Ususally, what voltage are quarter slot lights?

[killbill]

Hi,

Anyone know what voltage quarter slots light run at?  Also, are they usually AC or DC?

I'm asking because I'm trying to hack a 12V DC transformer to make it light three quarter slots lights.
I wanted to ask before I blew the lights, or ruined the transformer.

Thanks.

[mp2526]

You should be fine with 12 vdc for most coin doors.

[MonitorGuru]

In Midway cocktails...14 volts.  (or at least 12 volt bulbs run HOT at 14 volts from the transformer, AC)

If you're "hacking" a DC transformer, I presume you mean a wall-wart, like the block used to plug in a 1980's Nintendo or Sega home system?  If so, they typically won't have enough amps.  A 12 volt light bulb will pull at least 1 amp of power if not 2, and most wall warts only have 1/3 to 1/2 an amp (300 ma to 500ma).  You will burn up the power supply in no time (and risk fire as it melts the plastic shell).  

There was another thread in the last few days about cocktail lighting in this form where this was talked about.  You best bet would be to find an old AT power supply out of an old Pentium 2 or older system and use it, as they usually had about 6-8 amps on the 12 volt line.

Or you can use high intensity LED's instead as they draw miliamps of power (10-20ma?)


BTW a Nintendo transformer was 10 volts AC at about 1 amp, so it might power a single light. Sega supplies were 10 volts DC at 850 miliamps IIRC.  Dunno if this is what you have, but definitely don't try to power a 12 volt car light bulb with an answering machine/cordless phone sized power brick.

[whammoed]

Happ doors for example come standard with #161 14V DC wedge base bulbs.  This type draws 0.19 amps each.  Other types will draw more amps, for example type #168 draws 0.35 amps.  They run fine at 12V DC.  Check the amp rating on the transformer definately.  Strongly consider using LED's though.  If you pick an led of the same color as your coin insert it can look just as good and you don't even need to worry about current draw plus there isn't that pesky side effect of heat generation.
Here is a link to the LED's:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/1157.htm

[MinerAl]

I ran a wall wart to an old fashioned automotive 12-14v lamp.  Lots of people use the 12v from their PC.  I have not burned down anything.  

The wall wart I used is a variable output from 4.5 to 12 volts.  It will actually light the bulb at all of those settings, just brighter the more volts applied.  I have mine set at 9 volts and it's plenty bright in my game room.  Not sure what the amps of the wall wart is, but it doesn't get overly hot for me.

[Ken Layton]

Well, if you're talking about a used coin door, lamp voltage depends on the game it came out of and whether the bulbs were bayonet base or wedge base. Roughly 50% used 6 volt bilbs and 50% used 12 volt bulbs.

Personally I like to use 6 volt bulbs running off of the +5 volt DC from the game power supply. Bulbs last a lot longer that way.

[RoninEditor]

Sorry to dig up this old topic but is the concensus that the regular Happ LED coindoor bulbs are fine with the 5V?  Won't be too dim? 

Also, I see there's a + and -... don't laugh too hard, but which one gets the ground?  I'm assuming negative...?