Connecting Hamilton Bonus Token Dispensor to Unitec Wash Select II

[vinh]

I have inherited a brand new Hamilton Token Dispensor unit and would like to connect it to a Unitec Wash Select II. Has anyone done this modification?
Thanks ahead.

http://www.hamiltonservices.org/Documents/101-0163.pdf

 

[MEP001]

It looks like the token dispenser is controlled mainly by a Hamilton unit, but it would be easy to use a PLC or programmable relay to control the hopper directly with the wash pulses from the Unitec.

 

[vinh]

It looks like the token dispenser is controlled mainly by a Hamilton unit, but it would be easy to use a PLC or programmable relay to control the hopper directly with the wash pulses from the Unitec.

PLC and programmable relay with be out of my scope. My two options are 1) selling the token dispenser and buying a carolina pride token machine, or 2) taking the unitec out and putting in a spare gold line and using the hamilton token dispenser.

Option 1 will cost me an extra $500 - $700 that I am guessing after recouping the sale of the hamilton dispenser.

 

[JGinther]

If its the programming that bothers you, an IDX mx-8 multiplexer could probably work. You would have your work cut out for you making the interface, as you would likely have to add 4 relays that match the wash arming signal voltage for the inputs into the mx-8, and maybe whatever relay was necessary to tie into the hopper signal (didn't read the manual)...

 

[vinh]

If its the programming that bothers you, an IDX mx-8 multiplexer could probably work. You would have your work cut out for you making the interface, as you would likely have to add 4 relays that match the wash arming signal voltage for the inputs into the mx-8, and maybe whatever relay was necessary to tie into the hopper signal (didn't read the manual)...

Thanks for the response. The programming and fear of not making a reliable machine work is my big problem.

Anyone use a Carolina token dispensor? The feature of pressing a button for the token will save token cost in the long run.

 

[MEP001]

I threw together a "quick and dirty" ladder program for the Logo relays I use that would operate the Hamilton token dispenser. It took only a few minutes to get something that should work. The relays are incredibly reliable. I'm sure I could add the feature of pressing a button to vend the token without much more effort.

 

[Ric]

Thanks for the response. The programming and fear of not making a reliable machine work is my big problem.

Anyone use a Carolina token dispensor? The feature of pressing a button for the token will save token cost in the long run.

I like that Carolina Pride dispenser also. If someone could come up with something for about half the price I would be interested in a couple.

 

[cwguy.com]

This is what you get for using an unitec. Either scope your acw units or sell your token boxes. It might not really be serial? You should be able to sell them for $500. I'll give you $100 with locks.

 

[MEP001]

This is what you get for using an unitec. Either scope your acw units or sell your token boxes. It might not really be serial? You should be able to sell them for $500. I'll give you $100 with locks.

You're not even trying to help.

 

[cwguy.com]

Actually I feel the same about everyone else's post...

If anyone looked at the doc he posted Hamilton claims it's communicating via serial. It's not like every other dumb token box on the market. Which is relay based.... Usually your right mep1.... Not with Hamilton.

 

[MEP001]

If anyone looked at the doc he posted Hamilton claims it's communicating via serial. It's not like every other dumb token box on the market. Which is relay based....

That's why I took the time to write and test a ladder program, to eliminate the original controls and run the hopper by a programmable relay

 

[cwguy.com]

Sure.... But the op said that idea was unreliable?

 

[MEP001]

Do you have a point?

 

[cwguy.com]

Do you have a point?

Ditti..... Well if you care what the guys option is? But you just answered that.

 

[MEP001]

I don't understand. I offered an option that would make it work. I've done all kinds of stuff like that with these programmable relays.

 

[cwguy.com]

Okay.... This is a huge misunderstanding! I agree with you! I would put a plc in the unit and beg for help if I couldn't figure it out.

I was just saying even though the majority of token boxes are designed exactly like your talking about.... The op said he thinks it's a terrible idea.

My suggestion was to just check and see if it was really serial. Let's kiss and make up? I love you mep1.

 

[JGinther]

I think this forum needs an un-thanks function...

 

[cwguy.com]

For posters who have never seen a token machine before.... This is a different model but should help illustrate what mep1 is talking about replicating.... The problem arises with the Hamilton coin despensor needing to verify the coins despensed or something to that affect.... That is the reason for the plc.... I believe. When talking to the OP in RL I assumed this was the setup (my pictures). If your interested I have more pictures here:
http://cwguy.com/?p=1208

 

[MEP001]

What I had proposed by using a programmable relay would make the token dispenser work independently of the cashier - there would be no verification of the coin dispensed, but I doubt that would be a really huge deal. It's not like you'd want your auto to shut down because the dispenser is out of tokens.

It would be a simple addition to the program to allow things like two tokens vended for the top wash package and just one for the others.

 

[cwguy.com]

If I remember off hand.... The Hamilton coin dispenser just gets a pulse on certain wires for certain pay outs? But I didn't think the coin dispenser has a board or controller? That's the only reason I thought counting was required?

That generic coin acceptor (in my picture) in the token box is self contained I believe. Or has to be because that unit works on a unitec.

I also looked at the pride token box..... I like the button idea but I think the button should be a lot bigger. For people that have never used tokens.... Everyone does not get there token.