HELP! Power considerations for a Mame cab?

[retroshaun]

Hi
I was thinking of converting a generic Taito style cocktial table to a Mame cab using the J-Pac system. However there are a few things I have no idea how to tackle, mostly power related. Please assume zero knowledge of electronics! :-)

1) The cab is all original in terms of power. What do I keep, what can I trash? Do I need the isolation transformer for the monitor?

2) Assuming the above, how do I route power to the PC motherboard? Do I splice straight into the existing power supply somehow or do I install a PC power supply and somehow hook that up to the power cord? If so, how???!

3) I have heard that the PC should be powered up before the monitor... is this true and, if so, why and how is it usually achieved?

4) Will I need anything other than joystick and buttons to control, for example, ArcadeOS? IE Should the finished cab retain a mouse/keyboard or some similar controls for selecting game etc?

Thanks guys
Shaun

[chanson]

I can help with a few of these items.

1 - If you're going to use the arcade monitor (sounds like yes), you do need the isolation transformer.

2 - You need to add a PC power supply.  I wouldn't trust my motherboard to a hacked version of the arcade one.

3 - Don't know this one.

4 - I'd seriously consider getting a wireless keyboard / mouse so that if you have to get into the system to tweak things, you can easily.  For normal operation, you won't need it, but you can leave the receiver inline with your JPAC, and just use the kbd, mouse when you need them.