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When a reader is configured for SingleVend operation, a signal is sent from the reader to the machine via an electrical or digital pulse. This is the same type of signal the machine would receive from a coin drop. This signal is sent via a one-way communication harness, where the reader does not know anything about the state of the machine. It is simply sending a vend start pulse to the machine and will report that it is in use or idle depending on the assigned cycle time.

Vend

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Sequence

1. The customer drops coins or swipes a card (credit or loyalty).

2. Price decreases on the reader.

3. Once the vend price on the reader has been met, the reader will pulse the machine.

4. The price decreases on the machine.

5. Once the machine has received all of the pulses and the vend price is satisfied, it will be available to start.

Terminology

• Pulse Length: The length, in milliseconds, of the signal sent from the reader to the machine. See also: Determining Pulse Length and Interval.

  • This value varies from machine to machine.

• Pulse Interval: The length, in milliseconds, between each pulse.

  • If set too low (fast) the machine may not recognize all pulses sent from the reader. The higher (slower) the pulse interval is, the longer it will take before the machine is ready to start. See also: Determining Pulse Length and Interval.

• Pulse Type: The method in which the reader pulses the machine, e.g. Relay, MLV+, or MLV-.

  • Unless otherwise instructed, always use Relay.

• Sensor Input: Used to detect if the machine door is open or closed.

  • Only available on certain machines with certain start harnesses.

• Show Remaining Time: Controls whether the reader will display the time remaining based on the Cycle Time assigned.

• Cycle Time: Because the reader does not know if the machine is running, a separate configurable timer is used for the reader.

  • On washers, the timer is used to prevent additional vends.

  • On dryers, the timer is used to determine if an additional vend should be charged as a top-off.

• # of Pulses: The number of pulses triggered to start the machine.

  • This should be set to the machine's internal vend price divided by the coin value. See Determining the number of pulses section below.

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The number of pulses depends on the vend price and coin values on the machine. To determine the number of pulses, take the vend price divided by the coin value.

Configuring machines

FasCard can be configured to start a machine whether it takes one pulse or multiple pulses to start. However, there are pros and cons to both setups.

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For a machine to start on one pulse, the machine's internal vend price and coin value must be set to the same values. The same rules apply to the FasCard equipment type setup.

Pros

• Only 1 pulse is sent so it is less likely for the machine to miss a pulse.

• Ideal for locations that are 'Card-only'.

Cons

• If the machine currently starts on one pulse, it will require re-configuring the machine. Though once configured, it will not need to be changed again.

Multiple pulse setup

For a machine to start on multiple pulses, the machine's coin value must be a factor of the machine's internal vend price. The same rules apply to the FasCard equipment type setup.

Pros

• Only requires configuring FasCard to send the correct number of pulses.

• Ideal for equipment that has a lower price point.

Cons

• Possible for the machine to occasionally miss a pulse, especially on more expensive machines (eg. $8.00 washer / $0.25 coin value = 32 pulses)

SingleVend modes

The listed modes, below, cover the various features and pricing capabilities each mode can be configured to. Certain modes are limited to specific types of machines and will be noted as such. Use the 'Choosing a SingleVend mode' table at the bottom of the list to reference the type of mode you need for the equipment you are working on.

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title Simple
Simple mode is used when equipment is configured with a single price to start. Example setupImage RemovedImage Removed Image AddedImage Added

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title Top-Off
Note This mode cannot be used on stack dryers with only 1 reader! Top-Off mode is used on dryers when a separate price is charged for additional top-off vends. While idle, the reader will charge the Machine Start price. While running (determined by the Cycle Time setting) the Top-Off price will be charged. Example setupImage RemovedImage Removed Image AddedImage Added In the above example, the equipment is configured for a $0.50 start price (2 pulses) with an 8-minute cycle time. Additional top-off vends are $0.25 (1 pulse) with a 5-minute cycle time.

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title Extra Option
Similar to the Top-Off mode, the Extra Option mode allows a limit to be set regarding the number of times the added option can be purchased. Additionally, the ability to purchase the extra option can be set to expire. For example, if you are setting up a washer in SingleVend mode that includes one modifier, then the extra available option would be assigned to this modifier with a limit of one time. Example setupImage RemovedImage Removed Image AddedImage Added Notes Allows the extra option to be chosen when the reader is running (determined from the Avail Time setting while the reader is in use).

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title Multi-Option
Multi-Option mode is used on dryers when wanting to offer multiple vend options to the customer. Example setup Image RemovedImage RemovedImage RemovedImage AddedImage AddedImage Added Notes Allows up to five different options to be configured, priced, and shown on the reader (whereas 17 options can be configured in total for adjustment). Customers can select the option they wish to purchase by using the 'Up' and 'Down' arrow buttons on the FasCard reader. All five options can be chosen regardless if the machine is idle or running. Filling the circle in the "Default" field will set the selected option to become the first default choice for the reader. The number of pulses per option is dependent upon the selected machine configuration. In the above example, one pulse is configured on the machine for five minutes, translating to a default start time of fifteen minutes thus requiring three pulses. Adding options To configure vend options, click the Option Configuration button. Up to 5 options can be enabled at one time. Checking the Enabled box and entering an option name in the Name field will add options to the equipment.  Once finished, click Save and then click Back to Equipment Setup. Hide if special @anonymous CCI technician information Multi-Option has no cycle length–when used with a discount, the discount will persist on the card reader for one minute. See for more information.

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title Advanced
Note This mode cannot be used on stack dryers with only 1 reader! Advanced mode is similar to Multi-Option but allows for even greater flexibility and control. Example setup Image RemovedImage RemovedImage RemovedImage AddedImage AddedImage Added Notes Adding options is identical to the Multi-Option configuration. Click the Option Configuration button and proceed as outlined above. There are four additional settings beyond what is offered by Multi-Option; "Available while idle, "Default while idle", "Available while Running", and "Default while Running". Settings Available While Idle: Allows the selected option to be chosen when the reader is idle. Default While Idle: The default choice on the reader if the customer does not use the arrow buttons to select another 'Available While Idle' option.  Available While Running: Allows the selected options to be chosen when the reader is running (determined from the Cycle Time).  Can also control the number of times the selected option can be purchased within a set time limit after starting the reader. Default While Running: The default choice on the reader if the customer does not use the arrow buttons to select another 'Available While Running' option. Can also control the number of times the selected option can be purchased within a set time limit after starting the reader.

Choosing a SingleVend mode

There are five (5) SingleVend modes, each serving a different purpose. The mode to use depends on the type of equipment and how the machine will be priced. The table below lists the SingleVend modes used for specific types of machines and their reader quantities.

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For additional information regarding the following related topics, please see the links below.

• Overview of the Fascard Administration Website

• Detailed Information on Equipment Setup

• Machine Setup Guide

• Pricing and Features Setup