Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Will on October 18, 2007, 03:41:06 pm

Title: Extension for computer power button.
Post by: Will on October 18, 2007, 03:41:06 pm
Well after a three year delay (ty world of warcraft). I'm finally finishing up my project and was wondering about powering on/off my system.Since my computer is inside the cab and reaching in every time is kind of a pain.Was wondering if i just snip the two wires that are running to the button in front and than add splice in some extension wire and maybe hook those into a happ pushbutton?I think this will work but i'm a bit afraid to cut the button wire if i ever have to switch computers or use this computer for something else.I did a search but did not find the answer i was looking for.

I wonder if i hold the record for longest delay in completing a mame cabinet?Anyways I am on my way to the garage for wiring fun should have some pics to share soon. YAY!
Title: Re: Extension for computer power button.
Post by: javeryh on October 18, 2007, 04:11:23 pm
That will work fine.  I wired my cocktail cab the same way.
Title: Re: Extension for computer power button.
Post by: DaOld Man on October 18, 2007, 04:17:23 pm
Thats what I did on my arcade cabs, but I didnt cut the wires going to the computer button, I just spliced into them, so computer can be turned on with panel happ button or computer button.
Probably not necessary, but if computer ever fails to turn on, second step would be to try the computer's button. This would eliminate a bad happ switch or wire connection right off the bat.
Title: Re: Extension for computer power button.
Post by: ratzz on October 18, 2007, 05:10:39 pm
Using a SmartStrip also seems to be a popular option, from what I read. HTH  :cheers:
Title: Re: Extension for computer power button.
Post by: SteveJ34 on October 18, 2007, 05:52:26 pm
If you don't want to split or cut the wires in the case that you have installed, just find an old case and cut a 2 position wire from that to plug into your motherboard in place of the one to your front panel and extend your wires based upon where you wish to place the button.

If you do not have a donor case or box of wires to get this from, send me a PM with your address and I will mail you one.

I have pc scrap everywhere....

Steve
Title: Re: Extension for computer power button.
Post by: Will on October 18, 2007, 11:17:45 pm
Thanks for the input,going to try splicing in instead of just snipping it.
Title: Re: Extension for computer power button.
Post by: vidmouse on October 20, 2007, 12:55:13 am
If you don't want to split or cut the wires in the case that you have installed, just find an old case and cut a 2 position wire from that to plug into your motherboard in place of the one to your front panel and extend your wires based upon where you wish to place the button.

This is what I did (except that I already had the extra plug and didn't need to snip).
I also made sure to put a knot in the extension cord going out to act as strain relief.
Probably not a major issue unless, like me, you mess around in your cab often enough,
doing upgrades or repairs.  (and heck I use mine for storage!)

You don't want to knock out this power switch by accident.
Title: Re: Extension for computer power button.
Post by: Mr Wilson on October 20, 2007, 10:03:38 am
just go into your bios settings and go to the power settings then change it to start pc when power is restored i'm using mala frontend so i press the quit button and it asks if i want to shut down then press the 1 player button to turn of pc with the pc plugged into a smartstrip it turns off monitor,marquee light and speakers when the pc turns off
 then you just turn the socket on to start everything up
hope this helps ;D