Suzohapp ICS User manual

Intelligent Coin System
ICS

Rev 1.17 (Preliminary release)
2
Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................................. 5
Using the ICS............................................................................................................................................ 6
Check if ICS is getting powered ........................................................................................................... 6
Check the cctalk connection and Reset the ICS................................................................................... 6
Fill the ICS with coins........................................................................................................................... 6
Tube Stock........................................................................................................................................... 6
Start Payout......................................................................................................................................... 7
Payout by amount (recommended).................................................................................................... 7
1 ICS Operation........................................................................................................................................ 8
1.1 The ICS Coin Bulk Filling Process ................................................................................................... 8
1.2 The Coin Sorting Process .............................................................................................................. 9
1.2.1 Coin sorting Start criteria ..................................................................................................... 10
1.2.2 Coin sorting Stop criteria...................................................................................................... 10
1.2.3 ICS Coin In amounts.............................................................................................................. 10
1.2.4 Disabling Tubes..................................................................................................................... 10
1.3 The Payout Process ..................................................................................................................... 11
1.3.1 Payout amount monitoring .................................................................................................. 12
1.3.2 Power Fail............................................................................................................................. 13
1.4 The Coin Tubes ............................................................................................................................ 13
1.4.1 Tube Coin Type..................................................................................................................... 13
1.4.3 Tube Stock Correction .......................................................................................................... 14
1.4.4 Tube Status........................................................................................................................... 14
1.4.5 Tube Emptying...................................................................................................................... 15
1.4.6 Tube Counters ...................................................................................................................... 15
1.4.7 ICS Error Status..................................................................................................................... 16
1.4.8 Request Error Status............................................................................................................. 17
1.5 ICS Maintenance.......................................................................................................................... 17
1.6 ICS Tilt Detection ......................................................................................................................... 17
2 General commands ............................................................................................................................ 18
2.1 General system commands ......................................................................................................... 18
3 Detailed ICS commands explanation.................................................................................................. 19
3.1 Header 70: ICS specific command............................................................................................... 19
3.2 System Commands...................................................................................................................... 19

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3.2.1 Command 92 (5C Hex) Get System Mode............................................................................ 19
3.2.2 Command 93 (5D Hex) Set System Mode ............................................................................ 19
3.3 Payout related commands .......................................................................................................... 20
3.3.0 Command 20: Dispense coins .............................................................................................. 20
3.3.1 Command 21: Get payout event counter............................................................................. 20
3.3.2 Command 22: Dispense Amount of Money ......................................................................... 21
3.3.3 Command 23: Abort Payout................................................................................................. 21
3.3.4 Command 77: Get Status Payout Amount ........................................................................... 22
3.4 Coin Tube Commands.................................................................................................................. 23
3.4.1 Command 30: Get Tube Level Status ................................................................................... 23
3.4.2 Command 31: Get Tube Stock.............................................................................................. 24
3.4.3 Command 32: Tube Get Coins Paid...................................................................................... 25
3.4.4 Command 33: Tube Get Coins UnPaid ................................................................................. 25
3.4.5 Command 34: Tube Get Coins Remaining............................................................................ 25
3.4.6 Command 35: Tube Get Status............................................................................................. 26
3.4.7 Command 36: Tube Get Name............................................................................................. 26
3.4.8 Command 37: Tube Set Name.............................................................................................. 26
3.4.9 Command 38: Empty Tube................................................................................................... 26
3.4.10 Command 39: Get Tube Life Total Paid Counter................................................................ 27
3.4.13 Command 47: Tube Enable ................................................................................................ 27
3.4.14 Command 48: Tube Disable ............................................................................................... 27
3.5 Coin Sorting Commands .............................................................................................................. 28
3.5.1 Command 53: Start Sorting.................................................................................................. 28
3.5.2 Command 54: Stop Sorting................................................................................................... 28
3.5.3 Command 55: Get ICS Sorting Status (Obsoleted command).............................................. 29
3.5.4 Command 56: SET_SORTING_STOP_CRITERIA..................................................................... 30
3.5.5 Command 57: GET_SORTING_STOP_CRITERIA ................................................................... 30
3.5.6 Command 58: SET_SORTING_START_CRITERIA ................................................................... 30
3.5.7 Command 59: GET_SORTING_START_CRITERIA .................................................................. 31
3.5.8 Command 90: ICS_SET_SORTER_OUTPUTS ......................................................................... 31
3.5.9 Command 91: ICS_GET_SORTER_INPUTS ............................................................................ 31
3.6 Coin Totals In/Out Commands .................................................................................................... 32
3.6.1 Command 71: Set Total Coins In .......................................................................................... 32
3.6.2 Command 72: Get Total Coins In.......................................................................................... 32

