Happ controls $5 bill updater-- problems

[Sequoia]

I bought the Happ controls device to update my Mars validators to accept the new $5. I opened my American Changer door, and read the Happ controls directions where it says to plug the 6-pin plug and cable in series with the validator.

Whoops. American Changer apparently uses their own cable, and it has a 4-pin connector. So I didn't update anything since it doesn't match up.

Just for fun, I checked the validator in my Shurvend and ... presto .... it has the 6-pin connector. I'm curious-- can I remove the validators from my American Changer, go plug them into the Shurvend to use its cables to perform my update and then go reinstall them back in the changer?

I don't want to take a chance on shorting out my validators if there are differences in wiring, so if anyone has already done this I'd appreciate hearing back if it was successful.

 

[Uncle Sam]

Sequoia,

I don't know anything about the Happ $5 programmer, but our Mars programmer has a series of plugs on it to fit the various Mars validators. The 6 pin plug is the MDB plug which you found in the ShurVend. I think the bill validators used in the American changer are either 110 vac or 24 vac and not MDB.

I would not try to upgrade your American changer validator in the ShurVend until you find out more about this from Happ. We can send you our programmer for the upgrade if you want to change your mind on the Happ purchase.

Uncle Sam

 

[Randy]

Duane,
Why would you buy a programmer when all you have to do is 2 validators? I?ve been sending out one of my Mars a programmer kit that includes everything you need to upgrade any Mars validator for less than you can buy a programmer for. Be very careful when you use the programmer, it?s easy to ruin a Mars validator if you don?t know what you?re doing. I got one in today the main board is damaged from being plugged in wrong.

 

[Sequoia]

I have only 2 validators in the changer, but 6 total. I purchased the programmer as I was told that it would be useable (with a small upgrade fee) in the future as new currency was introduced. Seemed reasonable; maybe it wasn't!

 

[Sequoia]

Happ programmer

Just fyi the Happ programmer worked out just fine.

Since the Shurvend has an MDB plug, I used the Happ programmer and successfully updated the 24V MARS acceptor in the Shurvend.

Then, I removed each of the 24V MARS acceptors (with the proprietary wiring) from my American Changers. I took them to the Shurvend (which has the MDB plug), plugged them in, and successfully updated them. I reinstalled them into the American changers and all worked OK.

It was a few extra steps since the American changers don't have an MDB plug but all worked out OK.

 

[Uncle Sam]

Sequoia,

Good for you. Sometimes it takes a little doing but you got it done with our help.

Uncle Sam

 

[Sequoia]

Thanks

Uncle Sam,

Thanks for the help. I was a little squeamish doing what I did but it worked out great. You helped a ton, of course.