Coin Acceptor - Programmable (6 coin types)

The Sparkfun Coin Acceptor is an innovative piece of technology that allows for the recognition and acceptance of up to six different coin types. This makes it an ideal solution for a wide range of projects, from building your own arcade cabinet to charging admission to your home. The coin acceptor is fully programmable, allowing you to tailor it to any type of currency.

The coin acceptor works by using sensors to identify the thickness, diameter, and fall time of the coins. It is easy to program, with the use of buttons and a 7-segment display on the side of the unit. You can select a coin profile, insert coin samples, and then designate the value. The coin acceptor then reads the serial output, telling you the value of each coin as they're inserted. The values are reported as binary bytes, with a selectable baud rate on the unit.

One of the standout features of the Sparkfun Coin Acceptor is its coin reject function. This allows your controller to tell the coin acceptor not to accept any more coins. Additionally, it has a loud alert beeper to notify you of any changes. To get the coin acceptor working, all you need is a pocket full of change, a 12VDC supply, and a place for the accepted coins to fall.

While you may not get rich building your own vending machines, the Sparkfun Coin Acceptor opens up a world of possibilities. It could be used for access control using different sizes of tokens, or even for a virtual vending machine where you can buy MMORPG items. The opportunities for coin-operated projects are endless.

Features:

• Recognizes 6 Programmable Groups of Coins in Different Denominations
• Accepts coins from 17-30.5mm in Diameter and 1.25-3.2mm in Thickness
• Serial or Pulse-Width Output with Selectable Speed/Baud Rate
• Can be Set to Stop Accepting All Coins
• Industrial Standard 10Pin Parallel Port Connector
• Simple 2.54mm Spaced 5-Pin Serial Port Header
• Draws 50mA @ 12VDC Standby, 450mA At Instant of Collection
• Able to release coins in jam

Documents:

• Datasheet
• Calibration Guide
• Output Format
• HaterMatic Project