New Life Games Tech Forums

Hi y'all,

I'm new here but I wish I had found this forum long ago!  GREAT info here.  ...but here's my question:

We pulled some WBA-12-SS bill acceptors out of old Spielo cabinets; they have custom wiring harnesses.  I want to connect the WBA to a PC over RS-232 (I'm writing the code) but I'm not sure what adapter board to use or where I can purchase them.  Does anyone have experience with this?  or any other suggestions?

I have searched the web high&low, as well as this forum.  I see projects like Rick Hunter's (http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=72.0 (http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=72.0)) where he refers to "DBV RS-232 board"... but where can I find such a thing?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!  (and if not RS-232, I'd settle for USB... although I have a lot of experience already with RS232)  THANKS!

TJ

Hi electromaggot
Welcome to the site

The Williams 550's use an RS232 board with the WBA's,
You could try contacting one of the vendors listed on the site, to see if they have one
I'm not sure if this would work for your needs though.

Thanks for the suggestion, Westec, and thank you for the welcome!  I saw the 550 section but is there somewhere else on NLG that lists the vendors you're talking about?  I searched but can't find.

Maybe I should broaden my question (back to you or anyone), because I'm still a bit befuddled...

What is the most common way that people interface with a Bill Validator (WBA or any, both hardware- and software-wise)?  I'm talking serial and from a developer perspective.  The formats/protocols I'm seeing appear to be so custom or hard-wired or proprietary!  Wouldn't a company like JCM be better served to provide a general interface, so that more developers can use their products using standard equipment?

I just figured that interfacing with a WBA would be easier!  Thanks again Westec for your input or to anyone else who wants to chime in...

TJ

Vendors are listed about halfway down on the home page, right in the center of the page.  :88-

TJ  Send a PM to one of our members Op-Bell he can answer all your questions about JCM.  This is a quote from his profile " Currently I'm chief engineer at JCM in Las Vegas. " I had the pleasure of meeting OP a few years ago, one very nice guy !! 

I think they use proprietary protocols to mainly prevent cheating or the like.
 

Thanks for the kind words, Buzz.  :-[   PM from electromaggot received and responded to.

I should change my profile, as I quit JCM over a year ago and got a real job.

I certainly did get Mr. Op-Bell's message and all I can say is WOW...  Totally blown away by his response!   :131-  Answered my question and then some.  Looks like I'll be getting out my soldering iron!   :96-

A hearty thanks Buzz for the referral and thanks to you other guys too for the information.  Y'all are true assets to this site.  I'll try my best to stick around and hopefully I can contribute too.  Thanks again!

TJ

Please keep us posted - Also interested in this. I would like to interface the BV with a microcontroller.
Also If You have details for a DIY PC interface please share - I dont think its available commercially anymore.