Troubleshoot Gryphon coin mech jams. Technical analysis, causes, and safe solutions for coin acceptance failures in unattended kiosks.
Compressed air, small brushes, and a lint-free cloth are recommended.
Cleaning frequency depends on usage and environmental conditions. A weekly or monthly schedule may be appropriate.
Weak or erratic coin routing, audible clicking sounds without coin movement, or a 'solenoid error' message from the validator.
Gryphon coin mechs utilize 24V DC solenoids and optical sensors to validate and route coins. A jam disrupts the mechanical path, potentially causing excessive current draw on the solenoid driver or blocking the optical path. Logic errors can also arise from incorrect sensor readings.
Coin insertion results in coins lodging within the mechanism, preventing acceptance and further operation. This is a mechanical jam; the coin is physically blocked. Coin validator reports a general error or no activity on the serial bus.
The coin mech operates on 24V DC, which poses a minor electrical shock risk. Unplug the power supply before performing any maintenance or inspection. Ensure the area is dry. High Voltage Present in the Power Supply. Do not open the power supply casing. Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
Regularly clean the coin entry funnel and surrounding area to prevent debris accumulation. Implement a coin validation system to reject damaged or foreign coins. Conduct periodic diagnostic tests to identify potential issues before they escalate. Add strain relief to the power and data cables to prevent disconnection or damage.
Check the coin mech's configuration settings via the host system. Incorrect coin denominations or routing configurations can mimic a coin jam. Often a software reset is faster than mechanical clearing when the jam is marginal.