How can I update my bill acceptor to accept the new colored $20.00?
Generally speaking, the new $20 dollar bill upgrade will only require a software change. This assumes that your acceptor is already upgraded to accept the current "new" bills that have been circulating for the past three years. As of August 2003, new change machines manufactured using the System 600 FST already have the new software installed and ready for use. This software is also free for any System 600FST machine that is less than 1 years old.
Since the EC line of change machines utilizes OEM acceptors, the new software release dates will be determined by the manufacturer of their particular acceptors. These manufacturers have all indicated that their acceptors will be programmed to accept the new bills by the release date of the new bills this fall.
Earlier SC models, which include the System 200, 200A, 500 or 500E, will also require a software upgrade. To order the new software, you will first need to know the current version installed in your acceptor. With this information, you can purchase and install the software at your convenience.
How do I find out what software revision my bill acceptor has installed?
Bill acceptor software revisions can be identified by a couple different methods. All bill acceptors manufactured by Standard Change-Makers use a memory chip located on the main control board in the acceptor. Simply remove the metal cover and locate the memory chip on the control board (left hand side when the bill acceptance port is pointing away from you), which is easily identified by the software revision label adhered to it. A much simpler way is to use the hand held keyboard or data terminal to identify the software revision. By pressing a 1, then a 0, and than another 0 on the keyboard keypad, the display will show the software revision. If your machine has a hand held menu driven data terminal, you will find the software version by pressing F2 (Diagnostics), then F3 (Version), then F1 (Changer). After viewing the program version, you can put the machine back into service by pressing F5 three times.
How do I know what type of bill acceptor I have?
There are several different series of bill acceptors sold by Standard Change-Makers. One of the original acceptors, the model 25A, was sold in our changers for many years. This acceptor had a tray that money fit into. The customer would "push" the tray in to activate the change machine. This acceptor was discontinued in 1989, although we still provide some repair service for it. This acceptor will not be able to accept the new U.S. currency when released.
The System 200 or current System 200A series acceptor have been sold in model SC5 and SC5T change machines. This acceptor series has the stacker and an "end feed" type bill acceptor together as one unit. The System 200 has a flat, gray power cord with a red stripe on one side of the cord. The 200A has a black power cord consisting of a group of colored wires banded together. Simple switch settings select the bills to be accepted.
The System 500 series note acceptor was sold in change machines from 1987 to 1994. This "end feed" bill acceptor was fully programmable, through a keyboard, to accept up to four different denominations of coins and bills. The power supply is a black 3x4x8 inch box, with an illuminated red switch. System 500 is printed on the black end cap of the acceptor.
The System 500E series note acceptor replaced the System 500 note acceptor in 1995. This note acceptor is similar to the System 500 acceptor, but has a gold colored 8x10x2 inch power box. The end cap of this acceptor has a blue sticker on it that reads "System 500E".
The System 600FST series note acceptor is our top-of-the line unit, and was introduced in 1998 to replace the System 500E acceptor. This bill acceptor uses an advanced CPU board and sensor technology, making it one of the best acceptors manufactured today. The acceptor end cap will have a red sticker that reads "System 600FST".
What is the FAST VEND setting used for?
The fast vend setting allows the machine owner to select a maximum number for each bill denomination to be accepted within a certain time period. If bills accepted exceeds the owner's selected amount, the machine will shut down. This is to limit the loss of revenue due to counterfeiting or stringing theft that the acceptor was unable to detect. The owner's manual will step you through the programming steps for your particular model.
My bill acceptor is rejecting too many bills. What can I do to correct this?
There are a few things an owner can do to keep his/ or her change machine working at the optimum level. The first is setting up a regular maintenance program, which includes cleaning and calibrating the bill acceptor. Depending on usage, the bill acceptor track assemblies should be wiped clean of dust and debris every three to four months. A second step would be to initiate the automatic calibration routine (See the calibration section on the service page).
If you're still experiencing poor acceptance after cleaning and calibration, the power supply may be the problem. SC machines with hand held programmers will have an error history log (see owner manual for instructions) which you can review. "Watch-dog" or "Pwr Fault" errors would indicate a power related problem, which can cause poor acceptance. Also, check the security settings on the acceptor. OEM acceptor have a high/low setting while the 500/E or 600 bill acceptors will have settings from 0-9. Again, see your owner's manual for information on making these setting.
