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LED Lighting

Want your arcade cabinet's buttons and controls to light up with each game? HyperHQ integrates with LEDBlinky to make your cabinet come alive with dynamic lighting effects.

What is LED Lighting?​

LED lighting brings your arcade cabinet to life by illuminating buttons, joysticks, and controls based on what's happening on screen. When you select Street Fighter, your fighting game buttons light up. Switch to a racing game, and your steering controls glow. It's functional, impressive, and makes playing feel authentic.

HyperHQ handles all the LEDBlinky integration for you - no manual configuration files or complicated setup scripts.

What You'll Need​

Before setting up LED lighting:

LEDBlinky Software

  • Download and install from LEDBlinky.net
  • This is the software that controls your LED hardware
  • Free for basic use, paid version for advanced features

LED Hardware

  • LED-lit buttons and joysticks
  • LED controller board (PAC-LED, LEDWiz, etc.)
  • Properly wired and connected to your PC

Working Cabinet Setup

  • Controls already configured and working
  • HyperHQ installed and systems set up
  • Games launching successfully

Don't have LED hardware yet? You can still configure the software - it just won't light anything up until you add the hardware.

Setting Up LEDBlinky Integration​

HyperHQ makes connecting to LEDBlinky straightforward:

1. Configure LEDBlinky Path​

Tell HyperHQ where to find LEDBlinky:

  1. Open Settings in HyperHQ
  2. Open HyperSpin > Lights
  3. Select Browse beside LEDBlinky Executable Path
  4. Select your LEDBlinky.exe file (usually in C:\LEDBlinky\)
  5. HyperHQ validates the path and shows a green checkmark if found
Path Validation

HyperHQ automatically checks if LEDBlinky exists at the path you specify. If you see a red X, double-check the location.

2. Choose LED behavior​

The LED Behavior section holds four settings.

SettingPurpose
Enable LEDsStarts LEDBlinky for frontend and game events.
MAME LED TriggersLets supported MAME versions send live LED events.
Use System Names for GamesSends the HyperHQ system name instead of the emulator name.
Auto-Sync LEDBlinky ConfigAdds missing system or emulator sections when you create them.

Leave Use System Names for Games off for LEDBlinky's standard game-and-emulator lookup.

Turn the setting on when several systems share one emulator, such as RetroArch. LEDBlinky then receives separate system names and uses separate profiles.

How LED Lighting Works​

Understanding what happens behind the scenes helps you troubleshoot and customize:

Frontend Navigation​

While browsing HyperSpin, LEDBlinky runs in "frontend mode":

  1. HyperSpin starts and HyperHQ tells LEDBlinky to activate
  2. Navigation lights appear (menu controls light up)
  3. You browse systems and games with lit controls
  4. Lights stay active until you launch a game

Your navigation controls (wheel navigation, select, back) stay lit so you can easily find them in the dark.

Game Launch​

When you launch a game from HyperSpin:

  1. Game selection triggers LEDBlinky to load game-specific colors
  2. Buttons illuminate based on the game's control layout
  3. Game plays with proper lighting
  4. Exit game returns to frontend navigation mode
  5. Lights switch back to menu controls

All automatic - no manual intervention needed.

MAME Integration​

MAME games can change lighting in real-time during gameplay:

  • Coin lights flash when you insert credits
  • Start button pulses when ready to begin
  • Control colors change based on player count
  • Game events trigger lighting effects

This requires MAME configured with LEDBlinky's output plugin.

Configuring LED Controls​

LEDBlinky's configuration happens in the LEDBlinky software itself, but HyperHQ makes using those configurations easy.

Setting Up Colors in LEDBlinky​

LEDBlinky is where you configure what lights up and how:

  1. Open LEDBlinky Configuration
  2. Define your controls (which buttons you have)
  3. Set default colors for frontend navigation
  4. Configure game-specific colors (optional - LEDBlinky has defaults for thousands of games)
  5. Save and test your configuration

HyperHQ reads these configurations and applies them automatically.

Per-Game Lighting​

Want custom colors for specific games? Do it in LEDBlinky:

  1. Launch LEDBlinky
  2. Find the game in the list
  3. Assign colors to each button
  4. Save the configuration
  5. HyperHQ uses these colors automatically when you launch that game

LEDBlinky includes pre-configured colors for most arcade games, so you typically only customize your favorites.

Frontend Lighting Patterns​

Set up your navigation lights in LEDBlinky:

  1. Open LEDBlinky Configuration
  2. Go to the Frontend tab
  3. Choose lighting for:
    • Up/Down navigation
    • Select button
    • Back/Exit button
    • Page navigation
  4. Pick colors, patterns (solid, flashing, pulsing)
  5. Save and test in HyperSpin

HyperHQ activates this profile whenever you're browsing systems and games.

