. DeL's suggestion was spot on.

I'm on a tight budget. Building a cab from scratch is expensive, as I'm sure everyone here is only too aware.
The money I would save by not buying Anymechs could go towards better glass, a tool that I need, or a bunch of tokens..

[Jamesbeat]

Go to Dave and Busters or Chuckie Cheese and buy your tokens from there.  Cheaper than you're going to get anywhere else.

The Chuck E Cheese by me has a coupon for 100 tokens for $20, which is $0.20 each.
Used tokens can be had for around half that on eBay.

My local D&B closed down a few months ago, so I don't know about their prices.

[wp34]

get however many tokens you want?

it's your machine, you can just open it up and take them back out if you want you know.

perhaps you misunderstood the purpose of the anymech....

the anymech is a chute that emulates the coin chinking through a mechanism sound... without the hassle of reject coins. it will take anything and reject nothing.

what you put in the slot is your business. you can put tokens if you like.

I understand what the Anymech is.

As to getting however many tokens I want, that is what I am trying to determine.

If I had one token, I would have to empty the machine every time I want to coin up.
If I had infinite tokens, I would never have to empty the machine.

There must be a reasonable number somewhere in between those two extremes where I would only have to empty the machine, say, once a week or so.

The question is, what is that number?

It all depends on how often you are going to play.  I've only played 5 games this week for example.  Start with 50 tokens and see how it goes.

[pbj]

Sure,  if you want a bunch of nasty old mismatched crap from defunct car washes, then go with ebay.

You want a bunch of clean, new tokens that you can actually use when you get sick of shoving them into your mame cabinet, go visit chuckle cheese.

[Token]

It's hard to know how many tokens you will need. Are you using MAME on a computer now? If so, how many "coins" do you use a day? My goal is to make it so I don't have to empty the coin mech until the kids go to bed and/or the guests leave.

For me, that means 100 should be enough unless we are having a dedicated gaming party or something. YMMV

And not to beat a dead horse, but the AnyCoin "coin-mechs" are $7.50 each. Best deal around for cabinet builders, IMO.

[Jamesbeat]

Sure,  if you want a bunch of nasty old mismatched crap from defunct car washes, then go with ebay.

You want a bunch of clean, new tokens that you can actually use when you get sick of shoving them into your mame cabinet, go visit chuckle cheese.

There's a seller on eBay right now that has various lots of used tokens that are all matching and have been polished in a tumbler for around 10 cents each depending on quantity.

Plus, a bunch of Chuck E Cheese tokens wouldn't last long since I have a 5 year old

[pbj]

Okay, then throw $50 at your boyfriend on ebay and stfu?

[lamprey]

How many machines do you have?
What is the peak amount of play you expect?
How often do you want to empty the machines?
Are you going to have a "bucket" for people to pick out of or a coin dispensing machine?

If you have 2-5 machines that don't get much play, you might be able to get buy with a couple hundred tokens. If you have 30+ machines and have 50 people playing all night things change.

[vwalbridge]

I already saw that actually, but thanks for the idea.

I'm planning something similar, but I'll probably just weld up a couple of sheet metal chutes instead of buying/nodding mechs.

 

Talk about building a clock to tell time. DeL's suggestion was spot on.

I'm on a tight budget. Building a cab from scratch is expensive, as I'm sure everyone here is only too aware.
The money I would save by not buying Anymechs could go towards better glass, a tool that I need, or a bunch of tokens..

Dude, this thread is hilarious.   

Also, (as the old saying goes) if can't find $7.50 for an "any Coin mech"...then you are in the wrong hobby.

[Jamesbeat]

Okay, then throw $50 at your boyfriend on ebay and stfu?

No need to spit your pacifier out.
You answered a question I didn't ask with information that was incorrect.
Respectfully suggest that you stfu

[Jamesbeat]

I already saw that actually, but thanks for the idea.

I'm planning something similar, but I'll probably just weld up a couple of sheet metal chutes instead of buying/nodding mechs.

 

Talk about building a clock to tell time. DeL's suggestion was spot on.

I'm on a tight budget. Building a cab from scratch is expensive, as I'm sure everyone here is only too aware.
The money I would save by not buying Anymechs could go towards better glass, a tool that I need, or a bunch of tokens..

