I Have a Chinese Electronic Coin Acceptor – How to Install an Alberici Electronic Coin Acceptor: User Instructions
Alberici AL55S (Pulse) Installation Guide – Step by Step
Purpose: Replace an old/faulty coin acceptor with the Alberici AL55S in a Pulse setup (classic 3-wire connection: +V, GND, PULSE), including correct power verification and safe wiring.
1) Mechanical vs electronic coin acceptor
Mechanical coin acceptor: operates purely mechanically (blades, springs, weight/diameter). No power required and typically supports a single diameter/weight.
Electronic coin acceptor: uses sensors and electronic control to identify coins based on characteristics (size, material, magnetic properties, etc.). Provides higher accuracy and more stable operation.
2) Required equipment
- Alberici AL55S coin acceptor
- Adapter Board AL031S (where required)
- IDC 10-pin cable (X1)
- Front plate / bezel CP-KP (if required by the machine)
- Multimeter for power checks
- (Optional) USB ccTalk / programming kit for configuration changes
3) Safety before wiring
- Power off the machine from the main switch/supply.
- Work only with DC power and verify voltage/polarity with a multimeter before connecting the coin acceptor.
- Avoid uninsulated temporary connections (short-circuit risk).
4) Identify the machine wiring
Most machines that support a coin acceptor have 3 or 4 wires:
- +V (usually red or yellow): +12V or +24V DC
- GND (usually black): ground
- PULSE (3rd wire): pulse signal to the main board/credit board
- Totalizer (if present): output for an electro-mechanical counter
Power check with a multimeter
- Set the multimeter to DC Volts.
- Connect the black probe to GND.
- Connect the red probe to the suspected +V.
- If the reading is +12V or +24V, the supply/polarity is correct.
- If the reading is negative, you have reversed probes or selected the wrong wire. Correct this before proceeding.
5) Alberici AL55S pinout (IDC 10-pin – X1) and output type
The AL55S uses the IDC 10-pin (X1) connector for power and signals. In the standard polarity version, the following applies:
| Pin | Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GND (Common / Ground) | Supply ground |
| 2 | +8–26V DC | Supply positive |
| 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Outputs (Open-Collector) | ACTIVE STATE = LOW (pulls the line to GND when generating a pulse) |
| 6 | IN1 (Inhibit input) | ACTIVE STATE = HIGH (high signal disables acceptance) |
| 5 | Special / dual use | May be used as output or input depending on configuration/version |
Note: Some versions/configurations may use a different polarity as a special option. Before permanent wiring, verify the pinout using the product manual or device marking.
6) Connection via Adapter Board AL031S (classic 3-wire setup)
- Connect the machine +V to the adapter board +V.
- Connect the machine GND to the adapter board GND.
- Connect the machine PULSE wire to the adapter board OUT.
- Connect the AL55S to the adapter board using the IDC 10-pin cable.
Because the AL55S outputs are open-collector (active LOW), correct operation depends on how the machine input circuitry reads the signal (and whether a pull-up is required).
7) Mechanical installation
- Remove the old coin acceptor and keep the screws/spacers.
- Install the AL55S in position and fit the appropriate front plate (CP-KP) if required.
- Ensure the coin path is clear and does not interfere with metal parts or screws.
- Secure the wiring so it is not pinched when the door is closed.
8) Pulse settings (when needed)
If configuration changes are required (e.g., pulses per coin/token, pulse length, pause between pulses), use the appropriate programming kit/software. The inhibit input (Pin 6) disables acceptance when it receives a high signal (typically 5–24V) for as long as the signal remains high.
9) Final operational check
- Restore power to the machine.
- Test 10–20 coin/token insertions.
- Verify that:
- There are no incorrect accepts/rejects
- Credits increase consistently (no missed or double credits)
- There are no jams in the mechanical coin path
10) Common issues and actions
| Symptom | Possible cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The acceptor powers up but credits do not increase | Incorrect PULSE wiring / input not compatible with active-LOW / pull-up required | Check PULSE on OUT, verify pulse settings, confirm the input circuit compatibility |
| No power | No supply voltage or wrong polarity | Measure +V/GND with a multimeter before the IDC 10-pin connection |
| Rejects valid coin/token | Incorrect coin set / disabled channel / mechanical misalignment | Check channel configuration and mechanical alignment |
| Intermittent operation | Voltage drop under load / unstable ground / loose connection | Measure voltage under load, tighten terminals, inspect/clean connectors |
| Accepts nothing | Inhibit line active (Pin 6) | Check whether the machine drives the inhibit input HIGH |
Conclusion
Installing the Alberici AL55S is safe and reliable when the following are done correctly: (a) power and polarity verification, (b) correct pulse wiring, and (c) a final operational test with repeated insertions. This ensures stable operation and accurate credit counting.