¢
Lonely · Binary
From Zeros to Heroes, One Bit at a Time.

# Coin Acceptor Module

Quick start guide · beginner friendly · one page
1

## Power the module

Plug a USB Type-C power adapter into the module. It boosts 5V up to the 12V the coin acceptor needs.

Requirement | Value
--- | ---
Power adapter | 5V / 2A minimum
Coin acceptor draw | 12V / 350mA

Don't power from a laptop USB port. Most can't supply 2A — the acceptor will restart, flicker, or miss coins.
2

## Connect the wires

Coin acceptor
Module
YOUR
MCU
Arduino
ESP32
Pico

3.3V or 5V? The module outputs 3.3V by default. For 5V boards (e.g. Arduino UNO), switch the 5V / 3V3 pads on the back of the module to 5V.

While uploading code from your computer: connect only GND + COIN — leave VCC off. Once your code works, unplug the computer, then connect VCC so the module powers the MCU.

Optional grey wire (Counter): one pulse per accepted coin, no value info. Safe to leave unconnected.

3

## Set the switches

On the side of the coin acceptor, set:

Switch | Setting
--- | ---
Output mode | NO (Normally Open)
Signal width | Medium (50ms) — best balance

4

## Set coin values

1. Hold + and − together for 2 seconds. The display shows E
2. Press + to choose how many coin types you'll use (up to 6), then press SET.
3. For each coin (P1 P2 P3…) choose its pulse value and press SET. Done when the display returns to E

Coin (example) | Display | Pulses
--- | --- | ---
5 cents | P1 | 1
25 cents | P2 | 3
1 dollar | P3 | 5

Keep pulse values low. Each pulse takes 50ms in Medium mode — a 20-pulse coin needs a full second before the next coin can be read. Low values (1 / 3 / 5) keep things fast and reliable.
5

## Train it with real coins

Training teaches the acceptor to recognize each coin.

1. Press SET → display shows A. Press SET again → A1
2. Insert exactly 15 coins of type 1 (e.g. 15 × 5¢), then press SET.
3. Repeat for A2 A3… — 15 coins of each type, SET after each.
4. Done! Insert a few coins to test. Your MCU counts pulses on the COIN pin to tell coins apart.

Inserting coins quickly? Wait for each coin's pulses to finish, or coins may be missed — that's normal. Fast mode (20ms) + low pulse values speeds this up.