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3.6.3 Command 73: Clear Total Coins Out .................................................................................... 33
3.6.4 Command 74: Get Total Coins Out....................................................................................... 33
3.6.5 Command 75: Get Total Amount In ..................................................................................... 33
3.6.6 Command 76: Get Total Amount Out .................................................................................. 33
3.6.7 Command 78: Empty ICS...................................................................................................... 34
3.6.8 Command 79: Get ICS Empty Status .................................................................................... 34
3.7 Updating Firmware ICS................................................................................................................ 35
3.7.1 Command 139: Begin Firmware Upgrade............................................................................ 35
3.7.2 Command 140: Upload Firmware ........................................................................................ 36
3.7.3 Command 138: Finish Firmware Upgrade............................................................................ 37
4 ICS Setup............................................................................................................................................. 38
4.1 ICS mode command..................................................................................................................... 38
4.2 ICS and Coin Acceptor with a Sorter ........................................................................................... 38
4.3 ICS and Coin Acceptor with 2 Escrow Units attached ................................................................. 38
4.4 System Initialization .................................................................................................................... 39
4.4.1 Hopper Only Mode............................................................................................................... 39
4.4.2 Hopper + Coin Acceptor with attached sorter ..................................................................... 39
4.4.3 Hopper + Coin Acceptor + Escrow Sorter Units.................................................................... 39
4.5 Initialization Flowchart................................................................................................................ 40
4.6 Dispense Coins or Amount Flowchart ......................................................................................... 43
4.7 ICS Emptying Flowchart............................................................................................................... 45
4.8 ICS Floating Command Sequence Example ................................................................................. 46
5 Connector........................................................................................................................................... 50
6 Specifications...................................................................................................................................... 51
6.1 General........................................................................................................................................ 51
6.2 Integration................................................................................................................................... 52
6.3 Filling ........................................................................................................................................... 52
6.4 Handling & Transport .................................................................................................................. 52
7 Dimensions......................................................................................................................................... 53
8 Optional Add-Ons............................................................................................................................... 55
............................................................................................................................................................... 56
Revision history ..................................................................................................................................... 57

Rev 1.17 (Preliminary release)
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Introduction
The Intelligent Coin System (ICS) is a patented innovative coin handling machine designed and
produced by SUZOHAPP. The ICS is different from a “traditional” coin systems. The ICS can process
up to 8 different coins without the need of pre-sorting the coins by the user. The ICS is always
standby for the next payout by using the idle time or during payout to pre-sort the coins.
The ICS can handle up to 1300 coins of different sizes, sort these automatically and determine how
the payout needs to be divided with the coins available. Because of the ICS construction, it can
payout 4 coins at the same time. This ensures a fast payout for the consumer.
The compact design of the ICS makes it easily integrated into smaller payout machines like self-
checkout registers or parking ticket machines without the need of custom coin routing.
The ICS can be used in many applications, for example: self-checkout stations for supermarkets,
parking ticket machines, money changers, vending, amusement and gaming machines.
Payout can be done by a direct coin payout command from each coin tube (in total 8) or using the
payout amount command, in which the ICS calculates the changing amount of coins based on the
current tube stock levels.
Highlighted features:
•Payout speed consistency (buffer stock)
•Payout redundancy
•Compact design
•Mixed coin sorter & payout system
•Customizable for country specific coin mix
•Bulk capacity ≈ 1300 coins (in euro mix)
•Coin diameter 15 –32,5mm
•Coin thickness 1,3 –3,25mm
•Cost reduction in final machine

