Solved- Coin/Money Controls SR3 coin mech, connection for mame

[Franco B]

I have a couple of SR3 coin mechs. I would like to use one in a Naomi for mame credits. Is it possible to connect the SR3 directly to an IPAC etc or would I need to use something like the [PcCredit7 board] or the [ccTalk PCI Board]? (<PDF).

Could either of the latter be configured to output keystrokes?

[Franco B]

No one? I guess these mechs are not commonly used with mame as most people use a mechanical mech. I want to use an electronic one as that's the type that I was used to when I was younger (and generally still today in fact).

The coinage inserted gave you extra credits if you inserted a higher value coin. The most common set up for the standard cheaper games used to be one credit for 30p, two for 50p or five for £1. (I never had a whole pound back then!    )

[Here] is an example of a Sentinel coin mech used for a similar application. I actually first saw this page many moons ago before I built my first cab and its always been something I have wanted to implement. I need to use the SR3 mech as they fit in my Naomis and because I have two sat here doing nothing 

I'll send some messages out to the companies and see what I can find out. I'll let you know if I find anything.

[Kevin Mullins]

Regardless of how the mech is interfaced with the PC, I think the question would be whether MAME or any other software will actually communicate with that interface.

I've personally never messed with any of that.

[Franco B]

Well the answer was staring me in the face.  I'm planning on using a [JVS-PAC] which is a board which attaches to the JVS and sends keystokes to the PC. Its similar to an IPAC but you dont need to wire controls dircetly to it as the controls are already wired to the JVS.



Anyway, I spoke to the guy who makes them and he has told me that electronic coin mechs works with it to and it outsputs coin keystokes in the same way, happy days! 

I just need to get a klingon etc credit board to attach the coin mech to the JVS system.

[Turnarcades]

Interesting to read this, as being in the UK I too remember most arcade cabinets carrying the same kind of universal mech that fruit machines did, though often with a credit board to allow 'bulk buy' credit bonuses (ie. early on it was 20p for 1 credit, 50p for 3 credits and 7 credits for £1). Many customers have also asked if we can fit those type of coin mechs for the same reason as you Franco and I too thought it wouldn't be possible. I imagine most wouldn't want the expense of all these components anyway so a mechanical mech is sufficient for most as it merely replicates the old 'stooping to drop the coin in' motion.

One point I'd like to raise though is that I'm sure the I-Pac family of interfaces is supposed to accept a 5v signal, which is why their coin mech/door comes with a 5.5v zener diode to prevent damage to the interface by a 12v signal. I'm sure many people hook coin mechs up direct to their I/J/Mini-Pac but I was under the impression this was not advised as most send a 12v signal. Can you, or even Andy, clarify?

Very cool you've sussed it though. 

[Franco B]

I was just going to put a mechanical mech in if I couldn't figure this out but I'm glad its possible. The 'bonus' credit scheme is what I remember and its all about trying to replicate the days gone by. 

Btw, I'm not sure if you were thinking this (although its easy to see why if you were) but the JVS-PAC isn't made by Ultimarc. Its a project of another guy. He asked Andy if he minded him using the *-PAC but he said it was ok.

[Turnarcades]

I was just going to put a mechanical mech in if I couldn't figure this out but I'm glad its possible. The 'bonus' credit scheme is what I remember and its all about trying to replicate the days gone by. 

Btw, I'm not sure if you were thinking this (although its easy to see why if you were) but the JVS-PAC isn't made by Ultimarc. Its a project of another guy. He asked Andy if he minded him using the *-PAC but he said it was ok.

It's the I-Pac I was concerned about, as surely the coin signal going to the I-Pac from that board is still 12v?

[Franco B]

There isn't a I-PAC involved at all. It goes coin mech>credit board>JVS-PAC>PC.

[Turnarcades]

Oh yeah just re-read your posts. Your first post mentioned an I-Pac so I didn't really get where it fit into the equation.

[ade]

Hi,

I know this is a slightly old thread, but I do know of a product that will work with electronic coin acceptors/bill validators with mame because I wrote the software for it (and specifically with MAME in mind!).

The interface can be supplied to work with ccTalk, SSP or Pulse devices and appears as a USB HID keyboard.  The interface can be configured to select what key is output when a credit is accepted, and coins/notes can be configured for partial, full or multiple credits. (i.e the interface will totalise and will only output a keystroke when the total exceeds the credit value, so you can set up how much a credit actually costs).

The ccTalk version can connect to multiple devices at once, so you can connect a bill validator and coin acceptor to the same interface.

I'm not sure of the rules here regarding linking to the product in question, so I won't provide a link.

It's been a long time since I've been here, it must be at least 6 years since I built my arcade controller (with a friend), brings back memories of standing in the car park of B&Q because the MDF wouldn't fit inside my mates car!

[mateidragos]

Hello. I have the same challenge to solve. I have a sr3 and need to get keysrokes whenever credit is added.

I saw that you posted something about keyboard emulation software working with cctalk protocol. Can I find it somewhere?

Do you have other suggestions?

I can also create a software but I will need some help, if possible.

Thank you very much.

[PL1]

Since inquiries about ccTalk software usually land a post in Post Hell, here are a few suggestions to avoid that fate.

Legal versions of the ccTalk software:
 - Use a proprietary communication protocol
 - Require both software writers and the users to sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) concerning the protocol
 - Almost all are expensive ($2000+)

Please do not request information that would violate the NDA. (See Rule 5)

If you would like more information on this subject, please PM lilshawn or ed12.


Scott
EDIT:  There appears to be some . . . lack of clarity . . . concerning this topic.  Will update if I can figure out the correct and accurate information.

[PL1]

Lilshawn reminded me that you can hook up an SR3 coin acceptor through the 10 pin connector to a keyboard encoder (I-Pac, etc.) since it acts like a switch on it's outputs.

There are many threads on the subject -- use the search button at the top of the page, keywords "coin acceptor diode"

No need to mess with ccTalk.   


Scott