Computer speaker volume control question

[killbill]

Hi,

I'm using computer speakers as of now.  They are located behind the marquee.  Very hard to get to the volume control.

I have a hole down by the coin slots that would be perfect for a volume knob.

Is there a such thing as a volume control unit that I can input from the computer and output to the speakers?

Any help or suggestions are truly appreciated.
Thanks

[MnMCaputo]

let me give you the link, this should help.  some of the other people are less patient with us new guys

http://www.oscarcontrols.com/volume/

[crashwg]

Also, there are in-line volume controls normally used for headphones that would probably work.  Check Wal*Mart and the shack for things like that.

Aditionally, if you have a sound blaster card, there's a place on the card that you can hook up momentary contact pushbuttons (arcade button) to control the system volume.  If you're interested in that give me the word and I'll try and find it.

[killbill]

Thanks for the help guys.

No, I don't have a SoundBlaster card.

Thanks.

[wakerlet]

you could use the following:

http://www.besthomesystems.com/audio/Audio_header.asp?row=3

[Goz]

Here's another option:

http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powermate/

I am thinking of selling one that I have. Didn't want the bling bling factor that the blue light sports, but you could mount this thing with velcro, etc anywhere you want.

If you want to go this route PM me and will see if we can work a deal.


 Another option would be to replace the speakers with something like Creative Inspire 2.1 which has a remote power / volume control.

http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/creative-2700slim/

you should be able to find the creative set for $20 - $25 at places like WALMART, etc
-Goz

[pmc]

One thing you could do is separate the volume contols from the speakers:

Shell the PC speakers. Usually one of them has the PCB with amp, volume pot, power switch, and connectors on it. The other shell just has a speaker in it.

Install the actual speakers where you want them (behind the marquee).

Install the PCB where you want the volume control and extend the volume control out of the cabinet (or drill a hole so you can reach in or something). Mine looks a little like the one on Oscar's page.

Extend the audio wires from the PCB back to the speakers by splicing in a new section.

Worked great for me. The handy volume knob is something I use more often than most of the other CP controls!

Good luck!

[unclet]

I thought I needed a volume control knob as well but soon realized I could simply change the volume via the Windows Volume Control window which is located on the task bar.   This worked for most all Mame game I was interested in playing, however, if I wanted to change the volume up/down during gameplay I could use the volume adjustment option in Mame.

[rsoandrew]

Does the volume vary much in the games?

My cabinet is in progress and I just gutted some pc speakers and connected them to the speakers that came with the cabinet. I then mounted the control inside the coin door. I didn't figure I'd have to adjust it too often as I don't like it too loud. I was planning on setting it once and leaving it.

During the testing phase, I hooked up my mp3 player and it sounds fine.

[FractalWalk]

I mounted my speaker PCB in the marquee and drilled a hole to allow access to the volume knob.  Since the knob didn't stick all the way through my 5/8 MDF I extended it by fitting it with a plastic replacement car door lock. I had to drill it out a bit but it fits snuggly and works great.

I also used a jack extension cord to mount a headphone jack next to the volume knob.

[pmc]

I also used a jack extension cord to mount a headphone jack next to the volume knob.

Ooh ooh. Aweshum! I need that too! But maybe I'll go wireless too!  

Incidentally, my volume knob installation is very similiar to yours and I'm very happy with it (and glad I bothered to do it too).

[JustMichael]

What I did was remove the pot on the speaker amp board and connect 2 loooong wires to where it used to be.  I then ran these wires up to a new pot that I bought at Radio Shack which had the same specs as the old pot (5k (I think) and linear taper).  I put the pot up out of the way and it makes it so nice to be able to adjust the sound with a turn of a knob.

Here is a pic of the pot above (the white stuff is hot glue to keep the pot from turning):


And here is a pic from the underside: