Hi, I am fairly new to arduino and just wondering if someone can help me with configuring this coin hopper into arduino. There are no data sheets provided so I don't know how to connect it to the arduino uno.
A picture is not enough, and there's no stardard for this kind of device, so please post also a link to the specific item you bought (and always do it when asking for help).
PS: no datasheet? Well, typical for AliExpress, right? I don't know why people use it (except for saving a few bucks) instead of a local dealer...
I saw a related discussion but im still in the dark Coin counter project for school - Using Arduino / Project Guidance - Arduino Forum
In my testing I managed to make it run but it just keeps on running and not dispensing the right amount.
#define sensorPin 3
#define motorPin 4
byte amountToDispense = 0;
volatile byte amountDispensed = 0;
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
attachInterrupt(digitalPinToInterrupt(sensorPin), coinPulse, FALLING);
pinMode(sensorPin, INPUT_PULLUP);
pinMode(motorPin, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(motorPin, HIGH);
}
void loop() {
if (Serial.available())
{
amountToDispense = Serial.read() - 48;
digitalWrite(motorPin, LOW);
}
}
void coinPulse()
{
++amountDispensed;
if (amountDispensed == amountToDispense)
{
Serial.print("Completed");
digitalWrite(motorPin, HIGH);
amountDispensed = 0;
}
}
I hate to say this, but with no information except the picture, the only resource you could use is ChatGPT, uploading the picture and asking "How can I connect this coin hopper to Arduino?".
This is the result, but take it with a grain of salt:
To connect this coin hopper to an Arduino, you will typically need to follow these steps:
1. Identify the Pins
Most coin hoppers, like the one in your image, have a set of pins or wires for:
- Power (VCC/GND): Typically 12V or 24V for the motor.
- Control (Signal/Input): Usually used to start and stop the motor.
- Output/Signal (Coin detection): Provides feedback when a coin is dispensed.
You may need to refer to a datasheet or inspect the PCB for labeled pins to determine their exact functions.
2. Power Supply
- Power Requirements: These hoppers typically run on 12V or 24V. You will need an external power source, as the Arduino cannot supply that voltage.
- Grounding: Connect the ground (GND) of the power supply to the GND of the Arduino to have a common ground.
3. Connecting to Arduino
To control the hopper with an Arduino:
- Use a MOSFET or Relay Module: The Arduino's output pins usually operate at 5V and provide limited current, insufficient for directly controlling a 12V motor. A MOSFET or a relay module will allow you to use the Arduino's 5V signal to switch the higher voltage needed for the hopper.
- Control Pin: Connect one of the Arduino's digital pins to the control input of the MOSFET/Relay.
Example Wiring:
- Coin Hopper Power: Connect the hopper's VCC to 12V power supply and GND to the ground of both the power supply and Arduino.
- Signal Input: Connect the control pin of the hopper to a MOSFET or relay switch, and then to one of the Arduino's digital output pins.
- Coin Detection Output (if applicable): If there's an output signal for coin detection, connect it to an Arduino input pin with a pull-up resistor.
Arduino Code:
Here's an example code snippet to control the hopper:
int hopperPin = 7; // Digital pin connected to the relay/MOSFET controlling the hopper
void setup() {
pinMode(hopperPin, OUTPUT);
Serial.begin(9600);
}
void loop() {
// Start the coin hopper
digitalWrite(hopperPin, HIGH);
delay(1000); // Run hopper for 1 second
// Stop the coin hopper
digitalWrite(hopperPin, LOW);
delay(1000); // Pause for 1 second
}
Additional Considerations:
- Flyback Diode: When using a relay or MOSFET, place a flyback diode across the motor terminals to protect against voltage spikes when switching off the motor.
- Optocoupler (if needed): For additional protection, an optocoupler can be used between the Arduino and the hopper's control line.
I managed to make it run now, made it so that it counts how many coins but there are still inaccuracy. Do you think it's cause I am currently not using any resistor to help smooth out the signal? This is my current setup and code
#define sensorPin 3 // Pin for the coin sensor
#define motorPin 4 // Pin for controlling the motor (hopper)
int coinCount = 0; // Variable to keep track of the number of coins dispensed
bool motorRunning = false; // Flag to check if motor is running
unsigned long lastPulseTime = 0;
const unsigned long debounceDelay = 200;
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600); // Start serial communication
pinMode(sensorPin, INPUT_PULLUP); // Set the sensor pin as input
pinMode(motorPin, OUTPUT); // Set the motor pin as output
digitalWrite(motorPin, HIGH); // Turn off the motor initially
attachInterrupt(digitalPinToInterrupt(sensorPin), checkForCoins, FALLING);
}
void loop() {
if (Serial.available() > 0) { // Check if data is available from serial
String command = Serial.readString(); // Read the command
command.trim(); // Remove any leading/trailing whitespace
if (command == "go" && !motorRunning) {
startMotor(); // Start the motor when "go" is received
}
else if (command == "stop" && motorRunning) {
stopMotor(); // Stop the motor when "stop" is received
}
}
if (motorRunning) {
checkForCoins(); // Continuously check for coins while motor is running
}
}
void startMotor() {
motorRunning = true; // Set motorRunning flag to true
coinCount = 0; // Reset coin count when motor starts
Serial.println("Motor started.");
digitalWrite(motorPin, LOW); // Turn on the motor
}
void stopMotor() {
motorRunning = false; // Set motorRunning flag to false
digitalWrite(motorPin, HIGH); // Turn off the motor
Serial.println("Motor stopped.");
Serial.print("Total coins dispensed: ");
Serial.println(coinCount); // Print the total coins dispensed
coinCount = 0; // Reset the coin count after stopping
}
void checkForCoins() {
unsigned long currentTime = millis();
if (currentTime - lastPulseTime > debounceDelay){
if (digitalRead(sensorPin) == LOW) { // Check if the sensor detects a coin
if (digitalRead(sensorPin) == LOW) { // Confirm the coin detection
coinCount++; // Increment the coin count
Serial.print("Coins dispensed: ");
Serial.println(coinCount); // Print the current coin count
lastPulseTime = currentTime;
}
}
}
}
The image is not visible, you must edit the post and insert it again
@docdoc - how to resurrect an image from "code" blocks...
- copy the obfuscated title and extension
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- repair abnormalities (original image was larger than the temporary image)
- upload repaired image
- Profit.
ORIGINAL
REPAIRED
