Vending machine: Difference between revisions
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We bought the Machine from Gary (not sure of his last name) | We bought the Machine from Gary (not sure of his last name) | ||
Gary is coming in at some point to fix the ballast of the lights. | |||
We have a 90 day warranty starting 1/4/2011 | We have a 90 day warranty starting 1/4/2011 | ||
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cell: 510-300-4836 | cell: 510-300-4836 | ||
office: 510-710-9126 | office: 510-710-9126 | ||
== Goals and Future == | == Goals and Future == |
Revision as of 22:17, 12 January 2011
This is the place to list any info about our imaginary vending machine.
Dontations to the fund and goal status
Commited donations:
Nickthedude $100 --PAID
also commiting to dealing with logistics, but looking for a volunteer or two to help with the heavy lifting and such.
Andy Isaacson $60 --PAID
jof $100 -- PAID
Hephaestus $50 --PAID
Rachel McConnell $50 --PAID
Leif $50 --PAID
Shannon $50 --PAID
Raphael $40 --PAID
MCT $20 -PAID
Total = $520
Minimum Goal = $500
Difference = +$20
Money Spent
$400 the vending machine
$75 delivery
$8.74 20 pack of coke
$17.11 electrical timer to shut it off at night
total spent = $500.85
money left over = $19.15 Planning on buying more soda / drinks
Service manual for our vending machine (Dixie-Narco model DNCB 368)
https://www.noisebridge.net/images/f/ff/S2d2btn.pdf
How to contribute
Buy some drinks and either leave them on top and they'll be loaded in or if you're feeling ambitious load them in yourself.
Purchase Info
We bought the Machine from Gary (not sure of his last name)
Gary is coming in at some point to fix the ballast of the lights.
We have a 90 day warranty starting 1/4/2011
Gary's number:
cell: 510-300-4836 office: 510-710-9126
Goals and Future
The goal of this project is to generate money to support noisebridge as well as give clarity and an obvious way to support to noisebridge to the "walk-in" crowd as well as the noisefolk.
Depending on the success of the soda machine it would be nice to have other premium vending machines that vend possibly healthy snacks, computer parts, arduinos etc.
Hacking
The vending machine speaks DEX/UCS protocol to a "handheld terminal." A quick search reveals that's a serial protocol at 9600 baud, most likely at TTL levels (NOT RS-232) on a 1/4 inch stereo jack. Details of the protocol were not easily found, and likely involve checksums and/or audit information. Not clear this is worth hacking as there are some indications this communication only happens in "service mode" when the door is open and thus simultaneous vending is not possible.
A possibly simpler hacking solution is to instrument the various switches and motors to get data directly.
The coin mech and bill validator may use the MDB vending machine protocol: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multidrop_bus
Possible Issues and possible solutions
Problem:It is feared that any vending machine put in noisebridge will immediately get hacked. Not sure how excellent this would be.
Possible solution: possibly a non-issue, can we post a sign that says please hack me gently? lol
Problem:How to deal with stock sodas not already inside the machine.
Possible Solution: keep it shrink wrapped, don't think it's too big a deal, plus don't forget, at least ideally this is more for the casual "walk in" type people.
Problem:Electrical usage:
Possible solution: a timer so we don't have to run the machine all the time:
I have one of these and they work ok: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=sylvania+timer&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=17676369476629548940&ei=oi4STeCEEILGsAOH8rXdAg&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=image&resnum=7&ved=0CDYQ8gIwBg#
This won't really help. Because of basic thermodynamics, the compressor needs to run a certain amount: if the duty cycle is low enough to save energy, the drinks will be warm. Trust the thermostat! However, a timer could possibly shift the time the compressor runs to put the noise in the wee hours of the morning. Also, make sure any timer switch you use is rated for at least 11 amps, and I would say 15 to be safe! Jtfoote 05:27, 5 January 2011 (UTC)
Problem:Noise. And not the good kind. The "gets-really-annoying-really-fast" kind.
Possible solution: Don't buy a vending machine. Be responsible and pay existing bills instead. Or get a soda fountain for on-the-fly mixing of syrup and carbonated water.