push button for power...

[zabrin]

I was just wondering if anyone every used a good 'ol Happ push button to turn on their arcade. The cherry switch is rated for it I do believe. Just wanted to hear the experts thoughts on the matter...Thanks

Z.

[BobA]

A regular happs PB is momentary so you have to connect the PB to something that will turn on your cab such as your PC and a relay.  The momentary contact on a regular PB only supplies power when it is pressed.

[bluevolume]

My plan for my MAME cabinet is this (though I haven't actually put it together yet).

The the motherboard power switch connection would be routed to a regular game button, probably located next to the original cabinet power switch.  (that switch would still be there, but would be used to cut power to the entire box).  In Windows control panel, tie the power switch to the 'hibernate' function.  Now, when the button is pushed, the computer hibernates, push it again and it turns back on.

For the rest of the cabinet's components, I have a solid-state relay that will be mounted to the inside of the cabinet.  The trigger side will be connected to the 5v leads from a stripped USB cable, which is then connected to the motherboard.

This is just my idea, putting together my experience with PCs and electronics.  Someone here with more arcade experience probably has some better ideas.

[zabrin]

That's right Boba, I went to my local Sears and picked up the automatic power switch. I was thinking that I could get a red nova gem as my cab power button. One button turn on. Just was wondering if anyone else had tried a regular PB in this manner.

[rockin_rick]

The trigger side will be connected to the 5v leads from a stripped USB cable, which is then connected to the motherboard.

I'd suggest using the PS +5V source, rather than the USB +5V source.  The USB can be setup to provide +5V all the time (+5VSB), and while I'm not sure, some devices (like a U360) may want the always on +5V power (thus ruining your turn on plan).  Even if right now you don't think that you will be using +5VSB, you may want to in the future...

Rick
 

[vidmouse]

The the motherboard power switch connection would be routed to a regular game button, probably located next to the original cabinet power switch.  (that switch would still be there, but would be used to cut power to the entire box).

This is how I power my cab.  I got an extra red (nothing like
a big red button) that I used to hook to the motherboard
where my PC on/off switch used to hook to.  That was a
momentary switch so I figured it could serve the same
function and it does.  I actually wired my TV do do the same
(see my website if you want to see how) but later
realized my TV remembers power-on and channel settings
when I unplug it, so I just route everything to a single
standard power strip bar use that to power on everything
and then the red button (now mounted on the rear of my CP box)
for the PC.

Ok, so it's two buttons not one but still the best I've got
w/o buying a smart strip...

[javeryh]

I use a happs mini pushbutton to power my cab on and off.  I wired it to the pins on the motherboard and everything is plugged into a smartstrip.  Works like a charm!

[ARTIFACT]

I use a happs mini pushbutton to power my cab on and off.  I wired it to the pins on the motherboard and everything is plugged into a smartstrip.  Works like a charm!

Exactly what I plan to do! Golad to read again that it works well.

I couldnt find a smart strip at home depot + lowes for some reason... what model do you suggest?

[severdhed]

i have a standard pushbutton wired to my motherboard where the normal pc power button would connect.  it is mounted on the top of the cabinet.  everything is plugged into a craftsman smart strip that i bought at Sears for $20.  turn on the PC, everything else turns on...very simple and relatively cheap.

[bluevolume]

I'd suggest using the PS +5V source, rather than the USB +5V source.  The USB can be setup to provide +5V all the time (+5VSB), and while I'm not sure, some devices (like a U360) may want the always on +5V power (thus ruining your turn on plan).  Even if right now you don't think that you will be using +5VSB, you may want to in the future...

Rick
 

Good call.  I was originally going to wire mine up that way, but I thought the USB would be cleaner.  I wasn't taking into account that the USB current is probably continuous as long as the actual power supply is live.

[ARTIFACT]

I *JUST* wired a Happ Pushbutton to my motherboard - extending the existing power button's wires to the back of my cab

WORKS GREAT!



I'll check SEARS for the craftsman smart power strip

[Paul Olson]

I just hooked up a Happs PB and the sears smart strip. I don't think it gets much easier than this. When I drilled the hole in the top of my cabinet to mount the PB, I used the shopvac to suck everything up as I went. No mess.

Paul

[javeryh]

I couldnt find a smart strip at home depot + lowes for some reason... what model do you suggest?

I always get mine from smartstrip.com and they've been great.

[zabrin]

Yes it is, the sears strip and the Happs PB, the real easy way to go. It works like a charm. Ordered my Nova Gem (for my power button) and TurboTwist 2 last night. My cab is almost done. Next is artwork from Mamemarquees.

Z.

[BobA]

I couldnt find a smart strip at home depot + lowes for some reason... what model do you suggest?

I always get mine from smartstrip.com and they've been great.

smartstrip.com redirects to a filefolder lableing system now.

Try

http://catalog.bitsltd.us/power_strips/