Question about coin mechs

[archagon]

I heard that you can make the coin mechs work. If that's the case:

1) Can you change the coin required?
2) Normal arcade coin mechs probably connect to the actual game or CPU, right? Where would a coin mech on a MAME cabinet connect to?

[kevin]

1) This is handled on a game by game basis. Many games let you change the number coins by setting the DIP switches.

2) The coin mech is nothing more than a fancy switch that is only set off when the correct coin is inserted. You can simply run the wires from the switch into your keyboard encoder as you would any other button.

-Kevin

[TalkingOctopus]

1) If you mean 1 credit vs 2 credit vs free that is a game setting and you can normally change that in the service menu (F2).

2) The coin drop down and throw a switch that is just like any other button.  The coin mech microswitches connect to your keyboard encoder like any other button and are mapped to a key in MAME.

[archagon]

What I meant was, is it possible to change the coin type required (5 cents, 25 cents, etc), but I just found this thing, so question answered: http://www.happcontrols.com/index.html?http://www.amusementsplus.com/press/covertcoin.htm!

Actually, that brings me to another question. What if the cabinet I get already has a coin mech? Is it possible to replace it with that one? Also, if a cabinet has 2 coin slots, will that require 2 coin mechs? Oh, and where are the actual coins gathered?

Whew. One last thing. Where can I buy the lock used in coin doors? I'm planning to add a drawer housing my keyboard and mouse, and that kind of lock seems perfect.

Thanks. I'm new to the scene

Edit by moderator: fixed URL

[JustMichael]

What I meant was, is it possible to change the coin type required (5 cents, 25 cents, etc), but I just found this thing, so question answered: http://www.happcontrols.com/index.html?http://www.amusementsplus.com/press/covertcoin.htm!

Yes, but most would need several pieces changed that would be difficult and often more costly than a new coin mech.

Actually, that brings me to another question. What if the cabinet I get already has a coin mech? Is it possible to replace it with that one? Also, if a cabinet has 2 coin slots, will that require 2 coin mechs? Oh, and where are the actual coins gathered?

Yes. Coin mechs can be removed and replaced.  I use a couple Imonex coin mechs that accept tokens or quarters.  Since the coins fall down through the coin mech, they gather below the coin mech.  Most cabs have a bucket for easy removal of tokens/coins.

Whew. One last thing. Where can I buy the lock used in coin doors? I'm planning to add a drawer housing my keyboard and mouse, and that kind of lock seems perfect.

Bob Roberts sells coin door locks.  I believe he also sells a set for the coin door and back door that are keyed alike.

Thanks. I'm new to the scene

[DarkKobold]

Peale also has a deal for coin door locks.

[mp2526]

Some coin mechs can be adjusted to accept varying sizes.  Some can't.  Do you have a specific size coin you are looking to use?

[SirPeale]

Peale also has a deal for coin door locks.

Hey, so I do!

I actually have a webpage of stuff I have for sale.  I really should post the URL sometime.

[paigeoliver]

You can also get coin door locks at most hardware stores, they are a standard barrel "cabinet lock", the only difference is the hardware store ones use flat keys, while the REAL ones use round keys.

[Stingray]

Peale's locks are top notch and a real bargain. They are definitely of a higher quality than I really need, but they look & work great.

-S

[Minwah]

I don't know about in the US, but on UK ebay there are *always* arcade barrel locks for sale pretty cheap.

[SirPeale]

I don't know about in the US, but on UK ebay there are *always* arcade barrel locks for sale pretty cheap.

There seem to be here in the US as well, but I've found that you buy the lock for say $2.39, but get charged $6.00 to ship it.  One guy will do this for either one lock or 100, same shipping price, but who's getting 100?

[JustMichael]

I bet Peale is getting 100...  

[SirPeale]

I bet Peale is getting 100...  

Not from eBay!  I get them wholesale.

[egomaniacal1]

Does anyone know if there are coin mechs made that accept dollar bills?

Was just thinking it would be neat to have one of those and not always have to have quarters on hand.

[mp2526]

Does anyone know if there are coin mechs made that accept dollar bills?

Was just thinking it would be neat to have one of those and not always have to have quarters on hand.

It's not a coin mech per say, but rather a dollar bill acceptor.

[crashwg]

They are known as Bill Validators, they are hooked up in the same way as coin mechs but with a couple acceptions,  they need power, which can be taken from a pc, I think, or their own adaptor, and when a bill is inserted they send pulses instead of just one button press and you can set the ammount of pulses usualy with dip switches on the side of the validator.

Validators can often be found on ebay by the way.