Choice vend info needed

[BrianB]

Looking for any information concerning a Choice Vend Model# CV-157. The machine itself looks to be from the late 60's to the early 70's. I have ZERO experience with this style of machine. The design of it is pretty interesting for somebody seeing it for the first time.

As of right now the unit cools quickly and quietly and maintains itself for quite awhile. There are (4) selections that can be made via switches located on the door. The switches have clear covers that are accessible from the rear so that you can put the crown/bottlecap of the drink that button vends. The machine is 100% complete but the coin mech is damaged beyond repair (smashed coin tubes) The unit will not vend currently. all of the vend buttons tested good. I was toying around with the idea running a free vend jump on the Jones Plug but wasn't sure that was right route. I assume that if the coin mech is damaged and inoperative, that would prevent you from vending. I was also wondring is there is any way to cycle what I call "The Vend gears" that are attatched to what I can best describe as "augers" independently of the vend switches.

I guess what I really need is somebody to give me crash course on this type of machine. A start to finish, step-by-step of the vend cycle plus proper namesof parts and maybe even a wiring diagram. Any help troubleshooting this machine would be greatly appreciated. When I get a chance, I will post some pictures of the machine. Thanks!

[johnieG]

Hi & welcome!   Use the search feature & enter " free play switch" the diagram will also work on your Choice Vend CV157
on these models, the selction switch won't work unless there are at least 4-5 cans/bottles in that column of the rack or the "sold-out" switch is taped down.

Also look under the coinmech section, the diagram is at the top of the discussion forums listing. please post a picture as we all luv to see the machines!

I am not familiar with the 157 model, but on several of the choice vend models you can cycle the vend motors by a switch. It is located under the set of gears under the augers. It looks like about a 3/32" diameter wire bent 90 degrees. Push this up and it trips the switch on the vend motors. So when you load the machine you can cycle the augers until a can drops. Hope this helps.

[BrianB]

Thank you for all of the quick responses! JohnieG, The "sold out" switches, are they the ones that slightly resemble spoon handles located on the back of the door? If they are, I was messing around with them. When I depress them, the machine eminates a humming noise from I'm guessing is called something like a breaker box.

So, when those "sold out" switches are depressed, there is no coin mech and the vend button on the front is pushed, nothing should happen, right? Physically, any link between the vend button and the vend mechanisms have been severed.

So, in turn, If I bypass (tape down) the "sold out" switches to fool the mchine into thinking there are cans present, bypass the coin mech by using a "free play" switch, I should be able to depress the "free play" momentary switch to make the machine think that the correct amount of money has been inserted and then depress the "fooled" vend button and the machine should vend. Please let me know if this all jives or if I am going in the wrong direction.

bearsprague - Thank you for the info on the motors, I will try that when I get a chance!

Again I want to thank everbody for aiding me in my time of need!!
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