Dude, this thread is hilarious.   

Also, (as the old saying goes) if can't find $7.50 for an "any Coin mech"...then you are in the wrong hobby.

$15 for two mechs.
I have a strict budget of $250 to complete my cab (though I already have pc, monitor, encoders, controls and a few other items).
I'm broke because I just bought a new lathe, does that men I shouldn't build a cab because I don't have room in my budget for mechs I don't need?

[Jamesbeat]

I already saw that actually, but thanks for the idea.

I'm planning something similar, but I'll probably just weld up a couple of sheet metal chutes instead of buying/nodding mechs.

 

Talk about building a clock to tell time. DeL's suggestion was spot on.

I'm on a tight budget. Building a cab from scratch is expensive, as I'm sure everyone here is only too aware.
The money I would save by not buying Anymechs could go towards better glass, a tool that I need, or a bunch of tokens..

Dude, this thread is hilarious.   

Also, (as the old saying goes) if can't find $7.50 for an "any Coin mech"...then you are in the wrong hobby.

$15 for two mechs.
I have a strict budget of $250 to complete my cab (though I already have pc, monitor, encoders, controls and a few other items).
I'm broke because I just bought a new lathe, does that mean I shouldn't build a cab because I don't have room in my budget for mechs I don't need?

[lamprey]

$15 for two mechs.
I have a strict budget of $250 to complete my cab (though I already have pc, monitor, encoders, controls and a few other items).
I'm broke because I just bought a new lathe, does that men I shouldn't build a cab because I don't have room in my budget for mechs I don't need?

I think the point is that you can use the coin mechs for other types of "tokens" (i.e. Pennies) since token are probably more than the mechs.

[pbj]

Good luck, kid.

[8BitMonk]

Apparently this is WAY too rich Jamesbeat's blood but for anyone else looking for some unique arcade tokens I just picked up some from Arcade Otaku. A little pricey (~$30 with shipping for 50 tokens) but they're brand new and fairly unique.

Since the name roughly translates in 'arcade obsession' it's appropriate for most of us. 

[Jamesbeat]

Good luck, kid.

Thanks.
I already have a list of everything I need, and it comes to just under $250.
Like I said, I already have a lot of what I need.
I'm gutting my bartop and transferring the parts to an upright, not building from scratch.

[vwalbridge]

You should start a build thread under the "Project Announcement" section.

[Jamesbeat]

You should start a build thread under the "Project Announcement" section.

I was going to, but I'm not sure I want to any more.

[RandyT]

You only need one token.  Rig the coin mech so it rejects anything you put in it (or use one meant for quarters), and rig a switch into the reject path.  Pick it out of the return hole and re-use it as many times as you want

[harveybirdman]

I was going to, but I'm not sure I want to any more.

You're new around here so let me let you in on a little secret...

pbj gotta pbj


Do a project thread, and don't be troubled by peoples opinions.

[vwalbridge]

You only need one token.  Rig the coin mech so it rejects anything you put in it (or use one meant for quarters), and rig a switch into the reject path.  Pick it out of the return hole and re-use it as many times as you want

You missed the part where he wants to track how many credits are being used.

Using buttons instead of coin mechs makes it difficult to keep track of how many credits are being used, especially as there are four family members who use the machine.

[yotsuya]

You should start a build thread under the "Project Announcement" section.

I was going to, but I'm not sure I want to any more.

If you're gonna get butthurt after a little PBJing, then I think I can safely say we don't want you to, either.

[8BitMonk]

You only need one token.

[pbj]

Most of us don't use tokens for very long.  I can understand his desire to use them as I shared it briefly.  If he chunks $20 at Chuckle Cheese and uses their tokens, it gives him a chance to inexpensively test the experience.  If he decides he likes tokens, he can invest in more from e-bay when his disposable income situation improves.  If he doesn't like the tokens, he takes his kid to the arcade and they have a fun afternoon spending those tokens.

[RandyT]

You missed the part where he wants to track how many credits are being used.

Why would this be any different than a coin mech?  Or even a credit button?  Same use of a switch to send an impulse to a controller and/or counter indicating that a coin has been dropped or button pressed. 

Will each family member be getting their own branded tokens to spend in the machine? 

