Configuring SingleVend Mode

Overview

This page is intended to guide the user through the concepts and options related to pulse (SingleVend) configurations on equipment utilized in the FasCard system.

Operation

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 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.

Determining the number of pulses

Because the reader is in control of starting the machine, it must be configured to send the correct number of pulses once the vend price on the reader has been met.

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.

Single pulse setups

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.

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.

Additional resources

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