Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: rhoelsch on March 16, 2004, 09:54:24 pm
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Ok, I've been researching this on and off for some time now, and it's finally time to get this thing going...
I want to light my coin door lights via my pc power supply and have so far determined that I have the following options:
1. Order leds from somewhere like superbrightleds.com (better for longevity and look pretty good)-- Do I have to build a LED driver? (seems tedious) If not, is there a specific part # that's popular around here for red returns? I think I've got 3/8" holes to work with. Radio Shack seems useless in this dept., am I correct?
or
2. Find 14V bulbs from an auto supply store, find holders that will match the bulbs and in the width I need from somewhere. Do I have to worry about the amout of current drawn in either case?
The door's a vertical over/under that's got SEGA 1985 on it (forget the manuf., think it starts with an A.) The fixtures included are all corroded and I can't get the bulbs outa the holders. Am I overcomplicating things here, or is there something I'm missing? I guess I'm looking for someone to say "ok, just buy this and this and you're set." Please help--it ain't the same w/o the pretty lights...
Thanks! --R
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I used 12V automotive bulbs and ran the power straight from a drive connector. No sweat, no problems.
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If you want to go with incandescent light, the holder is Happ part # 42-0351-00 and the bulb is Happ part # 91-1219-00 (I'm getting these from http://www.happcontrols.com/coindoors/40700000_exploded.htm). They're technically 14V bulbs, but you can supply them with 12V from your PC power supply with no problem.
If you want to go with LEDs, you can get the 4-cluster or 6-cluster bulbs from http://www.superbrightleds.com/1157.htm, and they'll fit right into the Happ part # 42-0351-00 holder. They have resistors built right into them, so all you have to do is supply them with 12V and you're good to go. No driver required.
Couple of articles/review on the superbrights:
http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/superbright.html
http://www.blurbco.com/%7Egork/mamecab/coinleds/
I got the 6-cluster superbrights for my coin returns, and they look awesome. Hope this helps!
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It definately helps. Thanks! My holders are probably the same as the Happs (as far as I can tell): got that slot where you slide the holder onto a metal tab just above the hole for the light. If I can salvage the holders, are bulbs that fit these things pretty popular? Hoping I just have to stop by a local store instead of ordering from Happs, if possible...
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It definately helps. Thanks! My holders are probably the same as the Happs (as far as I can tell): got that slot where you slide the holder onto a metal tab just above the hole for the light. If I can salvage the holders, are bulbs that fit these things pretty popular? Hoping I just have to stop by a local store instead of ordering from Happs, if possible...
Yeah, Happs is probably the most expensive way to get ANYTHING. ;) From what I understand, they are "car bulbs", so an auto store would probably be your best bet. If you can, just take the holder in with ya!
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I just got a coin door a few days ago and am doing the same things. One of my lights works, the other needs a new bulb. I understand Wal-Mart or any automotive supply house should have them for < $1. Look for bulb #161. It is a 14V, 2watt T3 1/4" socket wedge bulb.
Those 4 or 6 bulb LCD's look tempting, and I may end up there, but I figure I will go with stock bulbs first.
Dave
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I used 12V automotive bulbs and ran the power straight from a drive connector. No sweat, no problems.
Ditto.
-S
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You wanna really light those suckers up, use bulbs for Malibu lights. :) I lit four up with a spare 12V 1.5A AC adapter I had left over from some long-missing piece of equipment....