Rev 1.17 (Preliminary release)
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Using the ICS
This chapter explains the steps needed to start using the ICS.
A fast way to start is using the cctalk interface (SUZOHAPP part nr 107-0251) plus a 3 wire cable
connecting the cctalk interface board to the ICS (SUZOHAPP part nr 157-0350) and a 12V power
supply (SUZOHAPP part nr 150-0072).
The ICS can be evaluated using a ICS-TestProgram that runs on a PC (please request from technical
service)
Check if ICS is getting powered
When the ICS receives between 12V and 24V and no errors are present the blue indicator LED will be
on.
Check the cctalk connection and Reset the ICS
Send the RESET command to the ICS. If the command is ACK'ed then the cctalk interface works and
the ICS will reset. You will hear the coin rejector solenoid clicking.
Fill the ICS with coins
See Table 1: Examples of best mix for the bulk of euro coins in the ICS.
Note that it is not necessary to start sorting of the coins into the tubes manually. The user must set the
number of coins put into the ICS for each denomination using the SET_TOTAL_COINS_IN command
(71 Dec). Depending on the setting ‘start sorting after Reset or after Set Total Coins In’ the sorting will
start immediately after the SET_TOTAL_COINS_IN command or after the RESET command. Note
that the sorting is always started automatically after a payout command if necessary. This ICS will
keep sorting coins into the tubes even after a payout has finished, until the tubes are full or a sort
timeout occurs.
Tube Stock
After sorting starts, coins fall into the tube. When a coin enters the tube it first interrupts the ‘count
sensor’, located at the top of the tube. This sensor is used for stock accounting and tube overflow
management.
During the fall into the tube, the coin passes a second sensor, called the ‘full level sensor’, located in
the middle of the tube. This sensor is used to indicate that the tube is full and is also used to correct
the tube stock when necessary.
The tube stock has a minimum level of 2 coins. This is to prevent the tube running empty during a
payout. If the tube runs empty while a new coin falls into the tube, it could create a tube payout jam.

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Start Payout
Payout can be done in 2 ways: Payout by denomination and payout by amount.
- Payout by denomination (see Table 4, command 20 Dec) gives to user precise control over the nr of
coins to payout from the tubes.
- Payout by amount (command 22 Dec). This is the recommended way of dispensing coins from the
ICS, since the ICS is able to see which tubes should payout coins in terms of their stock, status and
availability.
Payout by denomination (not recommended)
Before a payout from a tube is started, the user must check if the tube can be used for payout (not in
error, enough coins in the ICS or tube, etc). If a tube is full, it is recommended to use it on a regular
basis, so that the tube stock will be synchronized to it’s real stock level as indicated by the tube level
sensors in the tube. In some cases, when the tube is not used for a long time, it might occur that,
during sorting, a coin slips over the coin rejector and falls into an already full tube. Eventually the
tube will set it’s count sensor blocked status bit. When this happens, the user is strongly
recommended to payout from this tube as soon as possible so that the stock level drops again and
new coins falling into the tube are detected again. Keep using a full tube until the full level sensor
becomes free again allowing the tube stock to be synchronized again.
Payout by amount (recommended)
This is the recommended payout method for the ICS. The ICS automatically calculates which tubes
should be used for the requested amount to pay. Tubes that are overfull with coins will be used first,
reducing any potential problems due to tubes becoming overfull. Tubes that can’t be used for a
payout are automatically discarded. Based on the stock levels in the tube, the most economic and
fastest payout is calculated.
Note that in both payout methods, the ICS will start automatically filling the tubes when necessary.
No need to use the START_SORTING command, to start sorting manually.

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1 ICS Operation
The Intelligent Coin System (ICS) is a compact payout unit designed to payout small amounts of coins.
Typical use is the payout of change money that is not possible via the (smallest) notes. So, in case of
euro’s, an ICS payout is typical less than 10 euro.
The ICS unit can be used as a payout device only, in which case the ICS has to be filled with coins
manually, or as part of a coin (recycling) system, in which case the ICS is filled typically through a coin
acceptor. The coin bulk inside the ICS are sorted into 8 tubes from which a payout can be done.
1.1 The ICS Coin Bulk Filling Process
Filling the ICS with coins needs some attention. In order to get the best payout results, all payout
tubes must be filled with enough coins, so that after sorting all tube stock levels are approximately
the same. After some payouts, the coin tubes stock will fall below a certain level and the ICS will start
sorting coins again from the bulk inside into to tubes. Ideally all tubes will be refilled to the full level
again during sorting. The sorting process is optimized by filling the ICS with an optimum amount of
each coin denomination. Table 1 shows some ICS euro coin filling examples.
Euro In
1ct
2ct
5ct
10ct
20ct
50ct
100ct
200ct
Total
coins In
€ 98,10
40
35
25
30
25
35
30
20
240
€ 196,20
80
70
50
60
50
70
60
40
480
€ 392,00
160
140
110
120
100
140
120
80
970
€ 488,50
200
170
140
150
120
170
150
100
1200
Table 1: Examples of best mix for the bulk of euro coins in the ICS
Not only the optimal mix of the different coin denominations should be taken into account, also the
total amount of bulk coins inside the ICS should be considered. If the ICS is filled to its maximum level
(1300 coins), the coin sorting process will be less optimal. Filling it up to 70 percent of its maximum
level gives better results.
If the coins inside the ICS are fed through a coin acceptor that is connected to the ICS (ICS operation
mode = 1), then the ICS may disable coin acceptance of a certain coin type in order to maintain the
best mix of total coins inside the ICS. If, for example, the max nr of 2 euro coins inside the ICS is 60
for the current best mix of all coins, then the coin acceptor will sort the 2 euro coin to the cashbox if
the total amount of 2 euro coins is more or equal then 60, although the ICS may not be full yet. The
ICS will try to maintain the best mix of coins to operate optimally.
So, the ICS fills the coin tubes in an optimal way if the bulk of coins inside the ICS have an ideal mix of
each coin denomination. Then the chance that all tubes will be filled again to their full level during
sorting will be highest. Smart payout algorithms make sure that all tube coins have no large stock
differences. So, if one tube is empty, most likely all other tubes are also at low stock level and the
next sorting process will fill all tubes as much and efficient as possible.
If the ICS is used in a coin recycle system (ICS receives coins via a coin acceptor), then the ICS may
only accept coins into the ICS if the total coins in is below 1300. See Table 1.