This is starting to sound like one of those "Mr. Lincoln, how long do you think a man’s legs should be?" questions.

Most of us don't use tokens for very long.  I can understand his desire to use them as I shared it briefly.  If he chunks $20 at Chuckle Cheese and uses their tokens, it gives him a chance to inexpensively test the experience.  If he decides he likes tokens, he can invest in more from e-bay when his disposable income situation improves.  If he doesn't like the tokens, he takes his kid to the arcade and they have a fun afternoon spending those tokens.

Best advice I have heard.    I was going to suggest just using quarters.  They only cost 25 cents each and you can always sell them for what you paid for them.

[vwalbridge]

I was going to suggest just using quarters.  They only cost 25 cents each and you can always sell them for what you paid for them.

Sorry dude...as good as that advice may be, it's still 25 cents over his budget.

[yotsuya]

That's actually sound advice. Credit where credit is due, PBJ.

[Jamesbeat]

Most of us don't use tokens for very long.  I can understand his desire to use them as I shared it briefly.  If he chunks $20 at Chuckle Cheese and uses their tokens, it gives him a chance to inexpensively test the experience.  If he decides he likes tokens, he can invest in more from e-bay when his disposable income situation improves.  If he doesn't like the tokens, he takes his kid to the arcade and they have a fun afternoon spending those tokens.

Ok, that's a sensible suggestion. If I decide I don't like tokens, I can take my daughter to Chuck E Cheese.

Can I ask what made you and others lose interest in tokens?
At the moment, I'm using my bartop and feel like I'm missing part of the experience by using buttons instead of tokens/coins.

[vwalbridge]

Can I ask what made you and others lose interest in tokens?
At the moment, I'm using my bartop and feel like I'm missing part of the experience by using buttons instead of tokens/coins.

All joking aside. I hear you. Coin mechs/tokens are nostalgic. And I'm 100% for putting them on an arcade and wiring them up. Go ahead and impress your family/friends a few times. "Wow, it works like a real arcade!"

(As they say...an arcade machine without a coin mech is just a piece of furniture that plays games)

However, after bouncing in and out of games and playing for a long night with your family and friends...the whole "find a coin and drop it in" thing starts to become a big PITA.

Keep the coin button and wire up the coin mechs...see how long you last pumping in the quarters.

And the biggest part of the "experience" for me is the games themselves.

[RandyT]

Can I ask what made you and others lose interest in tokens?
At the moment, I'm using my bartop and feel like I'm missing part of the experience by using buttons instead of tokens/coins.

The simple answer is that it's not very practical.  I have a coin door on my machine, and I used it for about a week before I set up a button combo to add credits, and never looked back.

I have a bar pool table now and it grates my last nerve digging quarters out to cycle through it, although my buddies have reached into their own pockets on more than one occasion to avoid needing to.  But they also drank way more quarters worth of my beer than that. 

[lamprey]

That's actually sound advice. Credit where credit is due, PBJ.

That's funny. When PBJ isn't being his usual ---meecrob----bag self, he gets kudos for making a sensible post. That's how bad he his.

Back on topic. Some people find using token a pain some wax nostalgic for dropping in tokens. Personally, I like dropping them in. It can take you back to the old days where you need another token to continue and you need to run to the machine to get some more before time expires. May sound silly to some, but it's the experience I want.

[yotsuya]

Yeah, personally, I love using tokens as well. It's just not the same with a coin button.

 Having said that, this isn't rocket science. Buy a lot off ebay or take Jim's advice and go from there.

[Jamesbeat]

Yeah exactly. If you're going to use buttons instead of coins for the sake of convenience, why not use a controller instead of sticks and buttons so you can sit down too?
And hey, my tv is much bigger than the screen on my cabinet etc etc.

It may well transpire that I will get bored of them quickly, but I at least want the option.

[vwalbridge]

Yeah exactly. If you're going to use buttons instead of coins for the sake of convenience, why not use a controller instead of sticks and buttons so you can sit down too?
And hey, my tv is much bigger than the screen on my cabinet etc etc.

Welp, that is not a fair comparison whatsoever.