How do I calibrate my note acceptor?
Since there are several types of note acceptors that Standard has developed, you must first know what acceptor you own. You can find that information on the serial tag located on your note acceptor. Once you have that information, you may retrieve the complete calibration instructions by selecting your note acceptor model in the "CALIBRATION" section of our service web page.
Can all bill acceptors use the same calibration card?
Yes, all System 200, 200A, 500, 500E and 600FST use the same calibration card. These cards are date coded so that we can control the quality of paper stock used. Calibration cards should be kept in a clean and dry place for safekeeping. Never use a dirty calibration card to calibrate your note acceptor.
How should I clean my note acceptor?
You should first start by examining the drive roller assemblies. These drive rollers can be accessed by lifting up the toggle handle and opening up the upper track. Typically these rollers need to be replaced anywhere from 5 to 7 years depending on usage. However, they should be cleaned once a year by using a damp clean cloth to remove the ink and dirt build-up. The top rollers can be scraped clean with a flat piece of metal such as a small standard screwdriver. Next, you should clean your track cells on the track assembly. Located on the lower track of all System 200, 200A, 500, or 500E acceptors, you will find 4 or 5 of these track cells depending on the age of your equipment. These should be carefully brushed or blown clean every 3 or 4 months depending on usage. The glass-covered sensor located in the middle of the lower track assembly should be wiped clean with a clean damp cloth. The upper track dome (located over the top of the reference clip) should be brushed or blown clean every 3 or 4 months. If you do not have the enhanced CPU board, your unit utilizes a reference clip which may need to be replaced if discolored. System 600FST acceptors use 4 track cells, which are located on the upper track assembly. These should be brushed or blown clean every 3 or 4 months depending on usage. The System 600FST has glass covered sensors on both the upper and lower track assemblies. These also should be wiped clean with a clean damp cloth every 3 or 4 months depending on usage.
What kind of maintenance is required for my bill stacker?
Bill Stackers are simple, motorized devices that simply pushes the bill into the bill box. In the case of a two or three box stacker, we add the movement of side to side for separation of bills. It is the side to side movement that requires a little cleaning to avoid stacker "down-time". Every six months remove the bill stacker from its mount and clean. Remove all dust, dirt and bill debris using canned air (no lubricant is required). On two and three box stackers, remove the stacker bill box by removing the six phillips head screws that secure it to the stacker housing. Using a clean rag, clean the two "guide bars" that allow the stacker to move the bills to the second or third compartment. Alignment guides will guide you through realignment if stacker bill jam become frequent can be found in the owner's manual
This type of error occurs when the hopper drive board fails. Upon reset, the hopper drive board incorrectly activates the hopper motor causing coins to be dispensed. The note acceptor identifies this as an incorrect dispense and turns off the hopper motor power source and displays an Error message on the keyboard indicating which hopper has failed. This hopper drive board can be purchased for around $60.00 and can be easily installed on location.
I have been finding my change machine out of service with a "TAMPER" error. What do I look for?
The tamper error indicates that an attempt to remove the bill through the bill path backwards has occurred. This usually indicates a taping or stringing attempt. Check your audits and verify that the dollars in count match what the audit says you should have in your stacker. A note acceptor that requires maintenance can also cause the tamper error. First, follow the instructions under the topic "How should I clean my note acceptor?" If you still have problems, check your acceptance rate. A poor acceptance rate leads to multiple bill rejections, which may in turn cause bill jams resulting in a Tamper error. Follow the instructions under the topic "How do I calibrate my note acceptor?" to increase your bill acceptance rate.
Do I need to call before I send in a part for service?
It's always a good idea to call before sending in a part for service. Our factory trained service personnel are experts in identifying the source of the problem you may be experiencing. In some cases, the solution maybe a simple one that our staff can walk you through the repair, saving you from costly downtime. If you would rather just send it in for the repair, all we need is your name, phone number, return address and a brief description of the problem your having. No RMA (return material authorization) is required.