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1.2 The Coin Sorting Process
Table 2 shows the ICS coin sorting commands
Header
Command
53
DISC_MOTOR_START
54
DISC_MOTOR_STOP
55
GET_SORTING_STATUS
56
SET_SORTING_STOP_CRITERIA
57
GET_SORTING_STOP_CRITERIA
58
SET_SORTING_START_CRITERIA
59
GET_SORTING_START_CRITERIA
71
ICS_SET_TOTAL_COINS_IN
72
ICS_GET_TOTAL_COINS_IN
73
ICS_CLEAR_TOTAL_COINS_OUT
74
ICS_GET_TOTAL_COINS_OUT
75
ICS_GET_TOTAL_AMOUNT_IN
76
ICS_GET_TOTAL_AMOUNT_OUT
77
ICS_GET_STATUS_AMOUNT_PAYOUT
78
ICS_EMPTY_ICS
79
ICS_GET_LEVEL_STATUS
Table 2: ICS Coin Sorting Commands
A payout is realized by 8 separate coin tubes inside the ICS. One tube can hold typically around 20-30
coins. The tubes are filled via a coin sorting system from a large cup inside the ICS.
The cup with unsorted coins can be filled manually or via a coin acceptor.
When the coin sorting process is started, a large disc inside the ICS starts rotating and moves the
coins to the start of a sorting rail with increasing recesses. The coins will then fall along the rail. Small
coins are sorted out at the start of the rail and the large coins at the end of the rail. Under the rail are
the 8 tubes located, that store the sorted coins.
When a certain coin tube gets full, a solenoid at the start of the rail will push any additional coins
from the rail back into the cup preventing the coin tube to flood. A diameter sensor located at the
start of the rail determines the coin type and actives the solenoid if the tube for that coin type is full.
In order to get an optimal coin sorting process, the user should fill the ICS with an optimum mix of all
coin denominations. Some optimal coin in mix values for the ICS are listed above. The number of
coins for each coin type can be set with the ICS_SET_TOTAL_COINS_IN command and can be
retrieved with the ICS_GET_TOTAL_COINS_IN command.

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1.2.1 Coin sorting Start criteria
If one of the tubes stock falls below 80% of its full level stock, the ICS will start sorting again, so it will
keep the tubes as full as possible.
1.2.2 Coin sorting Stop criteria
Once the coin sorting process is started, and the tubes are being filled again, the sorting process will
stop if all tubes have reached at least 80% of the full level stock (see Table 3 ), or after a certain
timeout period typical (7 –14 sec) in which no more coins have been sorted anymore into the tubes.
Coin
1ct
2ct
5ct
10ct
20ct
50ct
100ct
200ct
Full Level
31
30
30
26
24
21
22
23
Table 3: Tube Full Level Settings for Euro
The sorting process can also be started manually using the DISC_MOTOR_START and
DISC_MOTOR_STOP commands.
Note that tube filling stops after 4 coins, when the tube was empty at the start. When the tube
has paid 1 or more coins, it will be filled to its normal full level automatically. This is done to minimize
any coin jams that could occur when filling a tube from an empty state.
1.2.3 ICS Coin In amounts
The total amount of money inside the ICS can be retrieved using the ICS_GET_TOTAL_COINS_IN or
ICS_GET_TOTAL_AMOUNT_IN commands. If no coin acceptor is connected to the cctalk peripheral
extension bus then the amount of coins in must be set manually using the ICS_SET_TOTAL_COINS_IN
command.
1.2.4 Disabling Tubes
A tube (or coin) can be disabled from being filled by sending the TUBE_DISABLE command. All coins
for this tube will then be rejected and will be ignored during the sorting process.