[Jamesbeat]

Yeah exactly. If you're going to use buttons instead of coins for the sake of convenience, why not use a controller instead of sticks and buttons so you can sit down too?
And hey, my tv is much bigger than the screen on my cabinet etc etc.

Welp, that is not a fair comparison whatsoever.

I wasn't being serious really, but my point is that the further you stray away from the real machines, the less authentic the experience.

[yotsuya]

My gameroom has been on tokens for 5 years now, and I've never had a complaint.

[vwalbridge]

I wasn't being serious really, but my point is that the further you stray away from the real machines, the less authentic the experience.

I agree. So in all seriousness, please create a build thread.

[vwalbridge]

I am in the process of desiging a full-size upright Mame cab, and I intend to use coin mechs with tokens.

And you are a little behind on the authenticity if you are running MAME.

[Jamesbeat]

I am in the process of desiging a full-size upright Mame cab, and I intend to use coin mechs with tokens.

And you are a little behind on the authenticity if you are running MAME.

True enough, in fact I played a game of Paperboy with a joystick last night, but you can't have everything, right?

Anyway, big news.
I was showing my wife what an ---uvula--- pbj is, and she pointed out to me that I had in fact bought some tokens when I built my bartop!
I had originally planned to build an upright cab, but because the whole project started out as an experiment with a Raspberry Pi, I thought it would be cool to make a small machine instead.
So, I bought these tokens a couple of years ago from a Pachislo place called akimono.com.
When they arrived I was a bit disappointed because they were thinner and lighter than regular .984 tokens.

I honestly thought that I had returned them, but I guess I didn't get around to it, because my wife just pulled out a coffee can full of them (500 tokens) from the closet

They are .984 in diameter, and made of stainless steel. They are a little thinner than a standard .984 token, and because of this, and because they are stainless rather than brass, they are a little lighter.

They aren't as nice as conventional brass tokens, but they'll do for now.
I probably will invest in some Any Coin mechs to use them with.

[Token]

They aren't as nice as conventional brass tokens, but they'll do for now.
I probably will invest in some Any Coin mechs to use them with.

I knew you'd come around. 

And don't mind pbj. He's harmless, if not yet house-broken.

[Jamesbeat]

They aren't as nice as conventional brass tokens, but they'll do for now.
I probably will invest in some Any Coin mechs to use them with.

I knew you'd come around. 

And don't mind pbj. He's harmless, if not yet house-broken.

Yeah, out of curiosity, I searched for "gotta pbj"
Seems to enjoy belittling others.
Makes you wonder what he's compensating for.

[harveybirdman]

There's always one senior that has to be a bad ass.

[Jamesbeat]

There's always one senior that has to be a bad ass.

'Troll -in-Chief of the video game internet forum"

That's quite the accolade. Bet it's a hit with the ladies.

[opt2not]

'Troll -in-Chief of the video game internet forum"

That's quite the accolade. Bet it's a hit with the ladies.

pbj has mellowed out over the years. He used to be more...jagged.
I still think he's one of the more real guys here though. This forum has been riddled with fake-ass poseurs lately, or those who give faux-yet-positive-critiques. It's refreshing to have someone tell it how it is.

I don't know how much you play on a regular basis, or what your tolerance for how many times you want to open your coin boxes to re-up on tokens.  So I can't recommend an exact number, but you could just start off with a small run like 100 or something and go from there.

Personally, I never cared for tokens. If my PCB's/MAME isn't already set to Freeplay  (or can't be, like some older games), then I'd just rather use real quarters 'cause that's what I grew up with. Around where I lived, tokens were mainly used at big chain arcade places like Chuck E Cheese, etc., while all the arcades I frequented were all run on quarters. Mind, most of them were seedier places...

When I first started the hobby collecting cabinets I would be strictly a coin-up guy, for the same nostalgic reasons. But as the years went on I realized having to constantly go into my Coin boxes to re-up got annoying. These days I just want to power-up my machines and get into the game right away, not having to worry about having a coin handy.

[harveybirdman]

Not a bad guy to have on your side blocking though.

Like opt says, he speaks his mind. Best not to let it affect you.

Also I think you made your point on how you feel about him, best to move on.

I put a hidden add credit button on my build, nothing wrong with having support for coin and convenience.

