This document explains the differences between Single-vend/Pulse and Multi-vend/Serial communications as well as demonstrates the basic principles involved when installing a FasCard reader. It is not intended to serve as a guide for any specific machine installation.
Getting Started
Regardless of the specific qualities of the machine on which you are installing a FasCard reader, some basic aspects are universal. At minimum, the FasCard reader requires a connection to its power supply as well as the control board of the machine on which it is being installed, while many installations also utilize a coin drop for maximum versatility. A typical setup in which both card and coin are used is illustrated below in Figure 1a (for a card only setup, simply omit the connection to the coin drop). These connections are shown generically as the harnesses for each type of drop and machine board may vary widely (examples of various harnesses are found throughout this document).
Getting Connected
Connecting your FasCard reader to the control board of the machine requires a specific wire harness based upon your machine and the type of start mechanism employed. Two different types of harness are utilized in FasCard installations depending upon the capabilities of the machine- these are referred to as Single-vend (also known as Pulse) or Multi-vend (also known as Serial). Understanding the difference between the types of harness is vital to understanding the capabilities of the system once installed. More on these harnesses and control types can be found below under the heading "Understanding Single-vend and Multi-vend Control Types".
Figure 2a (below) illustrates and labels the various connections on the reverse of the FasCard reader.
- Connecting the opposite end of the harness varies by board type, but in general a Single-vend/Pulse connection will connect where the coin drop was previously connected. Multi-vend/Serial connections typically connect to a specific serial port on the board, which will also vary by machine.
- Connecting a coin drop may require a coin sense harness to adapt the native connection. This will be included in your installation kit if needed (see Fig. 2b, above).
- Connecting the power supply utilizes a harness provided with your reader. Power considerations are further discussed below under the heading "Tapping Power".
Single-vend Pulse Vs. Multi-vend Serial Control
The FasCard system utilizes two different methods for starting machines/performing vends. Both methods function differently and not all methods are necessarily available for all machine types. Both methods are discussed below in separate sections. Some machines are capable of utilizing either Single-vend or Multi-vend, but only one control type can be used at any given time.
Understanding the Single-vend/Pulse Control Type
A Single-Vend or Pulse configuration effectively emulates a coin drop by sending an electrical pulse to the machine that serves as the "Start" signal. This is the simplest method of starting the machine and can be used across the widest variety of systems and is sometimes adapted for less obvious functions (controlling an electric door lock, for example). It is important to note that when using a pulse configuration, the FasCard reader has no direct communication to the machine control board and is capable only of sending the electrical pulse used as the "Start" signal. This means that the card reader itself does not receive any information from the machine regarding cycle times, add-ons, or otherwise. Settings related to the length, duration, and number of pulses can be setup on the FasCard Admin website (https://admin.fascard.com/).
An example of a Single-vend harness is shown below in Fig. 3a and an example of Single-vend configuration page is shown in Fig. 3b.
- A single-vend harness will always connect to the FasCard reader on the connection labeled "C" in Figure 2a, above.
- The board-side end of the harness will vary by machine/connection type.
- More information on Single-vend start methods and configurations is available here: http://confluence.laundrycard.com/x/2oAWAw.
Understanding the Multi-vend/Serial Control Type
A Multi-vend or Serial configuration differs from the Single-vend type in significant ways. The Multi-vend connection allows direct communication with the control board that it is connected to, sometimes allowing a much wider variety of options and affording greater versatility than the Single-vend control type. Rather than simply emulating a coin drop and sending an electrical "Start" signal, the Multi-vend control type exchanges information with the machine control board. Depending upon the capabilities of the machine, this can provide greater control and flexibility of vend prices as well as allow certain machine settings to be controlled directly from the FasCard Admin website (https://admin.fascard.com/).
An example of a Multi-vend communication harness can be seen below in Fig. 4a as well as a limited example of what may be available to configure using a Multi-vend setup (depending upon machine type) in Fig. 4b.
- A multi-vend harness will always connect to the FasCard reader on the connection labeled "A" in figure 2a, above.
- The board-side end of the harness will vary by machine/connection type.
- A partial list of machines supporting Multi-vend configuration can be found here: http://confluence.laundrycard.com/x/1ADs.
Tapping Power
Power is supplied to the FasCard reader by tapping into the existing electrical wiring in the machine onto which it is being installed. The power adapter supplied with your installation kit (part no. C-5602) can convert 120 or 240 volts for use by the FasCard reader. Hot, neutral, and ground wires will all be tapped during installation. If the machine uses twin 120 volt lines, only one needs to be tapped to power the FasCard reader, but a single 240 can also be tapped if necessary. Power can be tapped in different places depending upon the machine. It may be necessary to consult the documentation or manufacturer of the machine to verify wiring.
An example of the spade taps used to tap power is shown in Fig. 5a below. Fig. 5b is an example of the harness connected to said taps. Fig. 5c shows the power supply itself.
- Once power is tapped and all harnesses connected, the FasCard reader will power on.
- Power harnesses may vary depending upon machine type.
- Power is connected to the FasCard reader at connection "D" shown in Figure 1a, above.
Connection Process
- Locate the 110vac power leads.
- Connect the FasCard AC Power Harness leads with wire taps. White and black wires can be interchangeably connected to hot or neutral power connections, Green wire must be connected to ground.
- Connect the opposite end of the FasCard AC Power Harness to the input side of the FasCard power supply.
- Connect the FasCard Power Supply Harness to the output side of the FasCard reader extension harness.
- Connect extension to reader and secure the power supply inside the machine with double-sided tape.