Exporting LED configurations​

Open Settings > HyperSpin > Lights > Exports.

Export Controls writes your keyboard control map to HyperSpin\ledblinky.ini.

Configure Emulators adds missing emulator names to LEDBlinky\Config\emulators.ini when Use System Names for Games is off.

Configure Systems adds missing HyperHQ system names when Use System Names for Games is on.

The configure action preserves existing custom entries. Run the matching action after adding systems, changing emulator paths, or switching the system-name setting.

Emulator-Specific Setup​

Different emulators need different LED configurations. HyperHQ helps with the common ones:

MAME​

MAME has excellent LED support:

What HyperHQ Does:

  • Exports MAME output configuration
  • Sets up game-specific lighting
  • Enables trigger support for real-time events

What You Do:

  • Make sure you're using a recent MAME version
  • Enable output plugins in MAME settings
  • Test with a game to verify lights work

MAME games benefit the most from LED lighting - thousands of games have pre-configured button maps.

RetroArch​

RetroArch can control LEDs through input overlays:

What HyperHQ Does:

  • Generates RetroArch config snippets
  • Maps controls to LED outputs

What You Do:

  • Install the LEDBlinky RetroArch plugin (if available)
  • Configure per-core if needed
  • Test with your favorite games

RetroArch LED support varies by core - arcade cores work best.

Standalone Emulators​

Most standalone emulators don't have direct LED support, but you can still get lights:

Pre-Launch Scripts:

  • HyperHQ calls LEDBlinky before game launch
  • Lights activate with the game's color profile
  • Lights stay on until game exits

Manual Configuration:

  • Some emulators support output plugins
  • Check emulator documentation
  • Add to LEDBlinky's supported emulators list

Troubleshooting LED Issues​

Running into problems? Here's how to solve common LED lighting issues:

LEDBlinky Not Found​

Symptom: Red X next to LEDBlinky path in settings

Solution:

  • Verify LEDBlinky is installed
  • Check the path points to LEDBlinky.exe
  • Browse to the correct location
  • Make sure it's not blocked by antivirus

Lights Don't Change on Game Launch​

Symptom: Lights stay the same when starting a game

Check:

  1. Is "Game Launch Lighting" enabled in HyperHQ settings?
  2. Does LEDBlinky have a profile for this game?
  3. Is the emulator path correct in LEDBlinky config?
  4. Did you export configs after setting up the system?

Try:

  • Re-export LED configs from HyperHQ
  • Launch LEDBlinky directly and test the game
  • Check HyperHQ logs (Settings > View Logs) for LED-related errors

Frontend Lights Not Working​

Symptom: No lights when browsing HyperSpin

Solution:

  • Enable "Frontend Navigation Lighting" in HyperHQ
  • Configure frontend colors in LEDBlinky
  • Make sure LEDBlinky frontend profile exists
  • Test by launching LEDBlinky manually with frontend parameter

Wrong Buttons Light Up​

Symptom: Incorrect controls illuminate for a game

Fix:

  • Open LEDBlinky and edit the game's button mapping
  • Verify your controller setup matches LEDBlinky's configuration
  • Check that button numbers align between Windows and LEDBlinky
  • Save changes and test again

Lights Stick After Exiting Game​

Symptom: Game lights stay on after returning to HyperSpin

Solution:

  • Make sure frontend navigation lighting is enabled
  • Check post-launch scripts aren't interfering
  • Re-export LED configs to ensure proper exit behavior
  • Manually trigger frontend mode in LEDBlinky to test

MAME Triggers Not Working​

Symptom: Real-time lighting effects don't happen in MAME

Check:

  1. MAME version supports outputs (newer is better)
  2. Output plugins enabled in MAME settings
  3. LEDBlinky MAME plugin installed correctly
  4. Game ROM is compatible with trigger support

Try:

  • Update MAME to latest version
  • Reinstall LEDBlinky MAME plugin
  • Test with known-working games (Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat)

Performance Issues​

Symptom: Game performance drops with LED lighting enabled

Usually Caused By:

  • CPU bottleneck from LED updates
  • Too many effects running simultaneously

Solutions:

  • Reduce LED update frequency in LEDBlinky settings
  • Disable MAME triggers if not essential
  • Close unnecessary background programs
  • Upgrade LED controller to USB 2.0/3.0 version

Advanced LED Setup​

Once you've got the basics working, try these advanced techniques:

Custom Frontend Patterns​

Create eye-catching navigation effects:

Animated Patterns

  • Rotating colors around the wheel
  • Pulsing effects on select button
  • Rainbow cycles while idle

Game-Matched Colors

  • Frontend lights match selected game's theme
  • Changes as you browse the wheel
  • Requires custom scripting (advanced users)

Multi-Zone Lighting

  • Different cabinet areas light separately
  • Marquee, control panel, and coin door sync
  • Complex but impressive results