[Jamesbeat]

I'll see how I get on with my 500 tokens (see my post above).
I imagine they should last a reasonably long time before I have to empty the machine, so hopefully that will counteract some of the inconvenience.

Once I have the right number figured out by using these tokens, I'll upgrade to some nicer brass ones.

[opt2not]

Out of curiosity, where or what are you going to store your tokens in when they're not in the machine? Do you have a fancy/geeky bowl or jar? Perhaps an ashtray? 

[CheffoJeffo]

A thread about tokens and nobody has even mentioned noice.

 

[Jamesbeat]

Out of curiosity, where or what are you going to store your tokens in when they're not in the machine? Do you have a fancy/geeky bowl or jar? Perhaps an ashtray?

I'm thinking of building a dispensing machine.
I have a motor and gearbox from a reciprocating saw that I'm playing around with.

[lilshawn]

get one of those nut dispensing candy type vending machines and load it full of tokens...then, you put a token in and get a handful of tokens.

 

[dezmond]

There must be a reasonable number somewhere in between those two extremes where I would only have to empty the machine, say, once a week or so.

The question is, what is that number?

42.

bwawawawawa

[slickam]

I was going to suggest just using quarters.  They only cost 25 cents each and you can always sell them for what you paid for them.

You mean I've been doing it wrong all these years?

[Token]

For those of you who use tokens or quarters etc, how much of a 'pool' do you suggest for one machine?

Had a party at the house tonight. A dozen adults and just as many kids. My playable but not-yet-finished 2-player cab was used steadily for four hours. They used 97 coins. A bit of that was kids putting in 8 coins or so before starting a game and then only using a couple credits before switching games.

If I ever go tokens only, I'll be looking at getting 100 tokens.

[BGoulette]

My plan is to use tokens as a reward system for my oldest son.  I'd go with quarters, but then all he has to do is exchange bills for coins, and my clever plan is shot With tokens, he'd only be able to play when he'd earned it. But I'm still a billion years from cutting wood, so who cares.

[Jamesbeat]

You might want to look into this carefully before buying tokens and mechs.
With the particular mechs I have, it would be difficult (perhaps impossible) to adjust them to take .984 tokens but reject quarters.

I know that such mechs do exist, but do your research carefully before buying anything.

[Jamesbeat]

Just a quick update for future reference...

I got my cab to a playable state last night.

My wife and I got drunk and played for around five hours last night.
Today, my 14 year old son invited two of his friends round, and they played games on and off for around another five hours.
Played some games with my five year old daughter this evening.

A lot of the games my son and his friends were playing were fighters that required two tokens per play.
Some were 'wasted' when people put a few in but changed games before using them up, but I think that falls under 'normal use'.

There were nine tokens left when I turned off the machine just now, so 500 turned out about right for a weekend of heavy use.

I could have gotten away with less, but it was nice not having to keep stopping to empty the coin bucket.


P.S. I'm REALLY happy I went with coin mechs/tokens rather than just buttons - it really gives it an extra element of authenticity.

My daughter wandered off with the coffee can of tokens while my wife was playing, and watching my wife scrambling for a token during a game of Ghosts n Goblins was priceless

[yotsuya]

Just a quick update for future reference...

I got my cab to a playable state last night.

My wife and I got drunk and played for around five hours last night.
Today, my 14 year old son invited two of his friends round, and they played games on and off for around another five hours.
Played some games with my five year old daughter this evening.

A lot of the games my son and his friends were playing were fighters that required two tokens per play.
Some were 'wasted' when people put a few in but changed games before using them up, but I think that falls under 'normal use'.

There were nine tokens left when I turned off the machine just now, so 500 turned out about right for a weekend of heavy use.

I could have gotten away with less, but it was nice not having to keep stopping to empty the coin bucket.


P.S. I'm REALLY happy I went with coin mechs/tokens rather than just buttons - it really gives it an extra element of authenticity.

My daughter wandered off with the coffee can of tokens while my wife was playing, and watching my wife scrambling for a token during a game of Ghosts n Goblins was priceless

To me, that's what it's all about!

[Token]

P.S. I'm REALLY happy I went with coin mechs/tokens rather than just buttons - it really gives it an extra element of authenticity.

I'm with you. There is just something about dropping in a token and hearing it activate a credit.