17 replies to this topic

[VendingPro]

I am looking into repairing some of my validators and coin mechs myself. Does anyone have a good resource, video, book, or other guide to help me learn the basics on repairing Mars and CoinCo validators and changers? Also, where could I get parts for those, like sensors, LED's, etc. I know MEI is very strict on who they sell to, and who their distributors sell to, so I probably need an outside source. Thanks.

[vend1ng]

I am looking into repairing some of my validators and coin mechs myself. Does anyone have a good resource, video, book, or other guide to help me learn the basics on repairing Mars and CoinCo validators and changers? Also, where could I get parts for those, like sensors, LED's, etc. I know MEI is very strict on who they sell to, and who their distributors sell to, so I probably need an outside source. Thanks.

Good Luck! All info that I have been able to obtain was by deception most I have taught myself. MEI distributors will sell just about any part or chip to you but most of the ones I usually need I can buy across the counter. Coinco will not sell you anything! Most of the parts you can't even get over the counter. On validators 80% of all repairs just need to be cleaned or need belts and rollers. Every type of Vali has its own quirk if you can tell me what your working on I can probably help you. Just a thought.
vend1ng

[H4UV]

The first one I was going to tackle was a Coinco BA32R. It accepts bills, but sometimes spits one back out a couple of times, and then accepts it on the third try. It shows credit once accepted and stacks the bill. Also, will the CT3 do most of what I'll need to do, or do I need something more?

[Steve Fischer]

I had been wondering the very same thing. Here's my issue. I have a coinco BA30B. By all accounts, it appears as though it should be working. I've taken it apart and cleaned it, etc. But it simply does not suck the bill in when inserted. The LED is steady indicating no problems. I replaced the unit with a used one from ebay and that one works fine so I know it is the unit itself giving me problems and not the machine or coin mech. Any suggestions?

[H4UV]

I had been wondering the very same thing. Here's my issue. I have a coinco BA30B. By all accounts, it appears as though it should be working. I've taken it apart and cleaned it, etc. But it simply does not suck the bill in when inserted. The LED is steady indicating no problems. I replaced the unit with a used one from ebay and that one works fine so I know it is the unit itself giving me problems and not the machine or coin mech. Any suggestions?

The CT3 that I use takes care of most of the repairs that I have coming through. I asked above if anyone could suggest a different or additional tester, and what they thought of the CT3. It has always worked fine for me, but there are some things I can't do with it. For example, I can't repair or handle board problems very well on the validators and mechs.

For the BA30B, it sounds like a sensor is out, or the belts and motors could use replacement. I have always repaired validators and mechs to resell myself, or to put into my machines, but starting June 1st, we are going to start offering repair services on MEI and CoinCo products. Prices will be $25.00+ parts for coin mechs, and $40.00+ parts for validators.

[dogcow]

capital vending sells repair videos

http://www.capitalve...category_id=545

they are a little expensive but beats taking something apart and not being able to put it together again LOL

[VendingPro]

Thanks. I will try an inexpensive one first and see how much info they provide.

[vend1ng]

I had been wondering the very same thing. Here's my issue. I have a coinco BA30B. By all accounts, it appears as though it should be working. I've taken it apart and cleaned it, etc. But it simply does not suck the bill in when inserted. The LED is steady indicating no problems. I replaced the unit with a used one from ebay and that one works fine so I know it is the unit itself giving me problems and not the machine or coin mech. Any suggestions?

I tried posting a pic but that hasn't worked yet when I figure that out I'll try again. First if a validator is official us currency acceptor it has to do 6 different varifications before it can accept a bill. Length, width, thickness, denomination, magnetic raised ink,and one of many other choices. There is front optics, middle optics,rear optics, stacker optics and encoder wheel optics. All have to be clean. If vali goes through a correct startup and gives a steady LED check optics that are contacted by leading edge of bill. Bill doesn't go in check front optics. Bill goes halfway in check rear optics behind anti pull back levers. Bill goes all the way in and rejects check encoder optic. Stacker runs continual check stack optic. Front optics are very small holes in front of lower unit most people do not find them ... Rear optic you need to remove lower unit remove transformer clean eye with cuetip carefully! If you remove optic board with out experience you will need to use your spare vali untill you figure it out. Just a thought.
Vend1ng

[validatorman]

Our website coinvalparts.com has many normal parts that you may need. We carry belt kits, cleaners, ect. Coinco parts are hard to come by and MEI does have very tight contract restrictions. We have been repairing coin changers and bill validators for over 30 years. I encourage small companies to do the simple things like replacing belts and broken plastic parts. When you start getting in to sensor replacement and things like that it starts to get a bit more complex. You need special soldering equipment for surface mount repairs and all of the new equipment requires computer calibration software only available to factory service centers. We have a FREE belt replacement video on our website for an older USA UpStack validator. I am trying to get one out for the Coinco BA and MAG series, it just takes time. Anything we put up will be FREE so keep checking. Hope this helps.

[VendingPro]

Our website coinvalparts.com has many normal parts that you may need. We carry belt kits, cleaners, ect. Coinco parts are hard to come by and MEI does have very tight contract restrictions. We have been repairing coin changers and bill validators for over 30 years. I encourage small companies to do the simple things like replacing belts and broken plastic parts. When you start getting in to sensor replacement and things like that it starts to get a bit more complex. You need special soldering equipment for surface mount repairs and all of the new equipment requires computer calibration software only available to factory service centers. We have a FREE belt replacement video on our website for an older USA UpStack validator. I am trying to get one out for the Coinco BA and MAG series, it just takes time. Anything we put up will be FREE so keep checking. Hope this helps.

