5) Configure the Coin Acceptor
You’ll need to set up the coin acceptor and then program it with a particular type of coin so that it knows which money is correct.
- There are three selector switches on the back side. The first sets the pulse length that is generated when a coin is accepted. Any pulse length will work. We set this to Slow for a 60 millisecond pulse that is easy to see using an LED if needed. The second switch sets whether the pulse is normally open or normally closed, in other words whether you get a pulse of high or low voltage. We set this to normally open (N.O.) to use a pulse of high voltage. The last switch indicates whether the coin acceptor will be strict, normal or lenient about rejecting coins. We chose the lenient position so that most coins would be accepted.
- To program the coin acceptor with a particular denomination of coin, press the button on the top of the coin acceptor for five seconds, until you see the LED on top light up. Now insert about 30 of your chosen coins so that the detector can learn what that type of coin looks like. When the light on top goes out, the coin detector is programmed. (This took us a few tries to get right the first time we did it). You’re ready to make some money!
