FasCard Reader Install - Universal Concepts

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Last updated: Jan 29, 2024 by Chris Kite
8 min read

Overview

This document explains the differences between SingleVend/Pulse and MultiV/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.

CCI takes no responsibility for the accuracy of this document or for any damage that may occur if using this document to guide installation or maintenance of a FasCard system.

Getting Started

Regardless of the specific qualities of the machine on which you are installing a FasCard reader, some basic aspects are universal.  At a 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.  Typical configurations for coin and card setup are shown below, in configurations using a serial or pulse harness.  Fig. 1a refers to the connection positions on the F1: FasCard Wireless Reader and fig. 1b refers to connection positions on F2: FasCard Touchscreen Reader.  For card-only installations, omit 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).

Fig. 1a - F1 Reader Configurations
Fig. 1a - F1 Reader Configurations
Fig. 1b - F2 Reader Configurations
Fig. 1b - F2 Reader Configurations

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 SingleVend (also known as Pulse) or Multi Level Vend (also known as Serial, or MLV/MultiVend).  Understanding the difference between the types of harnesses is vital to understanding the capabilities of the system once installed.  More on these harnesses and control types can be found below under the headings "Understanding SingleVend and MultiVend Control Types".  

Figure 2a (below) illustrates and labels the various connections on the reverse of the FasCard reader.  

Connection points for the F2 FasCard reader may be found on F2: FasCard Touchscreen 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".

SingleVend Pulse vs. Multi Level Vend (Serial/MLV 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 SingleVend or MultiVend, but only one control type can be used at any given time.

Understanding the SingleVend/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: Configuring SingleVend Mode.

Understanding the MultiVend/Serial Control Type

A Multi-vend or Serial configuration differs from the SingleVend type in significant ways.  The MultiVend 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 SingleVend 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: Multi Level Vend Functionality.

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.

Some examples of spade taps (fig. 5a) used to tap power, power adapter harnesses connected to said taps (fig. 5b), and power converters (fig. 5c) are as follows

Figure 5a: Spade Taps

Figure 5b: Power Adapter Harnesses

Figure 5c: Power Converters

  • Once power is correctly tapped and all harnesses connected, the FasCard reader will power on when the machine is powered on.

  • Power harnesses may vary depending upon machine type. 

  • Power is connected to the FasCard reader at connection "D" shown in figs. 1a and 1b, above.

Connection Process

IMPORTANT

The following is just one possible example of how power may be provided to a FasCard/FLEX reader. While universal power principles apply, installation may vary based on machine.

  1. Locate the power terminal housing the power leads. In most cases, this can be identified by the way the terminal is labeled (L1, L2, N, etc.).

    1. In some instances, this can also be traced by finding where the 120v/240v grounded power plug itself leads to within the machine.

  2. Attach the necessary spade taps for power application:

    1. In this example, 1st Hot (L1) and 2nd Hot/Neutral (L2/N) power connections are labeled.

    2. In some instances, the different line wires (typically black for Hot, white for Neutral, in a three-phase circuit) can be interchangeably connected to hot or neutral power connections.

    3. Green wire must be connected to ground. Depending on the kit/harness, this may be either through a third (ground) spade tap, or a ground terminal/lug:

  3. Connect the FasCard Power Adapter Harness leads to their respective spade taps. If the green (ground) wire was also tapped, ensure the green wire connects to the ground spade.

  4. (Also shown in step 3) Connect the opposite end of the FasCard Power Adapter Harness to the input harness of the FasCard power supply.

  5. Connect the output harness of FasCard Power Supply to the output side of the FasCard Power Extension Harness.

  6. Connect the 3-pin input end of the Power Extension harness to the power port on the FasCard/FLEX reader.

  7. Secure the power supply and any cabling inside the machine as needed. Examples may include existing clips, zip ties, electrical tape, double-sided tape, etc.

Additional Information