I have a CT3 tester. What all else would you recommend, and where could I get it. I want to be able to do just about any repair except for calibration. Under what kind of situations would I have to do calibration? Also, could I get some of that software anywhere else?

[dogcow]

Our website coinvalparts.com has many normal parts that you may need. We carry belt kits, cleaners, ect. Coinco parts are hard to come by and MEI does have very tight contract restrictions. We have been repairing coin changers and bill validators for over 30 years. I encourage small companies to do the simple things like replacing belts and broken plastic parts. When you start getting in to sensor replacement and things like that it starts to get a bit more complex. You need special soldering equipment for surface mount repairs and all of the new equipment requires computer calibration software only available to factory service centers. We have a FREE belt replacement video on our website for an older USA UpStack validator. I am trying to get one out for the Coinco BA and MAG series, it just takes time. Anything we put up will be FREE so keep checking. Hope this helps.

belt video for coinco ba would be VERY appreciated thx

[validatorman]

I have a CT3 tester. What all else would you recommend, and where could I get it. I want to be able to do just about any repair except for calibration. Under what kind of situations would I have to do calibration? Also, could I get some of that software anywhere else?

The software is restricted, and both Coinco and MEI use a dongle security system. Calibration is done most often when optical sensors are changed, or in the case of an MEI CF7512 when the acoustic module is replaced. It really is best to have some things done by factory service centers as the technicians have been trained by the manufacturer. We receive specific service updates, firmware updates and the more. If is under warranty send it to a service center. Older units do not have the same type of updates required, but they do not function as well either. Some cannot be updated to accept the new currency. Not trying to make it difficult, just letting you know what you are up against. Hope this helps.

[VendingPro]

Would calibration be needed on the Mars TRC series changers, or the VN 2500 or AE validators?

[vend1ng]

Would calibration be needed on the Mars TRC series changers, or the VN 2500 or AE validators?

Yes, Anything electronic now days has to be tuned, calibrated, flashed, burnt, updated, adjusted and/or cleaned. For those that want to get into repairing mechs and vali's this is the issue. Most repair places have a 100.00 cap on repairs they won't fix anything that will cost over 100.00 to repair they send it back unrepairable. Lets look at this. Its hard to find a good E-tech for less than 20.00 an hour then the company needs their cut 25.00 belt kit 20-25.00 clean and belts 75.00 +postage. If you throw in diagnostic another 1/2 - 1hr 150.00+ and you haven't replaced the .79 cent capacitor or 2.00 optic. So I charge the customer 150.00 he says I could have bought one on e-bay for 75.00 keep it. Now I have to pay the E-tech 50+ and I have a vali I can sell on e-bay for 75.00. Thats why I sit here and answer questions it doesn't pay anything but costs even less. 90% of all repairs just need to be cleaned and maintained sit down take one apart find all the optics figure out how to change belts and put it back together and see if you can do it in less than 2 hrs. Most companies want an E-tech to do minimum of 10 units a day you try doing that when it takes 2 hrs to assemble and disassemble. For a vendor its nice to have a bench tester makes things easier I have not found a good one to buy yet I build my own. The problem with testers are if you don't know what is wrong with mech and its blown you will probably blow the tester when you plug it in. Then you get to fix the tester. Just a ranting thought.
Vend1ng

[validatorman]

Yes, Anything electronic now days has to be tuned, calibrated, flashed, burnt, updated, adjusted and/or cleaned. For those that want to get into repairing mechs and vali's this is the issue. Most repair places have a 100.00 cap on repairs they won't fix anything that will cost over 100.00 to repair they send it back unrepairable. Lets look at this. Its hard to find a good E-tech for less than 20.00 an hour then the company needs their cut 25.00 belt kit 20-25.00 clean and belts 75.00 +postage. If you throw in diagnostic another 1/2 - 1hr 150.00+ and you haven't replaced the .79 cent capacitor or 2.00 optic. So I charge the customer 150.00 he says I could have bought one on e-bay for 75.00 keep it. Now I have to pay the E-tech 50+ and I have a vali I can sell on e-bay for 75.00. Thats why I sit here and answer questions it doesn't pay anything but costs even less. 90% of all repairs just need to be cleaned and maintained sit down take one apart find all the optics figure out how to change belts and put it back together and see if you can do it in less than 2 hrs. Most companies want an E-tech to do minimum of 10 units a day you try doing that when it takes 2 hrs to assemble and disassemble. For a vendor its nice to have a bench tester makes things easier I have not found a good one to buy yet I build my own. The problem with testers are if you don't know what is wrong with mech and its blown you will probably blow the tester when you plug it in. Then you get to fix the tester. Just a ranting thought.
Vend1ng

Wow, I couldn't have said it better. Except that you have some service companies doing "flat rate" repairs for $37.00 on a validator and everyone knows that it cannot be done> Your non-repaired unit becomes parts for a different repair. We see it all the time. Just an additional rant...thanks for venting also....

[VendingPro]

The CT3 has a short protector. Bad units shouldn't damage it.

[validatorman]

The CT3 has a short protector. Bad units shouldn't damage it.

We use the CT3 and it is a great tester, but it can get damaged if the correct fault on a unit is plugged in. Has not happened much...but. Then again we move alot of equipment through our shop so statistically it is just a matter of time. Additionally there are some small issues with MDB on some mechs in specific machines. After time you know what to look for.

[validatorman]

The CT3 has a short protector. Bad units shouldn't damage it.

We use the CT3 and it is a great tester, but it can get damaged if the correct fault on a unit is plugged in. Has not happened much...but. Then again we move alot of equipment through our shop so statistically it is just a matter of time. Additionally there are some small issues with MDB on some mechs in specific machines. After time you know what to look for. All in all it is a great tester, and the company is good to deal with.