Something new as a powerswitch for your cab.

[picasso]

Here is an idea I have not seen and it seems it will work fine on my cab.  Others may want to give it a shot if their computer will support it.   In some of the newer computer Bios settings you can set it so that the keyboard or mouse will turn your computer on when a button is pushed on the keyboard or the mouse is moved.   Just set it and when you push a button on your control panel it will automatically start your computer.   That coupled with a smart UPS should be pretty cool.

                             Paul

[AlanS17]

Some people have mentioned doing that. I checked my BIOS a few days ago, but unfortunately I don't have that option.

[pointdablame]

I've done this before and it works just fine, however, I found one thing very important.

The INSTANT that anyone comes to your house and sees your machine they will grab the joystick or press some buttons, thus turning your computer on.  Now, it may not seem like a big deal, but it drove me nuts when people would just walk by with no intention of playing and tap a button.... then I had to go shut it all down.

I use a hidden power switch now for that reason.

[RayB]

Cats also make this completely inconvenient.

[AlanS17]

My newest project won't even have an external power switch. The switch will be inside the coin door.

[picasso]

Yea,  I guess I forgot about nieces and nephews as well.   

[rescue161]

My newest project won't even have an external power switch. The switch will be inside the coin door.

This is exactly what I did with mine.

[Hoopz]

My cabinet is powered on by a button and it works well.  My kids know which one to hit to power it on.

I also have one setup to shut everything down.  The only problem with that is my 3 year old daughter hits that button when she is done regardless of anyone else...which drives my 6 year old son absolutely crazy. 

I may change it later but it seems fine for now.

[M3talhead]

My newest project won't even have an external power switch. The switch will be inside the coin door.

This is exactly what I did with mine.

I've got my cab setup to where when the power cord is plugged into the wall, it turns on the monitor and speakers automatically. Then, just inside the coin door, I ran the power button for the PC. This setup will change in a few weeks when my BITS Limited Smart Strip arrives. Once I get that hooked up, I'll be able to leave the power cord plugged in all the time without the monitor and speakers powered on, and control everything using the PC power button.

[Q*Bert_OP]

My Pac-Mame(TM) is set so as soon as I turn on all of the games by switch, the computer starts automatically