The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: SpaceParanoid on June 21, 2025, 02:35:17 pm

Title: Sanity check on my proposed power setup
Post by: SpaceParanoid on June 21, 2025, 02:35:17 pm
First-time cab build powered by a mini PC (BigBox front end) and just wanted to see if I'm on the right track with this proposed power setup. Any feedback appreciated, still quite new at this:

Current plan:

1) Inline rocker switch STARELO Extension Cord Switch https://tinyurl.com/4h5bxayr (https://tinyurl.com/4h5bxayr)  This would poke out from the inside of the cab in the back through a cutout, plugs into the wall and the female end receives the Master/slave smart power strip below.

2) Master/slave smart power strip TrickleStar TS0006 4 Outlet Powertap  https://tinyurl.com/3nv3c7ns (https://tinyurl.com/3nv3c7ns)   is plugged into #1 and PC is plugged into the master outlet of this. PC is Mini PC Beelink SER6 PRO Mini PC W11 Pro (PC plug says 19V, 6.32A) and BIOS auto boots with power and auto-launches BigBox with a scheduled task.

3) Regular power strip for rest of components: ALESTOR Surge Protector https://tinyurl.com/ypta6r6z (https://tinyurl.com/ypta6r6z) is plugged into a slave outlet of #2 and contains the rest of these peripherals:


4) Power up the whole system with #1, then shut down the system from an arcade button either mapped to BigBox command or map to a script that runs a shutdown command.



I know I should use a panel-mount C14 inlet with fused switch instead of #1 but I’m just being scared, honestly. I’ve learned how to wire CPs and crimp QDs and Dupont connectors, but I have an irrational fear of doing big-boy AC wiring and burning my house down. I wish there was just a better professionally made option like this one (out of stock)  https://tinyurl.com/yc7kw9xt (https://tinyurl.com/yc7kw9xt)

Also you might suggest I just get a bigger smart power strip with more slave outlets instead of patching in yet another powerstrip. I’ve just found a lot of those plugs have big footprints and just need their own dedicated strip to fit. Wasn’t sure if this was bad practice though.

Sorry for the wall of text, but if you’ve read this far I do appreciate it!