Wired Button Connection Kit - Installation Guide

Model #: S1033 - Please read this manual and follow the instructions and warnings prior to usage.

What's Included:

With a two-pin connector on each end.
For compatible desktop motherboard power-switch connections.
For suitable 18–24 AWG insulated wires.

HOW THE WIRED BUTTON WORKS

The Cube's output acts like a normally open momentary push button. Normally, its two wires are disconnected electrically. Pressing INSERT COIN or inserting a compatible coin briefly connects them for approximately 0.1 seconds (100 milliseconds).

Both the coin slot and front button activate the wired output.
The two switch wires have no positive or negative polarity.
The Cube must be powered by its own battery or USB-C; the wiring harness cannot power it.
USB keyboard emulation is a separate feature. The target device does not need a USB data connection to receive the wired signal.
Button Hold Mode can keep the output active while the front button is held. Leave it off for ordinary PC and arcade inputs.

You can replace an existing normally open button, or connect the Cube in parallel so either button works. A parallel connection means the Cube connects to the SAME TWO electrical points as the original button, not in series.

Compatibility Check Before Install

Check the device you want to control. It must have a compatible normally open button or switch input rated at no more than 12 V DC and 8 mA.

Connect your Cube to a computer by USB.

Then open: https://insertcoin.chronicconcepts.com in Chrome or Edge.

Connect to the Cube in web app, enable “Wired Button Emulation” (the wired button output setting), and click “Apply Settings to Device.” Leave Button Hold Mode off for normal button presses.

Turn off and unplug the equipment you are connecting to. Find its two button-input contacts using its manual.

Plug the 6-foot cable into the two-pin external button port on the back of the Cube. Connect the other end to the device using the appropriate included adapter or compatible wiring connection.

Power the Cube, restore power to the connected device, and test the button and coin slot.

CONFIGURE YOUR INSERT COIN CUBE GEN 2

Connect the cube to a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer with its USB-C cable and turn it on.

Open our web app:

https://insertcoin.chronicconcepts.com using Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Select “Connect Device.” Choose “Insert Coin Cube Gen 2,” and approve the connection.

Enable “Button Emulation.” This is the setting used for the rear wired switch output.

Leave “Button Hold Mode” OFF. Unless you specifically need a sustained press.

Click “Apply Settings to Device” to save the change.

For Permanent Installation

For an always-ready PC or arcade installation, disable the Cube's Auto Shutoff setting and arrange reliable USB-C power. Click “Apply Settings to Device” to save the change.

Other Settings to Consider

Auto Shutoff: By default, the Cube may turn off after about four hours of inactivity. Disable this for an always-ready button.
USB Auto Wake and Sleep: The Cube will remain awake when USB power is present and sleep off when USB power is lost.

INSTALLATION: ARCADE MACHINES AND BUTTON CONTROLLERS

The Cube can operate a compatible COIN, CREDIT, START, or other button input on a low-voltage arcade controller or USB encoder. The controller or game decides what that button press does.

Power off and unplug the arcade machine or controller.

Find the correct button input and common/GND terminal in the controller's documentation. Confirm the circuit is within 12 V DC and 8 mA.

Connect the Cube's two output wires across the correct button-input terminals using compatible connectors or the included accessories. The output wires have no polarity.

To keep an existing coin or credit button, wire the Cube in parallel across the original button's two contacts.

The included no-strip connector can join suitable insulated wires without manually stripping, soldering, or crimping them. It is intended for compatible 18–24 AWG wires; actual wire and insulation size must fit the connector.

Check that the wires fit the connector's stated size range.
Insert the insulated wire(s) into the connector's correct channels. Do not strip them first.
Close the connector fully as designed. It is best to use a pair of pliers to clamp the connectors shut. Check that each wire is held securely, and protect the connection from pulling or snagging.

Restore power, turn on the Cube, and test both the front button and coin slot.

In your arcade software or emulator, assign that controller input to COIN, CREDIT, START, or your preferred action.

