MAME machine help.

GreatBazunka

New member
Joined
Aug 17, 2010
Messages
85
Reaction score
0
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
I wasn't sure where to put this thread exactly, so i put it here. I am making a MAME machine and everything is up and running. But i cannot figure out how to get the fluorescent light behind the marquee to come of with the computer when i turn it on. The computer power supply doesn't put out enough power to turn it on and i tried using a 12 volt power inverter from my car to run it but that took too much juice from the computer and then the computer wouldn't power on properly. So basically, i want to know if how others have run the marquee lighting in their mame from the computer inside? I just can't figure it out.
 
Use a relay.

Power a 12v relay off the computer's power supply, and have that switch 120vAC for the light fixture. Very simple and easy to do.

I made up some relay controlled power strips for a friend who put together a couple MAME cabinets. One socket was on all the time, the others were switched via relay. The computer goes in the "always on" socket, and the monitor, marquee light, powered speakers, etc. go in the switched sockets. Small momentary contact switch wired to the computer's power switch header on the motherboard. Press the button - computer comes on, turns on everything else in the cabinet. Shut the computer down from the menu, as soon as the computer powers off, everything else in the cabinet shuts off at the same time. It worked out really well.

-Ian
 
I upgraded the flip switch on the rear to a higher amp rating and everything turns on with one flip of the switch. Which keeps the florescent light all original.

The PC power supply is also wired into the rear switch. I installed a (arcade) push button next to the flip switch on the rear so I can turn the PC on & safely shutdown PC.

I've had no feedback issues, probably because my original filter is still installed.
 
Set the PC's BIOS power settings to "Last State" so when it gets power it turns back on.... Hook up the light and the PC to an AC switch on the cab...

Might not work as well if your using windows for mame though... as turning windows off without "shutting it down" may currupt files... but you can disable windows from shutting down the PC on Windows....

-Mike
 
Last edited:
thanks alot, that sounds like exactly what i was looking for.

If you don't feel like building it, you can buy the thing he made at Sears. It has a "control" outlet you plug the PC into and slave outlets that turn on whenever the PC fires up. I put the light and monitor on the slave outlets.

Think it was 15 or 20 bucks.
 
Back
Top Bottom