Coin Chutes and MAME

[Xenepp]

Hi there!

I'm new to the board and want to properly introduce myself, since I think I may feel quite at home here!

No prizes for guessing my hobbies and interests  

My first question:

This may seem like a silly question and I may get flamed (and rightly so) for this, but how have you guys hooked up your coin chutes?

I was planning on having  the chutes work as normal for that extra "real feel" (and make the neatest money box ever  ) and have the coin reject buttons hooked up to the freeplay mach for when I'm feeling cheap  .

Does MAME recognise these mechs in some way, or do the coin mechs simply put out a voltage to denote a credit? I did have a coin mech from my old apachee 3 cab (it's in a better place) but binned it thinking I'd never need it...

Don't you just hate that?  

 -Joel

[Minwah]

In the main forum check out the BYOAC FAQ sticky - it has a load of info for questions like this.  Look here:

http://www.ecst.csuchico.edu/~darrelld/newbie.html#Coin%20Door

Note that most stuff about coin doors is intended for single-coin type mechs, as opposed to (commonly European) multi-coin mechs like I remember in English arcades (I see you are in the UK ).  It is possible to wire up the multi-coin type mechs, but for the effort/cost involved I would avoid that type if possible and stick with single-coin microswitch type mechs.

PS Look on ebay.co.uk for coin doors/mechs - I got a Happ over/under door inc. 2x 20p mechs for

[Stingray]

how have you guys hooked up your coin chutes?

The coin mech directs the coin to a switch which it triggers as it drops. This switch can be connected to your encoder or hacked keyboard the same as any other switch.

-S

[Xenepp]

This switch can be connected to your encoder or hacked keyboard the same as any other switch.

-S

Now why didnt I think of THAT?!  

I really didn't know the dual chute mechs were a european thing.

I think the whole arcade thing is great for us Brits, since alot of us live close to the sea (at least driving distance) and that means rows and rows of arcades.

If ebay produces nothing, I may just have to pay a visit to a friend or two down at my local arcades (which is a great excuse to gawp at the mountains of old boards and parts  )

Much appriciated guys!