DIY Coin Mechanism Programmers

Program tips - Classic

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Mektek UK Ltd
Unit 20 Soho Mills Estate
Wooburn Green, Bucks
HP10 0PF United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1628525525
Fax: +44 1628525549
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For all models of Programmer Lite, Pro, Mektek 2 & 3 & Classic

General Programming Tips

Cloning of additional parameter settings:
When converting to different coinage additional parameters in some mechanisms (G13, G18, G10, C120, C220B, C335, C435, C450) may require changing. For instance: Output Mapping (Which channel outputs on which pin) & Reject path.
The facility to change these as part of the Programming is included in some Coinset files but not all. Also the setting may have been changed inadvertently by selecting the wrong Coinset file when programming. Cloning has been introduced in V1.2C onwards to use the additional parameter data from a sample mechanism that already has the required settings and put it into the mechanism being programmed. The different routines are detailed in the Coin Controls and NRI sections below.

BuiltWithNOF

MEI Mechanism programming tips

Validator Test on older style MS100/MS111 (16-pin loom E8) not working:
Due to varying build standards the Validator Test facility does not function on some models of these older mechanisms. An alternative way of checking coin acceptance using the accept gate after programming follows.  After programming is complete, connect the loom E17-C220B to the output connector of the mechanism, ensuring that the position with the polariser fits in the gap between pins. (The pins may need easing away slightly from the side of the mechanism). Connect the 15-way D connector to the socket on the side of the programmer. From the Main Menu, select Coin Controls, C220B and Validator Test. Pass coins through the mechanism and note if the accept gate opens or not to determine whether coins are accepted. (The Validator Test lights do not function in this mode).

All coins rejected on validator test may be due to incorrect segment selection.
When adding a single coinset to a an MEI mechanism we recommend putting the same coin data into both segments of the E+1 or PROM so that it works regardless of which segment has been selected in the mechanism. At the Capture Measurements screen, before selecting Run Coinset, tick the box marked
Duplicate Segments.

Some coin types rejected on validator test may be due to incorrect channels programmed.
There are a number of variants of the ME/MS111 family which accept coins in specific channels. This has resulted in some coins being programmed into channels that do not have an output to the machine. The effect is that the coins are not registered when fitted to the host machine.
Count the number of pins in the single-row output connector, including the gaps:
13 pins - Active coin channels C, D, E, F (4coins)
15 pins - Active coin channels B, C, D, E, F (5coins)
17 pins - All 6 channels active

Coin Controls Mechanism programming tips

Coins rejected after programming on C435 family:
2.1 Difficulties can arise if the coin mechanism binary output is incorrect for the host machine leading to rejection of coins on test and/or on the host machine. The use of Coinset File C435A, which does not change the binary coding or routing, is strongly recommended for both C435 and C435A. Only use the other Coinset Files when the coding must be changed from the existing configuration. If an incorrect Coinset File has been used restore the binary coding etc using Cloning Routine below.
2.2 Before programming the EPROM at the PROM Limits screen make sure that no overlaps exist. These are shown as highlighted limits. Any highlighted limits programmed into the EPROM will result in the two overlapping coins being rejected.

Coin Controls C120 issues:
1. Remove the rear cover of the mechanism to reveal the programming connector.
2. Difficulties can arise if the coin mechanism mapping is incorrect for the host machine leading to rejection of coins on test and/or on the host machine. The use of Coinset File C120All, which does not change the binary coding or routing, is strongly recommended.
It works for either the older type (Identified by the word Jaguar on the PCB at the rear of the mechanism) or the later type. Only use the other Coinset Files when the coding must be changed from the existing configuration. If an incorrect Coinset File has been used restore the binary coding etc using Cloning Routine below.
3. Before programming the EPROM at the PROM Limits screen make sure that no overlaps exist. These are shown as highlighted limits. Any highlighted limits programmed into the EPROM will result in the two overlapping coins being rejected.

Cloning Routine (Coin Controls):
1. Connect sample mechanism of same type to be programmed with known correct additional parameter settings. Using Memory Utilities, Save EEPROM to File.
2. Connect mech to be programmed. From the Main Menu go to EEPROM Utilities, select Program from File and program using the saved file above. This will deduct one credit.
3. Go back to Main Menu and program in the usual manner using a Coinset file which does not change the additional parameter settings. This will deduct another credit.

NRI Mechanism programming tips

Identification of G13 Acceptors and Totalisers:
Acceptors:
Type G13-0
000 - one loom connection visible though back cover.
Type G13-6
000 - both loom connections visible through back cover.
G13-1
000 is a front plate version of G13-0000
G13-7
000 is a front plate version of G13-6000
Totalisers:
A "2", "3" or "4" in the
red position indicates a Totaliser variant.
CAUTION: Different connections to the rear panel of the Programmer are used for Acceptors and Totalisers. Connecting the E10 Ribbon Cable from an Acceptor to the Totaliser connection on the Programmer can damage the Programmer and/or mechanism.
Coinset Files with individual coin values are required for Totaliser variants. Contact Mektek for a Coinset File specific to your needs. Validator Test is not available for Totaliser variants.

Cloning routine:
If the additional parameter settings, such as output mapping, have been inadvertently changed on an NRI mechanism it can be restored to a known configuration by using the Cloning Routine.
1. Connect sample mechanism of same type to be programmed with known correct additional parameter settings. Using Memory Utilities, Save EEPROM to file.
2.Connect mech to be programmed.
3. Programme using Coinset file which does not change other parameters (or Wizard) as normal but do not program the EEPROM.
4.Before leaving the PROM Limits screen go to EEPROM utilities and Program From File using saved file above. Close window.
5. Click on Restore Limits and adjust limits if necessary..
6. Program EEPROM and Validator Test in usual manner.
Notes: Only one credit will be deducted per mech programmed.
The saved file from the sample mech can be used for any other mechs of the same type requiring the same configuration.

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