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1.3 The Payout Process
Table 4 lists the ICS Payout commands
Header
Command
23
ABORT_PAYOUT
22
DISPENSE_AMOUNT
21
GET_DISPENSE_EVENTS
20
DISPENSE_COINS
77
GET_AMOUNT_PAID
Table 4: Payout Commands
The DISPENSE_COINS command can be given specifying the amount of coins to be dispensed from
every tube or a DISPENSE_ AMOUNT command can be given to payout a certain amount of money.
If the DISPENSE_COINS command is executed successfully the event counter is incremented and an
ACK is returned. If a tube runs out of coins before the dispense could be completed, then a payout
timeout will stop the tube payout and all tube counters will be updated.
Table 5: Payout events and counter data shows what happens with all tube counters after payout
related events.
Event
Payout
Events
ToPay
Remaining
Paid
UnPaid
Total
Life
Status
Reset
0
unchanged
0
unchanged
unchanged
unchanged
unchanged
Reset flag
set
Dispense
incremented
nr coins to
pay
nr coins to
pay
0
nr coins to
pay
unchanged
unchanged
unchanged
Coin paid
unchanged
unchanged
decremented
incremented
decremented
incremented
incremented
unchanged
Timeout
unchanged
unchanged
0
unchanged
unchanged
unchanged
unchanged
Timeout
flag set
Abort
unchanged
unchanged
0
unchanged
unchanged
unchanged
unchanged
unchanged
Clear
Total
unchanged
unchanged
unchanged
unchanged
unchanged
0
unchanged
unchanged
Table 5: Payout events and counter data
Note that the counters ToPay, Remaining, Paid and UnPaid are set at the start of a dispense
command. After a reset or timeout, they will reflect the status of the last payout command executed.
The DISPENSE_ AMOUNT command dispenses a certain amount of money. The ICS calculates how
many coins from each tube must be paid. The change algorithm tries to create equal stock levels for
all tubes in order to optimize the coin sorting process. If the ICS cannot change the amount of money
into coins (ex. some tube coins are empty), then the DISPENSE_ AMOUNT command will return a
NAK and the event counter will not be incremented.
The ABORT_PAYOUT command can be used to abort a running payout. The number of coins paid are
saved in non-volatile memory.
The Dispense Event Counter increments from 1-255 at each successful payout command. After 255 it
will be set to 1 at the next payout command. After a system reset it will be set to 0.
The total amount of coins paid from the ICS can be retrieved using the ICS_GET_TOTAL_COINS_OUT
or ICS_GET_TOTAL_AMOUNT_OUT commands. The ICS_CLEAR_TOTAL_COINS_OUT command resets
the total coins paid from each tube to 0.

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After each payout, the level of the coin tubes is checked and filled up again if necessary by starting
the sorting process.
1.3.1 Payout amount monitoring
If an amount of money is dispensed, the payout process can be monitored using the
ICS_GET_STATUS_AMOUNT_PAYOUT command, which is transmitted for example 5 times per
second during the payout. The answer to the ICS_GET_STATUS_AMOUNT_PAYOUT command
contains also the status byte (see table below) followed by the current amount unpaid so far.
Bit
Description
0
Payout amount in progress
1
Payout amount completed successfully
2
Payout amount was aborted by host
3
Payout amount terminated incomplete (timeout)
4
Payout amount was terminated due to a Power Fail
5
Payout amount was terminated due to a jam
6
Payout amount was terminated due to a tube motor error
7
Reset occurred during last payout amount
Table 6: Bit definitions Status byte in response from ICS_GET_STATUS_AMOUNT_PAYOUT
Example: Payout 2,35
Tx Data: 03 03 01 46 16 00 EB B2
Rx Data: 01 09 03 00 09 00 00 01 01 01 00 00 01 E6
Dispense money 2,35 : 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1
Tx Data: 03 01 01 46 4D 68
Rx Data: 01 03 03 00 01 EB 00 0D
Get Status Payout Amount - Status: 1 UnPaid: 2,35
Tx Data: 03 01 01 46 4D 68
Rx Data: 01 03 03 00 01 05 00 F3
Get Status Payout Amount - Status: 1 UnPaid: 0,05
Tx Data: 03 01 01 46 4D 68
Rx Data: 01 03 03 00 02 00 00 F7
Get Status Payout Amount - Status: 2 UnPaid: 0,00

