Change Machines

[Chase13]

I have one change machine in my mat. I am looking at putting a second in just for those days that my 7 year old stardard has a problem.

This is rare but it still pisses me off when I get calls or have a customer leave to go to other mat.

How many of you have two change machines in your mat and did it help you reduce your stress level from wondering if that dawn machine crapped out on you.

Thanks,
Chase13

[Lar Hylobates]

I would never have a mat with less than 2 and three seems more safe.

[David]

My mat didn't have one when I bought it back in August.

Since then I have one installed. If it gets hung, oh well.

I still see alot of quarter wrappers on the floor in the evening. I guess people still bring their own quarters.

[ChuckB]

Poll needs to be expanded to

three
Four
more than four.

I have four.

[Duane]

Poll also needs to have a zero option.

Everything in my store is on the card system.

No changers, no quarters.

[ChuckB]

Duane,

I must take exception. While you might not make "change" you do change dollars to card currency. How many bill accepters do you have?

I would think for a "card" system the changers are the neck of the funnel. If they go down your down. People can't just go to the local car wash and get currency for their wash.

So how much redundancy do you have to protect yourself from going down? If I'm not mistaken you're dependent upon Bill Gates and Windows, you poor thing. You can catch colds too, or at least a virus, my quarter changers doesn't have any of those problems.

That being said, I will admit to looking at the CCI system.

[Kitty]

How many think two change machines is a must in any store? One goes out you have a back up......hell, it sucks when they both go out, More so than no it is because the freaking attendant refrained from telling anyone.........

[CharlieS]

We're in the quarter business folks. Without at least 2, you are shooting yourself in the foot.

Charlie

[Kitty]

Is there a way to multiple vote? Only allow multiple votes from registrations that multi operate?

[Andy]

Two gives you reasonable redudency.

[Duane]

ChuckB,

I do have two "X-Changer" machines that accept bills, dispenses or adds values to cards and run the store. If one fails, the other does take over and runs the store.

The addition of "card store" as an option is a better representation than a vote of "zero".


I feel the same way you do about Mr. Gates and his empire. But, the Windows 2000 operating system has been around long enough to be stable (formally Win NT) as also with SQL for the DB software. Both can be purchased off the shelf and classes are offered at most colleges so you can familiarize yourself if you would like. Note, with the CCI system you don't need to know jack about the software.

I am not worried about a virus since the store network is not permanently connected to an outside network.

With any option a store decides to use in running their equipment or business, there are always advantages and disadvantages. I weighed the differences between quarters and cards and feel the advantages of the card system outweigh the offerings from a quarter system. I imagine most on this board has done the same.

If you had to decide right now on a card system, which one would you choose?

[Chase13]

Thanks for the replies. Went out and pick up a used Standard that's the same as my other change machine. It's a 6yrs old and is a SC62 series with a coin slot. I paid $1500.00US for it. (Looks new and has a 3mth warranty with it.) What do you think good deal or bad.

Chase13

[Tini Bubbles]

Wow, You could have bought a new machine that excepts the new bills. Row and standard cost 1,300 for the basic model.
Your 6 year old machine is outdated unless it was updated with newer style bill validater. Mars validater is around 400.00 plus installation.
I bought a Row C6 used, made in 2000. for 1,300.00
It also was updated to a mars bill acceptor. Not so picky as Row stock bill Ex'.
Tini

[anonymous]

I paid $1400 just for the update kit for one of my rear load rowes. It was a bc-25r but is now identical to my other rear load, bc 1400. Practically everything gets replaced when u update these puppies, power supply, validator, control bd, led & detectors, even the entire wiring harness. It was cheaper and less hassle than buying new one.

[Lar Hylobates]

I paid the same 1400 for the update on my Bc-3500. I have the new ones marked about 3500.00 for some reason.

???

[pete f]

2 changers, or a changer with 2 seperate validator/hoppers is the only way to go. Of course they both can go down, but at least that does not happen very often. And if only one goes down it is a Code "2" not a Code "1" problem..

I prefer upgrade rather then buy new cuase them things are so damn heavy changing them and re-hanging them is a pain in the back..

[Ken]

some of my stores have 4 changers,some have 2.I love changers!
They are pain sometime but they never no call no show like my attendant!
Rowe changer has a few different update,
the full update cost $1500
RBA7 Rowe update cost $500
Mars,Coinco Aftermarket update cost $500
I saw a lot Mars update in location.
Standard have 2 different update,don't remenber the price.maybe $500-1000
I saw Standard with Mars kit once.
Most American Changer with Coinco or Mars accepter just need to reburn the chip,cost $25.
If you have Eprom burner,you can even burn them for free.
Some older need change CPU ,cost about $50.

[detlaundry]

Gotta have at least 2 changers no matter what size.

ALthough lately we've had only 1 1/2.

One of our standards has been going out almost daily with a "tamper error" though it is not being tampered with. I sent in the validator to standard and they sent back a $250 bill. Three weeks later same problem. They said send it back so they can send me another bill. Any ideas? It has been cleaned and most of the rollers have been replaced.

[CharlieS]

The 600 series of the Standard Changers uses a power supply module. This module will go bad after about 3 years (according to Standard) It doesn't just fail outright. Your acceptor will start to give errors such as the "Tamper" error, and will also start to have problems with the bill stacker.

The fix is a new power supply board, about $80, and about 15 minutes to install it in your power module.

The bill update for a series 500E or Series 600 acceptor is only $30 from Standard. Older units may be different, but can always be replaced with a new 600 unit. I found the best pricing at Kleen-Rite (717) 684-6721

However, as far as the original thread, I consider 2 changers to be mandatory. You are in the quarter business. Without quarters, you have no business.

Same reason I like 2 fans running on an airplane instead of one.

Charlie

[Anonymous]

Originally posted by CharlieS
The fix is a new power supply board, about $80, and about 15 minutes to install it in your power module.


CharlieS is right, my standard started jamming up just recently and when I called the tech to schedule a drop off of the accepter he told me to bring the power supply as well since often it's the root of the problem.

I'm surprised Standard didn't tell detlaundry this as well.

I just ordered the basic model american changer as a backup

[detlaundry]

CharlieS,

I called Standard a few times after your suggestion to see what they'd say. I never mentioned your suggestion. (I wanted to see what they might suggest)

Then, after 3 calls, with Standard suggesting, "turn this screw this way", "no, turn it back the other way and turn the other screw" and finally, "send the acceptor back", I asked about the power board. They said that the power supply could be a possibility. I ordered the board and have not had a problem since.

THANKS CHarlieS!

(the "S" must be for Standard :))