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Power for Coin Mech Lights and Trackball

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mikeyv23:
Hey All,

I recently got a cabinet with a JAMMA setup, but have decided to turn it into a MAME cabinet.  I removed what I didn't needed, but kept a few things too.  Some of the things I kept was the marquee light and the power supply (which the marquee is connected to).  I now need to power the lights in the coin mechs (12v) as well as the light in my trackball (also 12v).

I noticed that there is a spot for 12v on the power supply (along with 5v and 2 grounds) and am now trying to see if I could somehow connect all of the lights (daisy chain) together and to that 12v spot (and a ground I would presume).  Problem is I am still learning some about electrical and do not know the best way to do this or if it would even work.  I assume it would, but I don't know if I need any diodes or resisters, or if that is all taken care of in the power supply.

My thought was since all of the lights have the same connects as the cherry switches (or similar little pieces of flat metal), that I could find the same connectors I use for the cherry switches on my buttons go that route.  I also was not sure what would be the best type of wiring to use.  I am guessing I can get most of what I need at a RadioShack, but wanted to ask for some thoughts/assistance from the community.  I'd rather not electrocute myself or blow my hardware if possible.

Any help, thoughts, etc are greatly appreciated.  Also, I read somewhere I might be able to tap off of the connections to my coin mechs, but I would rather not do this if at all possible as I do not know what my keyboard encoder can handle and do not want to ruin it.  Thanks!!!

mikeyv23:
* bump *

anybody?   :(

Queeg:
Hey man,

To answer your first question, yes, daisy chaining will work fine. The power supply you have is putting out a constant 12v which will play nicely with your lights and trackball. When it comes to wiring, I am kind of a hack and I would just hand splice the wires together and then mend with electrical tape. If you want it to look good, what you can do is take the three positive (12v) wires coming off of your three lamps, stick them into a barrel, stick the live wire from the power supply in the other end, then crimp the hell out of it. Then do the same with the ground and everything should be up and running.

As for wire I'd say 18-22 gauge should be fine for that amount of power. I use 20 gauge for all my 12v stuff and it has never shown any problems. If you have a Fry's Electronics near you, I would go that route as they have much cheaper options than Radioshack. O and the little bits of metal you want for your connectors are called quick disconnects, make sure you know the size of the tabs you'll be putting them on before you buy them because they come in a variety of sizes.

I'm typing too fast, let me know if you have any questions.

mikeyv23:
 :notworthy:

Thank you Queeg!!  I am a hack myself I think so I am following your first suggested route.  I am going to try this out tonight and assuming I do not somehow fry myself - will report back later!  I do have a Fry's very close by (I live in the burbs west of Chicago, and there is one not too far from me) and will head over there to do my shopping.  Thanks again very, very much!!   ;D

Queeg:
No, problem, let me know if you hit any roadblocks.

Oh and don't worry, getting 12v feels like a massage haha.

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