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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 & NRI Mechanism programming tips

Coin Controls C435 family issues:
1. Difficulties can arise if the coin mechanism settings of Binary Coding and/or routing are incorrect leading to rejection of coins on test and/or on the host machine.
Changes to these Settings can be done in one of two ways.
A> Use Coinset File C435A to program the coin data. This does not change the settings. If changes are required these can be made manually at any time.  viz Go to PROM Utilities, overtype the existing values with those required and Program EEPROM.  With the latest software the settings change does not charge a Credit. Or:
B> Find a mechanism of the same type and use it to Clone the settings - see below for Cloning Routine. Important: If Cloning is used all coins must be reprogrammed after Cloning.
2. Using the Add/Replace a Coin or Slug Fix wizard: On the Limits Screen overtype the limits in Parameter 5 with zeros before Program EEPROM to disable the Piezosensor or coins may hang in the accept gate.. .

Coin Controls C120 issues:
1. Older type acceptors where the rear cover of the mechanism must be removed to reveal the programming connector usually have the word “Jaguar” on the PCB.  Until a software update is available these cannot be programmed on the Mektek 3..
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 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 where), Binary Coding and Output paths.
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 allows the user take the additional parameter data from a sample mechanism that already has the required settings and put it into the mechanism being programmed. Important: All required coins must be programmed after Cloning as the existing coin data is overwritten by the Cloning.   With the latest software version this does not use a Credit

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. From the Main Menu click on Program Mech. Then tick the box Clone and select Run Coinset File. 
3. Select the File from Step 1 above & Open. Confirm Overwrite EEPROM.
4. When Open Coinset screen appears select the required Coinset File and program in the normal way. This will use one Credit..