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1.3.2 Power Fail
Just before a payout is started, the number of coins to pay (1 byte integer) from each tube is saved in
non-volatile memory. After the payout is finished, the number of coins paid (1 byte integer) from
each tube is saved also in non-volatile memory together with a tube total life dispense counter (4
byte integer). The total life dispense counter can be used for coin accounting over a certain period
and for ICS service reasons.
If the power fails during a payout, then after the ICS powers up again, the last payout number of
coins to pay and the number of coins paid can be retrieved for each tube. The host application can
then decide how to finish the last payout.
1.4 The Coin Tubes
The 8 coin tubes inside the ICS system can be monitored and controlled by commands.
Header
Command
Single
All
48
TUBE_DISABLE
✓
47
TUBE_ENABLE
✓
39
TUBE_GET_TOTAL_LIFE_CNT
✓
38
TUBE_EMPTY_TUBE
✓
37
TUBE_SET_NAME
✓
36
TUBE_GET_NAME
✓
35
TUBE_GET_STATUS
✓
34
TUBE_GET_COINS_REMAINING
✓
33
TUBE_GET_COINS_UNPAID
✓
32
TUBE_GET_COINS_PAID
✓
30
TUBE_GET_LEVEL_STATUS
✓
Table 7: Tube Commands
1.4.1 Tube Coin Type
The coin type for each tube can be given a name (TUBE_SET_NAME and TUBE_GET_NAME).
The coin type name is exactly 6 characters long and uses the following format: the first 2 characters
define the currency, the next 3 digits the value and the last character is a revision character.
Ex. The 50 euro cent coin would we defined as” EU050A”. Note that the coin value is determined
from the coin type name, so be sure to specify the coin type properly.
1.4.2 Tube Level Status
The tube stock level status can be retrieved using command TUBE_GET_LEVEL_STATUS. When the
stock of coins interrupts the tube level sensor, the tube will be flagged full. The response of the Tube
Level Status command consists of 8 bytes, 1 status byte for each tube.
Level
status byte
Meaning
0
Empty
1
Low level (< 1/3 of the full level)
2
Normal
3
High ( >= ¾ of the full level setting)
Table 8: Tube Level Status Byte

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If the tube level sensor becomes interrupted, than tube status register (see 1.4.4 Tube Status) bit 7
will be set, indicating that the tube full level is reached. Inside the ICS the actual coin stock for each
tube is incremented when a coin passes the diameter sensor.
1.4.3 Tube Stock Correction
When the tube becomes full in will interrupt the full level opto sensor. When this happens the
software will correct the tube stock to its full level settings as listed in Table 3. When a tube becomes
empty during a payout (payout timeout status flag will be set) and the stock level is not 0,
(unexpected since a payout only starts when the tube stock level indicates that there are enough
coins in the tube to pay) then it will be corrected to 0.
1.4.4 Tube Status
Command TUBE_GET_STATUS is used to retrieve the current status of all tubes. 8 status bytes are
returned, the first from tube 1. It is typically used after all tubes indicate that the payout has been
terminated. This is the case when command TUBE_GET_ COINS_REMAINING returns 0 for all tubes.
Table 9 shows the meaning of the status byte .
Bit
Description
0
Enabled
1
Payout Jam
2
Payout Timeout
3
Motor Error
4
Payout Sensor Blocked
5
Reset
6
Count Sensor Blocked
7
Tube Full
Table 9: Tube Status Byte
The Enabled flag indicates if the tube is enabled or disabled. A tube can be enabled by the
TUBE_ENABLE or TUBE_DISABLE command. Disabled tubes are not used during changing an amount
of money.
All tubes are enabled after a reset.
The Payout Jam flag is set when the tube payout disk jams during a payout. It is retained after a reset
command and cleared after a power cycle of the ICS. It is also cleared after a successful payout of a
jammed tube using the DISPENSE_COINS command.
Note that a jammed tube will not be used during the changing of an amount of money and is not
cleared by the DISPENSE_AMOUNT command.
The Payout Timeout flag is set when the tube does not payout a coin within 2 seconds and after
retrying 3 times. The tube is then assumed to be empty. Cleared at the start of a payout.
The Motor Error flag will be set if the ICS is unable to communicate with the Tubes. No payout can be
started. Cleared at ICS reset.
The Payout Sensor Blocked flag will be set if a coin blocks the tube coin exit for more than 0.5 sec.
The tube payout will be aborted and the status flag will be set.
A new payout can be started when this flag is set, so that a blocking can be ejected if necessary.
Cleared at the start of a payout.

