Dixienarco dn-180-5

I just aquired an ugly DN-180-5 (pretty sure) which I'd like to restore if I can get it working.  The coinmech (tested working in 2003) seems to work but only accepts exact change (even though I filled the coin slots).  Once it gets exact change the machine automatically (read on its own) dispenses from bay 2 only, even after it's empty (all bays have a few cans).  None of the select or sold out switches are visibly stuck.  The "Use Exact Change" light never lights.  The "Sold Out" lights are all getting the same power (119VAC) but are intermittent and not indicative of actual bay content.  I've traced enough wires to convince myself that they are going to the right places.  All 5 motors move if I manually trip the respective Motor Hold Switch.  There is no visible evidence of burned circuits.

Otherwise it makes cold air and the sign lights up.

Any guesses?

[Skeleton Man]

Welcome to SMC sandbag23 '>

Is this your machine ?



I'm not sure about the exact change issue.. which coin mech do you have ?  Coinco S75-9800 A/B ?

If it spits out cans without pressing any button, I would check the buttons with a continuity indicator (feature of most multi-meters) to make sure they're not shorted or something..  do the same with the sold out switches... (just because they're not physically stuck down, doesn't mean the switch isn't worn/faulty)

For the sold out and exact change lights I would check the globes too.. (see if the problem goes away when you put new/different globes in)

I'm sure somebody can offer some more advice...

sandbag23, welcome to the family here!

Well, that's the identifying picture I found on this site (great site, BTW) but there are no identifying marks on the machine.

The current coin mech is a Mars Electronic 04-00-048. That's the number molded in the box anyway.  The previous owner bought it on e-bay from a guy who said it worked.

I have the "original" coin mech too, Coin Co S75-9800A.  The previous owner determined that it didn't work.  I cannot confirm that.

All the "sold out" lights have 119VAC across them which makes me think they should all be lit (even though cans are depressing the sold out switches).  I've seen at least one globe flicker at maybe 30hz but can't repeat it at will.  I'll admit my USNA Electrical Engineering course knowledge was maxed out soon after opening this machine but I do have a good multimeter and will check switch continuity next.

Thanks!  Glad to be learning here.

You either have a wiring problem or a switch problem or motor problem.  Check the Micro switches on each motor to make sure the little red button moves up and down and a click is heard.   Double check that the wires are connected Sometimes they look connected but not pushed in all the way.
If the switches are good.
Make sure the motors are stopped in the correct resting position.  Sometimes the motor will "Coast" too far and rest in the wrong starting position.  WD40 all moving parts on the vend motor If it moves, Lube it...
If that did not fix the problem
Try switching the wires on the Number 2 selection button switch. That the switch that is behind the Flavor strips.  The wires are push on connectors.   N/C and  N/O are stamped in real small letters on that switch the other connection is C for common. Swap the wires on N/C and N/O and give it a try
Another place to look for wiring problems is the wiring harness that goes from the main box to the front door It sometimes gets "Smashed" when the door is closed causing all kinds of wierd problems.

[MoonDawg]

Great to have your input Chris....where U been hiding all this time?  (got your payment for the 81 door. thanx)

[BryanH]

Quote (sandbag23 @ June 08 2005,11:27)

I just aquired an ugly DN-180-5 (pretty sure) which I'd like to restore if I can get it working.

Hey Sandbag - welcome.  What part are you pretty sure on... the model# or it being ugly?

Any way if your not sure if the problem is the coin mech or the vend system. You could wire for free vend to eliminate the changer from the problem?  If free vend works fine its the changer.  If problem still occurs then its in your vending system.

OK, everything well lubed, free vend wired, and some time with a multimeter to find that the #2 Vend Motor Switch is broken internally.  I also learned that another such switch is the wrong part.

With both switches bypassed I have 3/5ths of a vending machine.  Now I'm looking for 2 switches which should be easy.  The coinmech works 4.0.

Thanks for the help so far.  Next project: The Sold Out and Use Exact Change globes show signs of life but do not work like they should.  Do they get old and become intermittent or is there another circuit I should check?

I was wrong about it being easy to find replacement switches.  Does anyone know where I can get 2 of these:

[johnieG]

Hi, & welcome aboard!  Try Veii for late model parts..here's a link..

http://www.veii.com/pages/main.asp