Advice regarding Coin doors / Mechs

[Silas (son of Silas)]

Apologies if this is posted in the wrong section, I couldn't really see where else it should go.

I am building a cab based on Koenig's 'Project Arcade' plans (Lokesen is his username on here) and I have a question regarding coin mechanisms. I have mentioned on here before that almost all of my childhood gaming memories were in the US, so for my cab I would really like to use an authentic US coin mech that takes quarters, rather than the UK mechanisms that take 10 pence pieces.

I know absolutely nothing about coin mechs. Am i correct in thinking they are nothing more than big micro switches that close a circuit when a coin is inserted?
   

[Franco B]

Yeah you are right. Most mechanical coin mechanisms are calibrated to judge whever the correct coin has been inserted (10p, 20p, 25c etc), if the coin is not correct (size/weight?) it is sent out the front of the mech and to the coin return slot. If it is correct it falls out the bottom of the mech and triggers a lever connected to a standard microswitch which you wire up as normal. The mechs are interchangeable to an extent and you get separate mechs for each denomination. You can modify some mechs to accept any coin.

There are also coin comparative mechs like [Ultimarc's Coin Mech]. This is a universal mech that you clip the required coin to and then inserted coins are validated against it. A 12v supply is need for this.

There are also electronic coin mechs that judge which type of coin(s) have been inserted and they give out pulses depending on how many credits worth have been inserted. AFAIK these are harder to get working with MAME.

There are probably some other types of coin mech but they are the ones that I know.

[SirPeale]

The mech itself uses a series of weights and size comparators to ensure that it passes an actual coin through an actuator on a microswitch.  It's much easier to see how it works if you have one in front of you.

So if you're in the UK and want to use a quarter mech (do you have a lot of quarters over there?) just buy some quarter mechs.  Hey, I happen to have some for sale!

[Silas (son of Silas)]

The mech itself uses a series of weights and size comparators to ensure that it passes an actual coin through an actuator on a microswitch.  It's much easier to see how it works if you have one in front of you.

So if you're in the UK and want to use a quarter mech (do you have a lot of quarters over there?) just buy some quarter mechs.  Hey, I happen to have some for sale!

Thanks both for you replies.

We don't have quarters over here, but they are easy enough to get hold of. in my line of work my colleagues and I make regular trips across the pond, its just a case of bringing back a few bucks worth just for the purpose of using in my arcade.

I did consider using UK coins and charging my kids to use it (try and earn back some of their school fees  , but I fifigured I was too nice for that)

SirPeale, what have you got? (pics + Description/does it work etc) and would you ship to the UK? If so what would it cost with shipping? PM me? (or post here and increase your potential market for your wares!) 

[SirPeale]

SirPeale, what have you got? (pics + Description/does it work etc) and would you ship to the UK? If so what would it cost with shipping? PM me? (or post here and increase your potential market for your wares!) 

I have two options:

1) brand new Happ brand quarter mechs.  Fits in any standard coin door.  $10 each.

2) used brown plastic quarter mechs, I forget what brand they are.  $5.00 each.

Yes, I'll ship to the UK.  No, they don't work.



















































Of course they work!  And they'll even fit in your basement.

I'm not sure on shipping at the moment, how many do you need?

[Barry Barcrest]

SirPeale, what have you got? (pics + Description/does it work etc) and would you ship to the UK? If so what would it cost with shipping? PM me? (or post here and increase your potential market for your wares!) 

I have two options:

1) brand new Happ brand quarter mechs.  Fits in any standard coin door.  $10 each.

2) used brown plastic quarter mechs, I forget what brand they are.  $5.00 each.

Yes, I'll ship to the UK.  No, they don't work.

Of course they work!  And they'll even fit in your basement.

I'm not sure on shipping at the moment, how many do you need?

How much is that free shipping to the U.K?

[Silas (son of Silas)]

SirPeale, what have you got? (pics + Description/does it work etc) and would you ship to the UK? If so what would it cost with shipping? PM me? (or post here and increase your potential market for your wares!) 

I have two options:

1) brand new Happ brand quarter mechs.  Fits in any standard coin door.  $10 each.

2) used brown plastic quarter mechs, I forget what brand they are.  $5.00 each.

I'm not sure on shipping at the moment, how many do you need?

Sorry for the slow response, I don't have particularly good internet access Tuesday-Thursday.

I don't suppose you have any coin doors kicking around too do you?

[SirPeale]

It's not a matter of having coin doors, its' a matter of "what kind of coin door do you want to go with your cab".  Conditions vary from totally rebuilt to "projects" which need total rebuilding.  All the coin doors I have are older ones, ie classic Midway doors, the ones you find on Williams machines, etc.  Let me know what you're interested in.

Oh!  I do have one pulled of a Blitz cab.  Bought it a few years back, never did anything with it.  It's in fair condition, minor paint chipping here and there.  Missing the dollar bill acceptor plate though, IIRC.

[Silas (son of Silas)]

I'll PM you...