ePort CC readers

[GoBuckeyes]

People started talking about thses under a different thread and I want to bring it to the forefront. I too am interested to hear how these work in the bay or on a vacuum. Not whether they work well, but how do they actually work? How do they interface with your timer? I know the Dixmor bay timers have an input for credit card readers, is that what you are using with these readers? Can you do count up with these things? Is the timer controlling the reader or vice versa? Someone please explain how the whole transaction works. I have Etowah Valley's cc setup and like it, but would like to hear how these readers work as a comparison.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

I don't think they have the option to count up. I have been speaking with USA Live (e-port vendor) and am working with one of their techs to see how hard it would be to interface my D/H vac controller with their unit.

 

[ONEcard]

The problem with the eport is a few fold

1st it is an MDB device so it wants to be connected to a vending machine.

2nd There are some interface options that may allow you to pulse it but you would be fixed ie each swipe = 4 pulses. As apposed to a standard down count version which lets you have 1 value for the 1st swipe and 1 value for the second swipe. You have to buy these as well.

3rd and the biggest. Its EXPENSIVE 1st off you have to use one service provider USATECH and they charge 7% Quite high 2nd you also have too pay a monthly wireless access fee of $9.95 / Mo /Per eport. 10 vacs is $100.00 / mo.

We looked into this as an option as well as the MEI / CC Reader ( same hardware different packaging). Its not a good fit for car washes. If you've got a classic style vending machine and want to add CC to it. It would work

Zack

 

[tgoodwin]

I have a solution. I have a MDB to pulse controller. It is very small and easy to set. It will work on any equipment that uses a coin mechanism.

I am working with E port for the count up stop button feature.

 

[PaulLovesJamie]

The problem with the eport is a few fold ...
Its not a good fit for car washes.

Wow, a vendor whose equipment does not work trash talking another vendor - now I've seen everything, LOL.

 

[Rudy]

I've been wanting to add Credit Card acceptance to a Hamilton front load changer that I use to sell Brass Tokens. I charge only one price...$20, therefore I need a card reader that would charge only $20 per swipe, and then send 4 pulses (connected to the $5 pins). If I found a unit that could only send one pulse, I'd run it through a PLC to generate the 4 pulses the controller needs.

In addition to the ePort, I've been looking at this: http://www.coinfree.com/pages/products/acceptors

Ideas?

 

[jprb]

Rudy, is the coinfree waterproof?
JRPB

 

[Rudy]

I'm still getting information, but it's made to work in vending machines.....so I'd expect it to be able to withstand the same rigors as an ACW or similar. I'll advise when I get more.

 

[kabak]

E-Porte

I have E-Portes in my self bays they do not count up .You can program 8 differant prices and customer can select any of 8 prices . You can hook it up to Dixmor timers for differant timers you need a relay

 

[tgoodwin]

Rudy

The E port with Fragra*Matics MDB to pulse controller can be scaled for $20 with 4 pulses or any combination that you need. I know that you can negotiate a better price per swipe from E port at that rate. E port price range is for swipes $5 or under. It is currently 5 cents per dollar. The $10 dollar monthly fee per unit will not change.

 

[Rudy]

Who offers the pulse controller for sale? ePort or Fragramatics? How much...do you know?

 

[ONEcard]

I should clarify

Being that its MDB ( Multi Drop Bus Protocol) it will not interface properly at all with any car wash hardware. This is a seriel protocol. The only MDB car wash devices are Older washcard, Vending machines and some changers. NO car wash timer speaks MDB If you have an MDB to pulse output interface board that it could work but I don't know of any such devices.

The cost to use the E port is two expensive for what any operator would be willing to pay.

The product works. I was not trying to say that it does not work. I just don't think it would fit well in the car wash world.

 

[tgoodwin]

Fragra*matics. I will post a price tommorrow.

 

[GoBuckeyes]

It sounds like these type of readers might not be ideal for self serve bays, however, they sound like a pretty cheap alternative for upgrading an older autocashier. The last CC retrofit kit I purchased for a Hamilton was $1800 or $1900. Plus we all know the Hamilton takes 20-30 seconds to process; how long do these ePorts take to clear a card?

 

[Bubbles Galore]

The one on my vendor doesn't even take 10 seconds. I am very happy with the setup. I am working with the tech to figure out the best way to interface it with my vacs. I'm not really worried about doing count up at the vacs (it would be nice though). I figure at a buck a swipe they get four minutes. Simple as that. It can't be that much different than buying a little tree from the vendor.

 

[tgoodwin]

The price for a MDB to pulse interface for a Eport is $150. This from Fragra*matics.

This will allow you to connect a Eport to any application that requires a coin pulse input.

I also have a timer 24VAC input/output with scrolling message that will connect directly to the eport. The price is $325.

 

[MEP001]

Would the MDB interface work with any MDB device? I could better utilize a Mars acceptor in something I'm working on if it would.

 

[Rudy]

I just ordered the "BUMP" from CoinFree. Again, my situation is somewhat unique, in that I want to add Credit Card Capability to a Hamilton front load changer that vends Brass Tokens.

The unit will send a pulsed output which replicates the pulsed output of a validator. The only issue I had to work through, was getting the "enable" signal to interface with the new unit. Hamilton's enable signal is 120V (High is "enable"), therefore I had to run this signal through a relay that will now send a 5V DC signal to the BUMP unit. The unit has a 5V output available, so the wiring will be easy via this relay.

I'll let you know how it works, and include pictures when it's up and running.

 

[tgoodwin]

MEP001

It has only been tested with the Eport. It will have to be tested with Mars.

 

[pitzerwm]

FYI, normally even advertisers, aren't allowed to self promote outside of their User's Group area, but since this info is obviously needed, Tony happens to have a solution. Anyone having a question about self promotion or the rules, email me.