FasCard F2-to-F3 Reader Upgrade Installation

Owned by Christopher Patac
Last updated: Jan 29, 2024 by Chris Kite
6 min read

Warning!

This document assumes the installer has working knowledge of hand tools and of the target machine in question. Physical modification of machine may be required, including modification of machine panels and internal modification to accommodate cables or harnesses.

It is recommended that the instructions contained herein be performed by individuals who are qualified to perform these tasks.

Card Concepts Inc. takes no responsibility for the accuracy of this document or for any damage that may occur to target machine.

Overview

This upgrade guide goes over the detailed steps needed to upgrade from Second Generation (F2/F2a/F2e) FasCard readers to Third Generation (F3/F3a/F3e) FasCard readers. 

The below solutions are not compatible with previous generation High-Front or Top-Mount readers or past mounting bases.

The various instructions provided layout steps for existing equipment. For new installs, please refer to one of the various install guides included with the system or equipment order per machine model.

Required Base Parts

  • T15 Secure Torx bit (or screwdriver with a T15 Secure Torx tip).

    • Also recommend a flex extension to accommodate for any tight angles/spacing if using any type of bit driver.

  • For existing Top-Mount solutions:

    • Large pliers (e.g. Straight Jaw or Hex Jaw Pliers) or an adjustable wrench.

      • May need two, in some cases.

Installation Methods

Below are methods of installation based on where on a machine a reader may be placed. Click or tap the specific method of choice to expand required instructions to continue.

This section covers front-mounted readers installed at or below eye level.

  1. Using a T15 Secure Torx bit or comparable screwdriver, remove the two mounting screws underneath the F2 reader.

  2. Carefully dislodge the reader shell from its mounting bracket and disconnect all harnesses from the rear of the F2 reader.

  3. Connect all harnesses to the rear of the F3 reader in the exact locations (especially the coin sense harness) that the F2 reader had connected to.

  4. Slowly mount the F3 reader to the corresponding bracket with the top lip catching the locking edge and carefully wedging the reader in place. Ensure no metal edges of the bracket are visible.

  5. Secure the F3 reader with the T15 Secure Torx screws that were used to mount the previous F2 reader.

  6. Remove any plastic protectors (if still present) from the touchscreen or EMV chip insert label.

For readers that will be mounted above eye level (e.g. looking up at reader), follow these below instructions.

Additional Parts

  1. Unlock/remove any panels that may prevent access to behind the top-mounting bracket.

  2. Using a T15 Secure Torx bit or comparable screwdriver, remove the two mounting screws along the top of the F2 reader behind the FASCARD/FLEX logo and dislodge the reader shell from its mounting bracket.

  3. Carefully dislodge the reader shell from its mounting bracket and disconnect all harnesses from the rear of the F2 reader.

  4. Hold one end of the chase nipple securing the top-mount bracket down and use pliers or adjustable wrench to loosen/dislodge the bolt from its locknut.

  5. Remove the previous top-mount bracket and attach the C-6465 High Mount Bracket in its place, securing down with a chase nipple.

  6. Mount the universal bracket to the high-front bracket with two (2) C-5420 screws (shown in Kit Info table) and feed the harness wiring through the center. Whether choosing to feed wiring first or mounting the bracket first is no problem as long as the end result (pictured below) is achieved.

  7. Connect all harnesses to the rear of the F3 reader in the exact locations (especially the coin sense harness) that the F2 reader had connected to.

  8. Slowly mount the reader to the corresponding bracket with the top lip catching the locking edge and carefully wedging the reader in place. Ensure no metal edges of the bracket are visible.

  9. Secure the reader with available T15 secure torx screws. This may be part of the install kits or the screws used from the previous high-front solution.

Top-mounted installs are designed for machines in which eye level may be well above where the top of the machine rests, such as top-load washers and dryers. The install process differs slightly from a front or high-front mounting solution.

Swipe Clearance Notice

For Top Mount solutions, in the event that re-drilling is required for space, CCI strongly recommends mounting a top mount solution 1-1/4 inches from the front of the machine to the edge of the reader to allow for card swipe clearance.

Mounting the top-mount bracket any further back then 1-1/4 inches from the front of the machine to the edge of the reader can potentially interfere with mounting the reader to the bracket and may prevent users from being able to swipe or insert a card into the reader due to lack of clearance.

Additional Parts

  1. Unlock/remove any panels that may prevent access to behind the top-mounting bracket.

  2. Using a T15 Secure Torx bit or comparable screwdriver, remove the two mounting screws along the top of the F2 reader behind the FASCARD/FLEX logo.

  3. Carefully dislodge the reader shell from its mounting bracket and disconnect all harnesses from the rear of the F2 reader.

     

  4. Hold one end of the chase nipple securing the top-mount bracket down and use pliers or adjustable wrench to loosen/dislodge the bolt from its locknut.

     

  5. Remove the previous top-mount bracket and attach the horizontal bracket in its place, securing it down with the same chase nipple that was used with the previous bracket and feeding necessary existing wiring through the chase nipple.

     

  6. Connect all harnesses to the rear of the F3 reader in the exact locations (especially the coin sense harness) that the F2 reader had connected to.

     

  7. Slowly mount the F3 reader to the corresponding bracket with the top lip catching the locking edges (shown in red) and carefully wedging the reader in place. Aligning the reader to the top mount also secures the ground post (shown in teal) to the reader.

     

  8. Secure F3 reader with the included C-5421 torx screws.

     

  9. Remove any plastic protectors (if still present) from the touchscreen or EMV chip insert label.