Cubic Pay Station Ticket Dispensing Failure Diagnostic... | terminalfaults.org

Technical Background:

Ticket dispensing mechanisms rely on a 24V DC solenoid to actuate a mechanical feeder. The solenoid is controlled by the pay station's central processing unit (CPU) via a relay. The CPU monitors ticket stock levels via an optical sensor that transmits data using a serial UART interface at a baud rate typically configured at 9600 bps. Mechanical jams can also interrupt the optical sensor's beam, causing an error. Environmental factors, especially temperature extremes (-40C), affect solenoid response time and material brittleness in the mechanical path.

Symptoms:

The Cubic pay station fails to dispense tickets upon user request. The error may be consistent or intermittent. No visible damage to the exterior of the unit has been noted. The ticket stock level is unknown.

Possible Causes:

Empty or incorrectly loaded ticket stock.
Solenoid failure due to thermal stress or electrical degradation.
Mechanical obstruction within the ticket dispensing path.
Optical sensor malfunction preventing accurate ticket count.
Faulty relay controlling the solenoid.
Corrosion or damaged wiring within the 24V DC power circuit.

Solution:

1

Visually inspect the ticket stock level through the external viewport (if available).
2

Verify the pay station's system log for error codes related to ticket dispensing or sensor failures.
3

Using the pay station's diagnostic menu (if available), run a ticket dispensing test to isolate the fault.
4

Cycle power to the pay station (cold reboot) to reset the CPU and clear any transient errors. Record any error messages displayed during startup.
5

Check the 24V DC power supply voltage using a multimeter at the input to the ticket dispensing mechanism. Ensure it is within +/- 5% of the nominal value.
6

Inspect the ticket dispensing path for any visible obstructions (e.g., torn tickets, debris). Use compressed air to carefully remove loose particles. Do NOT use liquids.
7

Document all observations and actions taken in the maintenance log.

Safety Warning:

The pay station operates on 24V DC power. While relatively low voltage, improper handling can still lead to electrical shock or equipment damage. Prior to any maintenance, implement Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to de-energize the unit. Ensure the area is dry and free of conductive materials.

Prevention:

Implement a regular preventative maintenance schedule, including:
• Routine inspection and replenishment of ticket stock.
• Cleaning of the ticket dispensing path with compressed air.
• Verification of the 24V DC power supply output.
• inspection of wiring and connectors for corrosion or damage.

Expert Tip:

If the unit dispenses a partial ticket, then stops, the solenoid may be sticking. A rapid series of power cycles (on/off) to the unit may temporarily free the solenoid. This is a temporary diagnostic step only and does not replace proper repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

•Is the ticket stock correctly specified for this model of Cubic Pay Station? (e.g., ticket dimensions, paper weight)

Verify the ticket stock specifications against the manufacturer's documentation.

•What are the specific error codes being logged by the pay station's diagnostic system related to the ticket dispenser?

Consult the Cubic Pay Station service manual to decode and troubleshoot the error codes.

•What is the ambient operating temperature of the kiosk enclosure? Does it fall within the manufacturer's specified range for the ticket dispensing mechanism?

Use a calibrated thermometer to measure the internal enclosure temperature.

Cubic Pay Station Ticket Dispensing Failure Diagnostic Report

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•Is the ticket stock correctly specified for this model of Cubic Pay Station? (e.g., ticket dimensions, paper weight)

•What are the specific error codes being logged by the pay station's diagnostic system related to the ticket dispenser?

•What is the ambient operating temperature of the kiosk enclosure? Does it fall within the manufacturer's specified range for the ticket dispensing mechanism?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: