Technical diagnostic report for coin acceptor malfunctions in commercial kiosks, focusing on coin jams and potential damage. Includes troubleshooting and prevention.
Typically ±10%.
Refer to the coin acceptor's technical documentation.
A dry, lint-free cloth is recommended. Avoid using liquid cleaners.
Coin acceptors typically utilize a combination of inductive sensors, optical sensors, and mechanical switches to validate coin denomination and authenticity. These sensors generate analog signals which are then converted to digital signals by an onboard microcontroller operating on a 24V DC power supply. A solenoid-actuated gate directs accepted coins to the cash box and rejected coins to the return chute. Jams can occur due to foreign objects obstructing the mechanical path or sensor malfunction caused by ESD or voltage fluctuations.
The coin acceptor is refusing to accept Canadian loonies ($1) and toonies ($2). The reported issue is either a physical coin jam or internal damage to the coin recognition mechanism.
Exercise caution when working with electrical equipment. Ensure the kiosk is powered down before performing any inspection or maintenance. Avoid touching any exposed electrical components. This kiosk is exposed to public access and potential vandalism; inspect for tampering evidence before each maintenance cycle. Environmental temperatures can reach -40C; use appropriate PPE.
Implement a regular preventative maintenance schedule that includes: Visual inspection of the coin acceptor for debris; Cleaning of coin entry/exit points with compressed air; Verification of the 24V DC power supply voltage; and Testing the coin acceptor with a known good sample of loonies and toonies.
Some coin acceptors have a self-cleaning mode that can be activated through a specific sequence of button presses or a diagnostic menu. Consult the coin acceptor's technical documentation for instructions. If the coin acceptor uses optical sensors, carefully clean the sensor lenses with a dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid using any cleaning solutions that could damage the lenses.