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infra:tools:vending
Hackvend
Status up and running (but cooling broken 2024/02/27) - https://vending.waw.hackerspace.pl
Founder q3k (maintenance: informatic, naka, voltar13)
Source hswaw/bitvend

Vending machine

A machine which exchanges coins for Caffeine. Can also exchange virtual currency (SOGs) into Caffeine.

Keyholders, who can help with servicing and consumed coins: (ask on #members)

The vending barely breaks even, we don't make a profit from sales.

How to use

Log into https://vending.waw.hackerspace.pl/ using your SSO account. The interface shows you how much credit You have. The currency is SOGs - acquire more by talking to other members of the Hackerspace.

Choose your Caffeine Spice Type, click “begin transaction” on the web interface. Transaction will expire after some time (how long?), so choose wisely. Enter the number on the keypad on the machine (physical machine, not the web).

Machine will dispense your chosen Caffeine Spice Type. SOGs will be withdrawn from your account. Enjoy!

Some bottles are reusable, so don't throw them away.

Troubleshooting

Clean the heat exchange/cooling module every half a year.

If it's not working (turned off, no lights, etc.) check if it's connected to power in the WC (socket above the sink). If it is, try to disconnect and connect it.

If it's working in the test mode but doesn't in the regular sales mode, enter the menu and press C+E multiple times.

“FAULT CONVEYOR?FF” and Test/Normal vend mode doesn't work? Go to CHECK - it should list *some* problem. You need to acknowledge it, I think using E and C+E? Not sure. But this fixed it! Check screen should print “CHECK OK! NO PROBLEMS” afterwards and everything should be back to normal.

Hardware

Previously: Vega helix-based vending machine. RIP.

Previously: Vendo Vue 40. Rest in pieces.

Now: Sielaff Robimat 99

TODO

  1. re-configure shelves
  2. get wider shelves for bigger bottles
  3. finish adapting existing holders to better fit mate bottles

Coin Acceptor

MEI Cashflow 560. Does a terrible job accepting 5PLN coins. Needs programming device (MEI Route Alpha 250) to unfuck it?

MDB/USB adapter

DYI on STM32. Hardware interface design/firmware is available in project repo's usb-interface subdirectory. Lets RPi emulate a cashless device for SOG support.

VMC / Robotics controller

Stock. Use Robimator software (VB.NET) to reprogram shelf positions, etc.

Resources

From manufacturer, mirrored: https://owncloud.hackerspace.pl/f/513681

Service Log

2026-01-27 - around 2026-01-21 Y-axis motor started loosing steps when traveling above first shelf. Turns out a counterbalance line slipped off counterbalance pulley, rubbing over its axle. Steel line is supposed to be encased in rubber - but it's has worn off ~50% off its length. Should probably be replaced at some point.

2026-01-27 - “XOffset/YOffset output” parameter in Robimator → Configure (remember to “Transmit List”!) changed from +3/+0 to -12/+7 and now vends succeed on first try!

2026-04-16 - as has been fortold in January: the counterbalance line's finally given up. It broke. It's been replaced with a line without rubber encasing, so it should be considered a temporary measure. Old counterbalance line: 0,8 mm, about 1050 mm length (hard to measure, the line was in two parts) New counterbalance line: 1,0 mm, about 1050 mm length. At the ends an electrical bitsy-bit's been used, as in the picture.

Markings on the bitsy-bit: [5,5 - 6 / 12 10], encased in yellow rubber. The rubber's been removed before installation at the end of the line.

It's been also noted that the basket arm is wonky - the lift arm with the basket is not vertical, because one of the supporting elements snapped and needs re-welding (marked red below).

~log written by madx

infra/tools/vending.txt · Last modified: by aceryz

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