Posted by RandyT on 19, 2001 at 12:37 PM:
In Reply to: Wiring Coin Door Lights To PC Power? posted by Brad on 19, 2001 at 11:49 AM:
First off, you are taking a chance without using a multimeter to check the voltages and any info you get from me is used at your own risk.
Now, here's what I believe to be true:
If you are using a connector that usually goes to a hard drive or CD reader, there are usually 4 wires. 2 black (grounds) 1 red and 1 yellow.
The red is USUALLY +5v and the yellow is USUALLY +12v. If you make sure the bulb is able to handle at least 14v (replace it if you have to) and you hook one side of the socket to BLACK and the other side to YELLOW, it SHOULD work fine.
You don't have to worry too much about getting zapped, but make sure you tape up any exposed wires so they can't cross! There is enough current there to melt the wires, kill your power supply (or at least the fuse inside if it has one), or even start a fire!
Safety first!
Randy
: I know this is in the FAQ, but I'm an electronic idiot and haven't read detailed instructions on this anywhere so I thought I'd ask the experts.
: I have an old coin door (Asteroids style, to match my cabinet!) that's been restored, and now I'd like to wire the light bulb in its center to a PC power cable. It has 2 black wires coming from the bulb.
: I have seen that you're supposed to use the 2 12v wires from a PC power cable to do this, but am unsure which 2 they are. What color wires are they? Also, do I wire these 1 to 1, with the 2 black wires, or do some get twisted together, or what?
: Sorry for needing such a specific explanation, but I don't wanna fry myself, the light, or the PC.
: Thanks!
: Brad