Hello, I am a complete novice here. I have a golf ball dispensing machine which only takes pound coins, and then dispenses a set number of balls. I think we can increase revenues massively if we install a cashless system as well/instead.
I have bought a nayax machine cashless card reader with wires etc and it seems I need to convert my machine to mdb? I am not sure if it already has that capacity. Or whether I need to replace/alter the circuit board! So I would be so grateful if someone could let me know how to proceed? I would hire someone, but have no idea how to contact a person! Also happy to have a go myself, if someone can provide some help!
I have attached a picture of the current setup. I have closer versions but it will only
Let me upload one. It doesn’t have any lcd panels.
Post all the documentation you have.
Do You have any service manual or users manual?
Hello
This is the manual for the ball dispenser
This is the manual for the card machine, although it connects using mdb and seems straight forward .
I already love you guys for replying and so quickly! It’s giving me hope we can do this!
Thanks
Sarah
Thanks for the manual links. The dispenser manual is already suspect when they direct testing voltages with an Ohmmeter.
However, do you have a functioning machine that you can destroy if a mistake is made? Second, the first step in conversion will be to be able to make the machine think the proper number of coins have been inserted. Forget the payment system until you can get the Arduino connection to fool the machine.
I just looked at the manual itself and it seems someone has already changed it from the original settings. I will post a picture but they have attached a new coin slot and the old one is not used. There is only one payment - £1- and the number of balls can be adjusted - it is pre set and dispensing the same each pound insert m.
ok, so NOW what is your plan?
We would still like to do the same thing really. Happy to keep it at £1 and adjust balls. When the coin enters the slot, at the bottom there is a small spindle that clicks and then releases the balls. I have contacted the manufacturer of the machine with the same questions and they have no replied. Is there a way of doing the card reader completely separate to the current layout and installing a standard circuit board that sends an impulse to release balls? Keeping the coin and card reader simultaneously? We cannot afford to ruin the machine as it’s our only one.
It makes sense to consult the manufacturer, as you can be sure that your requirement is fairly common. I'm sure they've at least fielded questions about it before.
How long have you been waiting for a reply from them?
Without some documentation, you are pretty much on your own to do the research.
@picodilious - Your instruction manual from post #4 - page 22 - 6.3.2 Wiring of payment systems looks like it might give you a clue. It seems to show a simple microswitch that closes when a token is inserted into the machine.
I'm guessing that the £1 coins either go through a verification mechanism or simply trigger the microswitch (so any old weighted disc can fool the system). The connector shows 3 sets of inputs G+P1, G+P2 & G+P3 which would be the inputs for the "three payment channels" mentioned in the guide.
There will be live voltages present with the door open. If you are in any doubt do not proceed.
You could try shorting P2 to G and see if it dispenses the number of balls setup on the "ball dispensing knobs" for payment #2. If that works, then you know how to activate the dispenser.
I would not be so lenient. I would say, if you aren't fully qualified, do not proceed. Also it's not wise to do this without attempting to get help from the manufacturer. "We cannot afford to ruin the machine as it’s our only one."... and more to the point, you only have one life.
I can get a picture of the new layout and where it is connecting, surely some legend on here would know what to do? The new layout connects to the original circuit board in the manual. So the original circuit board is the same. They’ve just connected a new slot which only takes pound coins, but connects to the original circuit board. Happy to leave that in situ, and find a solution for connecting a card reader.
It looks like you have an all metal enclosure, it will be difficult to mount an RFID reader into one because the metal shields the signal and it won't get through. There are ways round this by mounting a "vandal resistant reader" but these will probably cost more than your whole project.
You are right on this that any old coin will fool the machine.
How would I short this and would that damage the machine?
Thanks
Then work from the card end. Do you have a contract with a card service that will allow your to use test cards during your development?
I have bought a new reader privately.
Where is the Arduino in this question?
Thanks for this. Could we mount the transmitter on the back of the machine out of sight as opposed to inside the machine?
