Q: How difficult is it to remove coin door mechs?

[Corporate Dog]

Hey, everyone... after my first, real, successful woodworking project (a 'rocking moose' I built for my parents/their future grandkids) I've decided that my next project MUST be a MAME cabinet.

Right now I'm just doing the research, but I had a REALLY cool idea about what I could do with a coin door. In particular, I'd like to hide a number of PC components behind it: the power/reset buttons, a DVD drive, a removable hard drive cage, and a number of USB ports (so I can quickly hook up some alternative controllers like a steering wheel or a light gun).

Ideally, I'd like to be able to access the power buttons and USB ports even when the coin door is closed. To that end, I'd like the coin return buttons on the door to trigger the power/reset buttons, and I'd like to be able to access the USB ports through the change return compartments.

Obviously, I can't do this with coin mechs in the way (and I don't really care about them anyway). I've been looking at THESE coin doors over at HAPP...

http://www.happcontrols.com/pc/accessories/40071300.htm

... and I had the following questions:

1.) Am I correct in assuming that these coin doors DON'T come with the mechs, and are for cosmetic purposes only?

2.) If so, what does the back side of this door look like? In particular, is there any kind of side or back to the change return compartments which would prevent me from accessing USB ports through them? Or are the compartments usually part of the mechs, and the door just has the door flaps?

3.) If not, how easy is it to remove the mechs (for that matter, is it even possible)?

Thanks for your help, and I'm sure this won't be the last question I ask!

Regards,
Corporate Dog

[Minwah]

1.) Am I correct in assuming that these coin doors DON'T come with the mechs, and are for cosmetic purposes only?

Correct, the mechs do not come with coin doors.

2.) If so, what does the back side of this door look like? In particular, is there any kind of side or back to the change return compartments which would prevent me from accessing USB ports through them? Or are the compartments usually part of the mechs, and the door just has the door flaps?

The coin return 'compartment' is part of the mech - usually there is nothing behind the door.  I have an over/under door, and the small bolts which hold the mechs in also hold in the coin slot and coin return bezels (the raised bits).  I see no problem with what you intend to do

Good luck!

Edit: thinking about it you may have to do something to hold the coin return buttons in place - usually they are spring loaded against the coin mech...I'll have a look at mine when I get home...

[Thenasty]

for USB connection, i think its better if you make the hole underneath or the side of the door and place the usb connection there and not inside the coin return box. I'll post a pic of it, I have to edit the one you posted. Here is a pic where you could put the USB coonection.

[Corporate Dog]

for USB connection, i think its better if you make the hole underneath or the side of the door and place the usb connection there and not inside the coin return box.

Errrmmm... why?

For starters, I figure that coin door is pretty heavy duty (correct me if I'm wrong). Any kind of holes I want to drill/cut in it, would probably have to be done with equipment I don't have.

Then there's the fact that I want to CAMOUFLAGE the USB ports. I could just as easily cut holes in my cabinet/control panel, but then they'd be visible*. The coin return flaps will cover them, but also allow me to access them when I need to.

I dunno. I kinda like the idea of having my PC interfaces all hanging out in the same general vicinity.

At any rate, thanks for the help, guys!

Regards,
Corporate Dog

* Yeah, I could probably stick the ports underneath my CP (like I intend to do with my 'credit' button) but I think I genuinely dig the idea of using the coin return compartment for an alternate use. It's a personal preference thing.

[Thenasty]

all mentioned here will be all suggestions. I see that if you do put in the Coin Return Box (still need to make a hole) I think it will be a pain the arse when you want to connect your usb. Maybe I got a BIG fingers and seems likes a pain for me to connect it. Like anything that will be mentioned/suggested here, it will still be your call.

[Stingray]

Actually I think hiding the USB ports behind the coin return flaps is a pretty neat idea if you aren't planning on making the coin door functional. Just my two quarters.

-S