Interfacing Arduino Uno with ticket dispenser (DL-1275)

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi all, I'm working on an 'arcade game' project that I need some assistance with. Basically, a program on my PC will send a port code through USB to the Uno, which will then interface with the DL-1275 to dispense a single ticket. So far, I've managed get the Uno to recognize that port code, but I am completely lost working with the Uno-ticket dispenser connection.

http://www.ticketflex.com/Redemption%20Tips/Deltronic1275.htm shows the connections for the dispenser. To my understanding, Uno sends a 'high' input into the white wire when it detects the port code trigger, receives a count from the blue wire, and then sends a 'low' input to the white wire after the count reaches 1 to stop the motor.

My questions are below (I'm a complete novice with this sort of connection so any and all help would be appreciated!):

  • Can the Uno handle the power/ground for the dispenser, or will that need its own power unit? I've looked online for a dedicated power unit for the dispenser but I can't seem to find any...
  • Can I simply specify the inputs to the dispenser as 'HIGH' and 'LOW,' or do I need to indicate an exact voltage?

Let me know if any of this is confusing :stuck_out_tongue: Thanks!

2

You cannot power that device from the Arduino. It requires a separate 12 volt D.C. Supply, amperage unknown since their information sheet does not include the power specs. Best to call or email them and request that information.

The inputs and outputs are digital, not analog, meaning the voltage levels only represent zero or one, on or off. No actual measure desired or needed.

3

Upon a bit more reading, it appears the link you provided is only for a controller board, the actual ticket dispenser is a separate unit. That ticket dispenser may already have the needed 12volt supply which can probably provide the power for the controller.

4

avr_fred:
Upon a bit more reading, it appears the link you provided is only for a controller board, the actual ticket dispenser is a separate unit. That ticket dispenser may already have the needed 12volt supply which can probably provide the power for the controller.

I will have to double-check when I get into work tomorrow. If that's the case, will I only need to connect to two of the pins on the Molex (input & output)?

5

Three wires. You must include the ground as well, otherwise no current can flow to/from the interface. The output on the controller appears to be open collector, meaning it does not supply a voltage, it only sinks current when on. In that case, you'll want to declare the input pin on the Arduino with this:

pinMode(myPin, INPUT_PULLUP);

Where "myPin" is the actual input pin you're using. This connects an internal resistor between the pin and the +5 volt supply, all inside the atMega chip.

6

Thanks for the guidance! My last question is about the physical connection itself...do you think something like this would work okay?

7

HI, I'm interested in doing a similar project and am a complete novice. Would you help? Share code?

8

Here's a working link to the datasheet
DL-1275 DATASHEET