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If a tube motor resets, the reset flag will be set. Note that after reading this flag it will be
automatically cleared.
The Count Sensor Blocked flag will be set if the count sensor becomes interrupted for more than 1
sec. It will be cleared as soon as the count sensor is not interrupted anymore.
The Tube Full flag will be set if the level sensor becomes interrupted. A level debounce time of 100ms
is used. Cleared when the level sensor becomes un-interrupted.
1.4.5 Tube Emptying
A tube is emptied by sending the TUBE_EMPTY_TUBE command. One or more tubes can be emptied
at the same time by sending 1 or more TUBE_EMPTY_TUBE commands after each other. The
emptying process can be monitored by sending the TUBE_GET_STATUS command which will return a
payout timeout if the tube has become empty. After that the host may send the
TUBE_GET_COINS_PAID command to retrieve the number of coins that are dispensed by the
TUBE_EMPTY_TUBE command.
1.4.6 Tube Counters
The tube coin counters are used to count and monitor the payout process.
The DISPENSE COINS command controls all 8 tubes at the same time. So, if only 1 tube must pay
coins, all other tubes have their coins to pay set to 0.
When a DISPENSE COINS command is given, the following actions are taken for each tube that must
pay coins:
- The number of coins to pay is stored in REMAINING_COINS.
- COINS_UNPAID is set to 0
- COINS_PAID is set to 0
These counter values can be retrieved using commands TUBE_GET_COINS_REMAINING,
TUBE_GET_COINS_UNPAID and TUBE_GET_COINS_PAID.
Then the payout is started. After each coin payout, the REMAINING_COINS counter is decremented
and the COINS_PAID counter, TUBE_TOTAL _COINS_OUT and the TUBE_LIFE_TOTAL counters are
incremented. The Host Machine can poll the REMAINING_COINS counter regularly (ex. 5 times per
sec) to check if the REMAINING_COINS counter has become 0.
If this counter has become 0, then the payout has terminated in a normal way. This means that all
coins are paid or the payout has been terminated in a controlled way because an exception occurred.
After the payout of a tube has been terminated in a controlled way (REMAINING_COINS counter has
become 0), the number of unpaid coins is stored in the COINS_UNPAID counter and the number of
coins paid is stored in the COINS_PAID counter. The TUBE_LIFE_TOTAL counter is incremented for
each coin paid and can’t be reset to 0. So, this is a counter that will show the total amount of coins
paid from a tube since it’s started counting. This counter can be used for coin accounting and
maintenance reasons.
Note that most of the tube commands in Table 7 operate on all 8 tubes with only one command. The
commands that are more of a tube setting can operate only on a single tube.
Usually the Tube Status command is transmitted after all tubes have finished their payout to check
for any tube exceptions.

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1.4.7 ICS Error Status
The RGB Status Indicator shows the error or warning code in case an error occurs.
The ICS part that generates an error is shown by the nr of red flashes.
The ICS part that generates a warning is shown by the nr of green flashes.
The associated error or warning cause is shown by the nr of blue flashes.
Nr
Red/Green
Flashes
ICS Part in error
Error
Status
bit
Nr Blue
Flashes
Error/Warning
1
System Errors
b0
1
Eeprom access error
b1
2
Coin reject coil error
b2
3
Sorting motor error
b3
4
Tilt Sensor error
System Warnings
b4
1
Eeprom Settings Initialized to Default
b5
2
Eeprom Payout Data Initialized to Default
b6
3
Eeprom System Data Initialized to Default
b7
4
ICS tilting warning /
Sorting motor fuse blown
2
Coin Tube Errors
b0
1
Tube motor or jam error. See note 1.
b1
2
Payout sensor blocked or in error
b2
3
Coin Sorting Jam / Tube Blocked Error
Coin Tube Warnings
b3
1
Count Sensor Blocked warning
b4
2
Payout sensor dirty
b5
3
Level sensor dirty
b6
4
Count sensor dirty
b7
5
Motor opto sensor dirty
3
Coin Acceptor Errors
b0
1
Coin name error
b1
2
Event counter error
b2
3
Sorter error
b3
4
CCTalk communication error
4
Diameter Sensor Errors
b0
1
Operation error
b1
2
Coin not calibrated error
b2
3
Stock count overflow error
Diameter Sensor
Warnings
b3
1
Sensor blocked warning
b4
2
Too many tube stock corrections.
(3 or more tubes have their stock corrected
by more then 6 coins due to misreadings).
Check, clean or re-calibrate the diameter
sensor.
5
Escrow Unit
b0
1
Initialization error
Table 10: Device Codes and Errors and Warnings
Notes
1. Set if the tube payout disc reports an error after trying to dispense a coin. Usually caused by a coin
jam between the payout disc and the tube. The error is cleared if the payout disc successfully returns
to it's home position after a tube payout command or system reset.

