Unitec WashChange issue

[1carwash1]

I have two Unitec WashChanges (change machine) that were upgraded to a Mars validator (AE 2602) years ago. Periodically, the machine will go out of service and the red light on the back of the validator will flash twice indicating the validator has been disabled. To clear the code and get the machine back into operation all that is needed is to cycle the power. This happens randomly with both machines (last week three times). Is this normal or do we have it set up wrong? Additionally, on the validator should the dip switch be set to "harness enable" or "always enable". If we cannot solve this issue we are considering purchasing a new machine. Any opinions on the best change machine available?

 

[Randy]

I'm going to be very truthful and not beat around the bush. They are a piece of $hit, do yourself a favor and get rid of it while it still sort of works. You always want to run the bill validator in a changer with switch #6 in the "Harness enable" mode. If switch #6 is in the "Always enable" mode it will continue to accept money when the bill changer goes out of service. A Hamilton RNS changer with a Mars validator would be my choice. If your near Washington state I've got 2 recon RNS changers in my shop.

 

[JAGraff]

I have two Unitec WashChanges (change machine) that were upgraded to a Mars validator (AE 2602) years ago. Periodically, the machine will go out of service and the red light on the back of the validator will flash twice indicating the validator has been disabled. To clear the code and get the machine back into operation all that is needed is to cycle the power. This happens randomly with both machines (last week three times). Is this normal or do we have it set up wrong? Additionally, on the validator should the dip switch be set to "harness enable" or "always enable". If we cannot solve this issue we are considering purchasing a new machine. Any opinions on the best change machine available?

Hi, 1carwash1,

I just sent you a message on this.

Thanks!

 

[DavidM]

We have the same problem with our WashChange. Fortunately ours is a dual changer so it doesn't put us completely out of service but it is very annoying.
Let us know if you find a solution.

David

 

[MEP001]

Is there not a code that you're resetting to return the changer to service? It would help to know what it is.

 

[DavidM]

The changer code is "General Bill Validator Failure" and the validator is flashing twice "disabled from the system" It seems like they are both blaming the other device.

 

[1carwash1]

Thanks for the responses. First off, Unitec reached out to me regarding this issue. It seams that the J2 connector on the controller board can become dirty and interfere with the data communication between the controller board and the validator. So we will attempt to clean and align the controller pins to improve contact with the mating connector. Kudos to Unitec for reaching out to us! Secondly, Randy you said to only operate the changer in the "harness enable" mode. Out of curiosity, I put the validator into "always enabled" mode and performed some test to see if the validator would take money even though the hopper was jammed or empty. In both cases, while in the "always enabled" mode, the the out-of-service light came on and the validator became disabled (two flashes) and would not take money. Also, I cycled the power when I moved the dip-switch to "always enabled". I wonder if the validator harness configuration is somehow forcing the validator to stay in the "harness enable" mode even though I moved the dip-switch to the "always enabled" mode.