Vendo

Vendo on jack

Thanks to swwils we were able to obtain a can vending machine.

Quick details

• Dixie Narco 501t (Presumed)
• 8 Columns - cans load tabs to the back
  • Columns run 87654321 left to right
  • Buttons run 12 34 56 78
• Has a electromechanical cashflow 560 coin mech that shows red flashing light (clean me error) (110v)
• Secondary Protocol A cashflow 560 purchased (24v)
• Refrigeration unit works and stays cool / turns off properly
• Can channels vend properly
• Need to find out how to obtain the serial from protocol a (old protocol) or activate the industry standard MDB
  • Adding RFID payment using members cards
  • This is made very easy due to the MDB spec
• Coin mech is the brains of the operation.

Protocol A /MDB/ICP protocol

Protocol A is the predecessor to MDP, similar but older arrangement.

The Multi-Drop Bus/Internal Communications Protocol is a voluntary standard for vending machine communication. This is a serial bus interface working at 9600baud in a master-slave arrangement, where the vending machine controller is the master. Each peripheral is assigned a unique address and command set.

MDB has support for the following devices:-

• Coin Changer
• Bill Validator
• Cashless devices
• Communications Gateway
• Universal Satellite Device
• Coin Hopper or Tube Dispenser

In order to operate the serial line as a bus with multiple devices attached MDB uses a 9bit serial over the traditional 8bit, 9n1 vs 8n1 The master polls each device for activity, all communication sessions are initiated by the master addressing a slave, slaves are only allowed to respond when addressed, this prevents bus collisions.

The master indicates an address byte/start of session by setting the 9th bit, the correct slave responds as needed and on sending it's last byte it also sets the 9th bit to indicated end of it's session (although the master will ACK this)

Vending machine dimensions

72" H x 37"W x 35"D