Bill Validator Tips
2-Flash Error Code on MEI VN-Series Validators
If you get a 2-Flash error flashing from the LED status on your bill acceptor here are some troubleshooting tips to correct the problem. Your first instinct is to swap out the suspect bill validator, but you need to make a couple of checks before you do this. If you know the bill validator was working in the machine and just started exhibiting the 2 fl ash error you need to check the vending machine display to see if you are getting a “use exact change” or “coins only” message. If you have either message, make sure the coin tubes in the coinchanger are at least half full; if you have plenty of change, you probably have a defective lower coin sensor in which case you will have to swap the coin changer. The bill validator is shut down in this instance so the patron is not short changed during a purchase. If this doesn’t solve your problem, check the vending machine for a jammed or defective half cycled vend motor, sold out switch or vend relay.
Switch Settings for MEI VNxxx Series Bill Validators
Description Switch Settings
Switch 1 & 2 - Bill Direction
1 Way 1-On / 2-Off
2 Way 1-Off / 2-On
4 Way 1-On / 2-On
Switch 3 Acceptance
High Acceptance Off
High Security On
Switch 4, 5, 6 - $1, $2, $5 Acceptance
$1 Bill Accept On-Accept / Off-Reject
$2 Bill Accept On-Accept / Off-Reject
$5 Bill Accept On-Accept / Off-Reject
Switch 7 & 8 - Pulse Switches
Short Pulse 7-On / 8-Off
Long Pulse 7-Off / 8-Off
Credit Line 7-Off / 8-On
Serial and MDB 7-Off / 8-Off
Coin Changer Tips
How to Tune a MEI TRC-Series Coin Changer
1. Remove coins from changer.
2. Unplug power source without unplugging changer cable.
3. Short the 2 exposed pins on the changer control board located just above the dime tube with a screwdriver.
4. Reapply power to changer.
5. Remove screwdriver.
6. Reseat acceptor/rejector portion of changer.
7. Insert 2 nickels, 2 dimes, 2 quarters and then, 2 dollar coins. (Coins must be dropped in this order)
8. Changer is now ready to accept coins again.
9. If at first you do not succeed, try again.
If this does not correct your problem after two or three attempts, you may have a defective electronic component!
MEI-7512 Cassette Reprogramming
1. Press the yellow mode button, and then select the cassette option.
2. If you have swapped a new factory configured cassette, you may simply type in the code on the front of the facia cover and press next, then press accept and you have finished.
3. Proceed below if you have replaced your cassette with new and different tubes in a custom configuration.
4. Next you will need to insert a nickel then press all tube locations A-E containing a nickel tube.
5. You need to repeat this step for all additional denomination of coins.
6. Once the display indicates your new configuration, press the next button then press accept.
7. Your new tube confi guration has now been reprogrammed.
MEI-7512 Cassette Tube Configuration and Reprogramming
If you need to replace a broken coin tube or manually reconfigure your coin cassette tubes such as adding a $ coin tube, follow these instructions.
You will first need to remove the coin cassette from the coin changer body. You will notice the cassette consists of 3 major components: The cassette facia or cover, the spine which connects all the different components and the coin tubes. In order to expose the coin tubes for extraction, you will need to remove the facia.
To do this, simply hold the cassette in your left hand with the facia facing up. With your right thumb, dislodge the bottom left corner of the facia then slide downwards and away from the skeleton. The tubes can now be removed by pushing down on the tabs located at the top of each tube. The tabs connect the tubes to the skeleton. Once you have done this, the tube simply hinges out towards you and dislodges from the hinge slot at the base of the tube. At this point, you may replace any tube by reversing this process.
There are four rules to remember when changing your tube configuration.
1. You must always have a nickel tube; the nickel tube may be used in any position.
2.The dime tube cannot be used in position E.
3.The quarter tube cannot be used position B.
