Kimberly Berg
Well-known member
How to disable ePort credit card reader with Hamilton "validation shut-down error"
For those who might have read SSCWN's article on "What's the Deal with Credit Cards" (Spring 2015). I was quoted in the article, and I wanted to give you an update on how I've been able to inhibit the ePort credit card reader, when I had a "Validation Shut-down error" (VSD) on the Hamilton DRS (see page 83).
The problem was that when the Hamilton validator shut-down, a credit card could still be swiped and processed, though NO tokens were dispensed. After the article was printed, it happened again, and inconvenienced 5 customers on a busy Saturday night (while I was out of town). Fortunately, my customers called me and I was able to quickly and easily process their refunds on-line. When I returned home, I was determined to finally find a solution! After talking with my Hamilton Rep, Dan Wesolaski at X-Cel Electronics, he remembered that Hamilton made an Out-of-Service Relay Kit (Part #47-0155A). It was originally designed for use with their Auto Cashier, but he thought it would probably work with my DRS unit. I purchased it for $49, and had it installed within a week. It's a relay that is normally closed. One end connects to the wiring on the Out-Of-Service light on the Hamilton, and the other end connects to the Disable wires on the ePort (brown and purple wires). When the Out-Of-Service light goes on (due to VSD error), it powers up the relay and shuts down power to the ePort. The customer is NO longer able to use the ePort until I arrive and cycle power to the validator again.
We had it installed on Friday 8/28/15 and haven't had any VSD errors to report. Fortunately, in 9 months I've only had 3 VSD errors. I attribute that to cleaning my validators and hoppers religiously EVERY month. The next time I have a VSD error, I'll post another update, and let you know how it went.
For those who might have read SSCWN's article on "What's the Deal with Credit Cards" (Spring 2015). I was quoted in the article, and I wanted to give you an update on how I've been able to inhibit the ePort credit card reader, when I had a "Validation Shut-down error" (VSD) on the Hamilton DRS (see page 83).
The problem was that when the Hamilton validator shut-down, a credit card could still be swiped and processed, though NO tokens were dispensed. After the article was printed, it happened again, and inconvenienced 5 customers on a busy Saturday night (while I was out of town). Fortunately, my customers called me and I was able to quickly and easily process their refunds on-line. When I returned home, I was determined to finally find a solution! After talking with my Hamilton Rep, Dan Wesolaski at X-Cel Electronics, he remembered that Hamilton made an Out-of-Service Relay Kit (Part #47-0155A). It was originally designed for use with their Auto Cashier, but he thought it would probably work with my DRS unit. I purchased it for $49, and had it installed within a week. It's a relay that is normally closed. One end connects to the wiring on the Out-Of-Service light on the Hamilton, and the other end connects to the Disable wires on the ePort (brown and purple wires). When the Out-Of-Service light goes on (due to VSD error), it powers up the relay and shuts down power to the ePort. The customer is NO longer able to use the ePort until I arrive and cycle power to the validator again.
We had it installed on Friday 8/28/15 and haven't had any VSD errors to report. Fortunately, in 9 months I've only had 3 VSD errors. I attribute that to cleaning my validators and hoppers religiously EVERY month. The next time I have a VSD error, I'll post another update, and let you know how it went.