Your project might be free in terms of speech, but it doesn't have to be free in terms of cost. This useful coin validator and acceptor module is similar to those found in arcades. The best part? It can accept up to 4 different coins! You can program it for 4 different US coins, European coins, Japanese coins, or even have it accept 4 coins from different countries, like a Chinese Yuan, Japanese Yen, American Quarter, and European Euro. Any coin with a diameter from 15mm to 29mm can be used. Each coin is assigned a specific number of pulses. For example, a nickel gets 1 pulse, a dime 2 pulses, a quarter 5 pulses, and a half - dollar 10 pulses. When a valid coin is inserted, the output line will pulse for 20 - 60ms (configurable). The acceptor checks the diameter, thickness, and dropping speed to determine coin validity. It comes with the acceptor, mounting hardware, and a power/signal cable. You can decide how and where to store the coins that fall through. To program the validator, follow the instruction sheet and use about 20 of each coin. After programming, connect a 10K (1K to 100K is okay) pull - up resistor from the white wire to your microcontroller's VCC line (for Arduino, it's +5V). Insert different coins and make sure the coin line pulses high for about 40 milliseconds the right number of times. You can also download the Electronic Piggy Bank project code from github.
Using this coin acceptor is easy. First, decide which 4 different coins you want it to accept. Then, go through the instruction sheet and use about 20 of each coin to program the acceptor. After programming, connect a 10K (1K to 100K is fine) pull - up resistor from the white wire to your microcontroller's VCC line (for Arduino, it's +5V). When you insert a valid coin, the output line will pulse. Check that it pulses high for about 40 milliseconds the right number of times. As for storage, you can choose how and where to keep the coins that fall through. When it comes to maintenance, keep the acceptor clean and free from dust. If you have any issues, refer back to the instruction sheet. Also, don't forget you can download the Electronic Piggy Bank project code from github to enhance your experience.