4. The $ tube cannot be used in positions A or B.
Once all 5 tubes are in position, you are ready to reassemble the cassette. Insert the tabs on the right side of the facia into the slots located on the cassette spine and hinge the left side closed. The facia can now be slid upwards to lock it into place. If you have changed your original coin tube configuration, you will now need to reprogram the cassette. You can order all your MEI CF7512 Coin Manager parts from our CoinValParts.com website.
If you need help identifying your parts, please call our parts department. If you interchange your cassettes or if you change the original tube confi guration you will need to program your new cassette.
Exact Change Problem
If you just had your MEI TRC series coin changer serviced and now it won’t take coins, chances are it needs to be re-tuned. Occasionally when power is applied to the coin changer it causes the unit to lose the memory stored within the tuning chip. This could be caused by plugging the coin changer into your vending machine before turning the power off as well as a power surge. You should always turn your vendor off when plugging in your changer or bill validator to avoid damaging the main controller and/or the unit being connected. Re-tuning is a very simple procedure and can be performed in the fi eld. See complete guide in this newsletter.
Refrigeration Tips
Keep your Condenser Clean on Refrigerated Machines
Be sure to keep your condenser coils clean. The condenser coil is usually located at the bottom of the machine. Outside ambient air is pulled across the coils by a powerful fan. The coil accumulates a lot of dust and debris during its course of operation. Make sure the machine is unplugged and use compressed air or nitrogen or a portable vacuum cleaner to blow out the coils. Take care if you are located in an office building as the dust can be significant.
It is important also to make sure the machine is located with enough space from an adjacent wall to allow proper air circulation. Scheduled these cleaning visits on a six month basis and it should help both with energy consumption and service calls.
Can Drink Icing of Evaporator Troubleshooting Tips
The icing of a can drink evaporator coil may be caused by a number of faults. The number one problem is usually the evaporator fan or fans. If one of these fails there is not enough air being drawn across the coil and it will freeze.
The second leading cause is thermostat failure. If this happens the compressor and cooling cycle will continue long after the drinks are at the proper temperature. A key warning factor of this failure is frozen drinks. Once the evaporator ices up though, the drinks may warm up but check for swollen cans that are a telltale sign the drinks froze.
A less common failure is the door gaskets being worn out and allowing warm air to enter the unit. Although this can also cause the drinks not show properly it may also cause the coil to freeze, especially in very humid environments.
Vending Machine Tips
Exact Change Problem
If you just had your MEI TRC series coin changer serviced and now it won’t take coins, chances are it needs to be re-tuned. Occasionally when power is applied to the coin changer it causes the unit to lose the memory stored within the tuning chip. This could be caused by plugging the coin changer into your vending machine before turning the power off as well as a power surge. You should always turn your vendor off when plugging in your changer or bill validator to avoid damaging the main controller and/or the unit being connected. Re-tuning is a very simple procedure and can be performed in the fi eld. See complete guide in this newsletter.
Keep your Condenser Clean on Refrigerated Machines
Be sure to keep your condenser coils clean. The condenser coil is usually located at the bottom of the machine. Outside ambient air is pulled across the coils by a powerful fan. The coil accumulates a lot of dust and debris during its course of operation. Make sure the machine is unplugged and use compressed air or nitrogen or a portable vacuum cleaner to blow out the coils. Take care if you are located in an office building as the dust can be significant.
It is important also to make sure the machine is located with enough space from an adjacent wall to allow proper air circulation. Scheduled these cleaning visits on a six month basis and it should help both with energy consumption and service calls.
Can Drink Icing of Evaporator Troubleshooting Tips
The icing of a can drink evaporator coil may be caused by a number of faults. The number one problem is usually the evaporator fan or fans. If one of these fails there is not enough air being drawn across the coil and it will freeze.
The second leading cause is thermostat failure. If this happens the compressor and cooling cycle will continue long after the drinks are at the proper temperature. A key warning factor of this failure is frozen drinks. Once the evaporator ices up though, the drinks may warm up but check for swollen cans that are a telltale sign the drinks froze.
A less common failure is the door gaskets being worn out and allowing warm air to enter the unit. Although this can also cause the drinks not show properly it may also cause the coil to freeze, especially in very humid environments.