Per-System Lighting​

Different lighting for each system:

  1. Create system-specific LEDBlinky profiles
  2. Assign colors representing each platform
    • Arcade systems: Classic arcade palette
    • Sega: Blue/white theme
    • Sega: Blue theme
    • PlayStation: Blue/gray theme
  3. HyperHQ can trigger these on system change

Integration with Other Software​

LEDBlinky works with more than just HyperSpin:

PinballX/FX

  • Table-specific lighting
  • Playfield and backbox effects

Steam Big Picture

  • Game launch lighting for PC games
  • Frontend navigation when browsing

Custom Launchers

  • Any frontend can trigger LEDBlinky
  • Just call LEDBlinky.exe with the right parameters

LED Hardware Recommendations​

Thinking about adding LED hardware to your cabinet? Here's what works well:

LED Controllers​

Ultimarc PAC-LED 64

  • 64 LED outputs
  • USB connection
  • Excellent Windows support
  • Great for full-size cabinets

GGG LED-Wiz

  • 32 outputs
  • USB connection
  • Good budget option
  • Works for smaller setups

Ultimarc I-PAC Ultimate I/O

  • Combined controller + LED board
  • All-in-one solution
  • More expensive but convenient

Choose based on how many lights you need to control.

LED Buttons​

Standard Arcade Buttons with LEDs

  • 28mm or 30mm diameter
  • Built-in LED
  • Available in many colors
  • Most popular choice

RGB Buttons

  • Change colors dynamically
  • More expensive
  • Require RGB-compatible controller
  • Amazing visual effects

Custom Lighting

  • LED strips around marquee
  • Coin door lighting
  • Undercabinet glow
  • Limited only by creativity

Wiring Tips​

Keep It Organized

  • Label every wire
  • Use cable management
  • Document your wiring
  • Take photos during assembly

Test Before Final Assembly

  • Verify all LEDs work before closing up cabinet
  • Test in LEDBlinky before mounting permanently
  • Check for shorts and polarity

Power Supply

  • Calculate total LED current draw
  • Use adequate power supply
  • Don't overload controllers
  • Consider multiple power supplies for large setups

Status Monitoring​

HyperHQ shows LED status so you know what's happening:

LED Connection Status​

In HyperHQ Settings > LED Lighting:

Green Checkmark

  • LEDBlinky found at specified path
  • Ready to use
  • Configuration valid

Red X

  • LEDBlinky not found
  • Check path
  • Reinstall if needed

Yellow Warning

  • Found but configuration issues
  • May work with limitations
  • Review settings

Active State Indicator​

Shows current LED mode:

  • Frontend Active: Navigation lights on
  • Game Active: Game-specific lighting running
  • Inactive: LED system not currently controlling lights
  • Error: Problem communicating with LEDBlinky

Useful for diagnosing why lights aren't behaving as expected.

Quick Setup Guide​

Want to get started fast? Here's the minimal setup:

5-Minute LED Setup​

  1. Install LEDBlinky and configure your hardware
  2. Point HyperHQ to LEDBlinky (Settings > LED Lighting)
  3. Enable Game Launch Lighting
  4. Export LED Configs for your emulators
  5. Test by launching a game

That's it! You'll have basic LED lighting working.

Once basics work:

  1. Set up frontend navigation colors in LEDBlinky
  2. Enable Frontend Navigation Lighting in HyperHQ
  3. Customize favorite games with specific colors
  4. Add MAME trigger support for real-time effects
  5. Fine-tune and enjoy your illuminated cabinet

LED Lighting Best Practices​

Get the most from your LED setup:

Start Simple

  • Get game launch working first
  • Add frontend lighting second
  • Triggers and effects come last
  • One feature at a time prevents troubleshooting nightmares

Use LEDBlinky Defaults

  • Thousands of games pre-configured
  • Community-tested color schemes
  • Only customize your favorites
  • Saves hours of manual configuration

Keep Configs Backed Up

  • Export your LEDBlinky configuration regularly
  • Save custom color profiles
  • Document any special settings
  • Makes rebuilding much easier

Test After Changes

  • Export configs after adding systems
  • Verify lighting still works after updates
  • Check one game per system to confirm
  • Catch problems early

Match Lighting to Cabinet Theme

  • Consistent color schemes look professional
  • Match cabinet artwork if possible
  • Consider color-blind friendly palettes
  • Dimmer lights reduce eye strain during long sessions

What's Next?​

LED lighting configured and working? Time to move on to other cabinet features:

Check out Controller Setup if you haven't configured your controls yet.

Want to add more features? Explore Plugins to extend HyperHQ's capabilities.

Need help? Visit Troubleshooting or ask the community at HyperSpin-fe.com.

Light up your arcade!