Running +12v lines go a Beast Busters 64 pcb - help me decide how!

[awbacon1]

I’m not sure how I want to proceed with running two +12v lines from my fingerboard to my Beast Busters 64 pcb, so let’s group chat and figure it out!

I need to run four +5v lines and two +12v lines from the through holes on my fingerboard to the BB64 pcb (per neoturfmastas tutorial)

As you can see in the photos, I have four through holes available for the +5v lines, but with the +12v line I have one large gauge through hole (18 AWG) that connects to both the parts and solder side of the fingerboard, and then two 22 AWG through holes for separate +12v lines.

I do not feel like running two 12v lines on 22 AWG wire is smart. So I was thinking

A - solder one 18 AWG wire into the large through hole, and split that wire out at the end into two 18 AWG wires. Not optimal but better than 22 AWG

B - run one 18 AWG wire from the through hole, and solder another 18 AWG wire onto the JAMMA pad on the solder side, giving me two full 18 AWG wires.

Thoughts? I’m not sure why this fingerboard didn’t provide two 18 AWG through holes for the 12v lines like they did the 5v lines

I just don’t want to melt leads on this one

 

[twistedsymphony]

I do not feel like running two 12v lines on 22 AWG wire is smart.

Why? Most JAMMA PSUs don't supply more than 1A at 12V because most JAMMA PCBs don't use it for anything other than Audio amplification and/or cooling fans.

Don't know much about the Beast Buster 64 PCB, does it draw significantly more 12V power than other boards?

 

[awbacon1]

No it’s pretty standard on the draw. It’s not overly power thirsty at all.

I was just feeling 12v @ 22 AWG was a bit thin. If you think it’s not (and I know you were a tech) I’ll go with it

 

[twistedsymphony]

whether it's too thin or not too thin depends entirely on the draw. I usually recommend going with heavier gauge wires for anything related to power but if 22awg is as much as the PCB supports and it's not actually drawing enough to need more than that, then there's no reason to go with more than that.

I mean Model 2 and Model 3 PCBs use a single 22awg wire for 12V from the factory, but all they're running is the cooling fan.

 

[awbacon1]

Good to know. 22 AWG it is

 

[awbacon1]

Powered the game up last night. Had to use alligator clips for RGB + sync since the female pins for that part of the board haven’t arrived yet.

Good to go. Power and video were as expected. Just waiting on a few parts to finish wiring the controls / audio / coin / test / etc