Many arcade microswitches have COM (common), NO (normally open), and NC (normally closed) contacts. For an ordinary button input, the Cube typically connects across COM and NO. Do not use NC unless your circuit specifically calls for it. For Arcade1Up and other prebuilt cabinets, first identify the actual controller and button wiring. Some boards have proprietary connections, and not every cabinet can accept this kit directly. Never connect to monitor power wiring, mains wiring, mechanical coin coils, or unknown legacy circuits.

INSTALLATION: PC POWER BUTTON

Use this setup only with a compatible desktop motherboard's two-pin power-button header. This is the small signal connector normally used by the PC case's POWER SW button. It is NOT a power-supply connection.

Configure the Cube using the web app per the “Configure the Cube” instructions earlier in the this manual.

Shut down the PC. Turn off the power supply, unplug the AC cord, and open the case.

Find the motherboard front-panel header. Use YOUR motherboard manual to identify the two pins marked PWR SW, POWER SW, or similar. Do not use RESET SW, LED, or other nearby pins.

Find the case's existing two-pin POWER SW connector. Take a photo before disconnecting it.

Connect the supplied PC power-switch splitter harness to the correct PWR SW pins, following the labels and layout of your actual adapter.

Next attach the Cube's 6-foot cable to one side of the splitter. Finally attach the other side of the splitter to the original pc power button cable. This will allow both the cube and the pc case button to work as the power switch.

Route the cable away from fans, sharp edges, and hot components. Do not pinch it in the PC case.

Restore PC power. Make sure the Cube is on and has a reliable power source, then press INSERT COIN once. The PC should respond as if its normal case power button were pressed.

If you retained the original case button, test it too before closing the case.

IMPORTANT Your PC may shut down, sleep, or show its power menu if the Cube button is pressed while the PC is running. This depends on your operating system settings. Avoid accidental activations. For powering on a PC that is OFF, the Cube itself must still be on. Some PC USB ports lose power when the PC shuts down. An independent 5 V USB charger is the simplest option. You can also use a verified always-powered PC USB port. Disable Auto Shutoff and test after the PC has been off for several hours.

DIY ELECTRONICS: ARDUINO, ESP32, RASPBERRY PI, AND MORE

The Cube can act as a button for a compatible microcontroller input. A common setup uses a digital input with a pull-up resistor.

Connect one Cube switch wire to a digital input pin.

Connect the other Cube switch wire to the input circuit's GND/common.

Enable a suitable internal pull-up or use an external pull-up resistor.

Program the input to detect a LOW signal when the Cube is pressed. The normal pulse lasts about 100 ms.

Use edge detection in your software so one press causes only one action.

Check your current and voltage for your custom application. There is a 12VDC 8mA limit for this output / switch. Check the pull-up current and all input ratings before connecting. This can be used for custom projects, arcade control boards, or Home Assistant automations through a separate microcontroller.

Do not connect the Cube directly to a relay coil, motor, solenoid, lamp, power supply rail, 24 V PLC input, or safety-control circuit. For those applications, use a compatible controller input and separately rated interface hardware.

POWER AND OPERATING TIPS

The two-wire output is a signal connection, not a power or charging connection.

For a permanent installation, use a reliable USB-C power source. The Cube's main manual recommends a 5 V USB supply rated at 5 W or higher.

Battery-only operation is possible, but the Cube will eventually need charging.

Turn off Auto Shutoff for an always-available button.

Keep the six-foot cable away from sharp edges, hot components, moving parts, and AC wiring.

Button Hold Mode is meant for inputs that require a long press. On a PC, a long power-button press can force a shutdown.

A 100 ms pulse works with many button inputs, but some devices require a longer press and may not be compatible, you can also enable button hold mode in the web app for longer press times.

Technical Specifications

Compatible product: Insert Coin Cube Gen 2 (Model S1025)
Output: Solid-state, normally open electronic switch
Direction/polarity: Bidirectional; no polarity on the two output wires
Maximum voltage across the switch: 12 V DC
Maximum current through closed switch: 8 mA
Default trigger length: Approximately 100 ms
Triggers: Front INSERT COIN button and coin insertion (same output)
Hold option: Button Hold Mode for a sustained front-button press
Harness length: Approximately 6 ft (1.8 m)
Cube connector: 2-pin, 2.54 mm (0.1-inch) external-button port
No-strip connector: Compatible 18–24 AWG wires, subject to proper fit
Target power provided: None

The main Insert Coin Cube Gen 2 user manual also lists a maximum 24 V DC ground differential/isolation limit. This is NOT permission to apply 24 V to the switch: the output itself remains limited to 12 V DC and 8 mA.

