¢
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
MCU
Arduino
ESP32
Pico
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
- Hold + and − together for 2 seconds. The display shows E
- Press + to choose how many coin types you'll use (up to 6), then press SET.
- 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.
- Press SET → display shows A. Press SET again → A1
- Insert exactly 15 coins of type 1 (e.g. 15 × 5¢), then press SET.
- Repeat for A2 A3… — 15 coins of each type, SET after each.
- 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.
Quick fixes
Keeps restarting
Power adapter can't supply 2A, or poor USB cable / loose wiring. Use a quality 5V 2A+ adapter.
Coins not detected
Re-check training, output mode = NO, signal width = Medium, and the COIN wire's MCU pin.
Some coins missed
Pulse values too high or coins inserted too fast. Lower the values and pause between coins.
Sample code, full manual & more
Scan or visit:
Scan or visit:
github.com/
lonely-binary/
Coin-Acceptor
lonely-binary/
Coin-Acceptor