Safety & Support

Always unplug equipment before installing or changing wiring. Connect only to verified low-voltage DC button-input circuits that stay within BOTH the 12 V maximum and the 8 mA maximum. Do not connect to household mains, PC power rails, high-current switches, relay coils, 24 V circuits, unknown arcade wiring, or emergency-stop and other safety-critical controls.

Keep connections insulated and cables securely routed. Do not open or modify the Cube.

This kit works only with the Insert Coin Cube Gen 2, sold separately.

For battery care, device operation, warranty information, and detailed configuration, see the full Gen 2 user manual.

Operation outside of device specifications, beyond limits, or outside of methods described in this manual is not supported or condoned and may result in damage to the device or other property. We are not responsible for any damage caused by misuse or improper usage or installation.

⚠️ CHOKING HAZARD - SMALL PARTS

This product contains small components and parts that may present a choking hazard.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Warranty

We care about our customers and we will work with you to resolve your issue. We make every effort to make sure we engineer, craft, and deliver to you the best product possible. Your product has a 1 year warranty against any manufacturing defects or functionality issues from the date of purchase. If there is a manufacturing defect or functionality issue please contact us directly using our email info@chronicconcepts.com with a description of your defect and proof of purchase date.

Troubleshooting & FAQ's

Additional questions? Email: Info@ChronicConcepts.com

Cube works, but the other device does nothing

Check that Button Emulation is ON and the setting was applied. Confirm the Cube is powered, both wires are connected, and you used the correct input terminals.

PC will not power on

Check the correct PWR SW pins, the cable and adapter connections, and whether the Cube stays powered with the PC off. Verify that the PC has AC power available.

PC restarts instead of powering on

You may have connected to RESET SW rather than POWER SW. Unplug the PC before checking wiring.

Original case power button stopped working

Make sure it is connected through a true parallel/pass-through adapter. Otherwise, reconnect it or use a suitable splitter.

Arcade input registers nothing

Check the encoder wiring and confirm your game/emulator is mapped to the correct coin or button input.

One press generates two actions

Check for duplicate mapping between wired inputs and USB keyboard emulation. On DIY controllers, use edge detection.

Button appears held down all the time

Check for a short between the two Cube wires, an incorrectly used commoned no-strip connector, or Button Hold Mode being enabled.

Cube stops responding after a while

Check Auto Shutoff, Piggy Bank Mode, power/charging, and USB Auto Wake/Sleep behavior.

Web app cannot connect

Use Chrome or Edge on a computer, make sure the Cube is on, and approve the browser's device connection request. Linux users may need USB permission rules described in the Gen 2 manual.

Does the Cube need USB to send a wired button press?

No. Once configured, the wired signal works independently of USB data. The Cube itself still needs battery or USB-C power.

Can the kit switch my PC on when Windows is shut down?

Yes, on compatible motherboards, provided the PC has standby power and the Cube remains on. It cannot start a PC that has no electrical power.

Can I keep the original PC power button?

Yes, with a correctly wired parallel/pass-through connection. Confirm that your actual PC adapter provides this feature before using it.

Can the coin slot and front button control different wired inputs?

No. They share one wired switch output. USB keyboard emulation offers separate software mappings for some functions.

Does it matter which of the two wires I connect first?

No. The Cube output has no polarity, but it must be connected across the correct two terminals on the target device.

Can I operate a 12 V relay, lamp, or motor?

No. The 12 V/8 mA limit is for low-current signaling, not powering an electrical load.

Can I use a 24 V PLC input or household AC switch?

No, not directly. These circuits exceed the output's intended ratings. Use appropriate isolation/interface electronics designed for the application.

Will it work with every arcade machine or PC?

No. Some devices have proprietary connectors, incompatible voltages/currents, or different timing requirements. Check the target device's documentation first.