1.4.8 Request Error Status
Command 122 (7A Hex) returns the ICS Error status.
Two bytes are returned: First byte is the device code and the second byte holds the fault code.
The fault code byte for some devices is split into error bits (bits 0 .. 3) and warning bits (4 .. 7).
If an error is generated, the ICS needs most probably to be serviced by a technician. Warnings can
usually be handled by the host machine software.
Note that several error/warning bits can be set at the same time in the error status byte.
The RGB indicator shows only the first error or warning belonging to the Least Significant Bit that is
set. Ex. If System error b1 and b2 are set, then the RGB indicator shows b1.
1.5 ICS Maintenance
The ICS Tube level opto sensors get dirty during its operation.
The tube level is checked 2 times per second. If the coin level and coin count sensors become dirty,
the ICS error status will set their dirty warning bits and the ICS error led will flash a warning. See
Table 10: Device Codes and Errors and Warnings.
In order to ensure proper ICS operation with dirty tube sensors, the opto sensor led will increase its
intensity if it has become dirty.
1.6 ICS Tilt Detection
The ICS is equipped with a battery powered tilt sensor. When the power is off, the tilt sensor keeps
working. Its main purpose is to warn the user that the ICS has been held into a position where coins
could fall out of the tubes and could jam the ICS preventing proper operation. If this situation occurs,
the ICS will generate a warning. The warning is cleared when the ICS is completely emptied, using
the ICS_EMPTY_ICS command.

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2 General commands
A cctalk message is build up from the following data bytes:
DestAddr, nrDatabytes, SrcAddress, Header, dataByte0, dataByte1, … dataByteN, CheckSum
DestAddr is the cctalk device address byte of the ICS (default 3)
NrDataBytes is the number of data bytes between the Header and the CheckSum.
SrcAddr is the address of the host that transmits the message to the ICS (always 1).
Header is the cctalk command value.
All general cctalk commands are specified in the cctalk protocol standard from Money Controls.
See www.cctalk.org. All ICS supported general commands are listed in section 2.1.
ICS specific commands always start with header 70, followed by ICS specific subcommands and data
and are listed in section 3 Detailed ICS commands explanation.
2.1 General system commands
Device address related commands
Header
Command
254
Simple poll
253
Address poll
252
Address clash
251
Address change
250
Address random
Table 11: Address commands
Device setup and info commands
Header
Command
255
Factory setup and test
246
Request manufacturer id
245
Request category id
244
Request product code
242
Request serial number
241
Request software revision
141
Request firmware upgrade capability
140
Upload firmware
139
Begin firmware upgrade
138
Finish firmware upgrade
122
Request Error Status
Table 12: General info and setup commands

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3 Detailed ICS commands explanation
3.1 Header 70: ICS specific command
Header 70 (46 Hex) is used to indicate that an ICS specific command follows.
Transmitted data: <ICS Specific Command>, [txDataBytes]
Received data : <ACK>or<NAK>, [rxDataBytes]
txDataBytes and rxDataBytes are optional data bytes.
3.2 System Commands
This section describes some commands that determine the ICS system behavior.
3.2.1 Command 92 (5C Hex) Get System Mode
This command returns the system mode byte.
Mode 0: Dispense function only, ICS is manually filled with coins.
Mode 1: A Coin acceptor with sorter is attached to the ICS cctalk peripheral bus.
Mode 2: A Coin acceptor with an Escrow unit and Sorter is attached to the cctalk peripheral bus.
Transmitted data: <ICS Command>, <92>
Received data : ACK, <mode byte>
3.2.2 Command 93 (5D Hex) Set System Mode
This command sets the system mode byte.
Transmitted data: <ICS Command>, <93>,<mode byte>
Received data : ACK
mode byte 0: Dispense function only, ICS is manually filled with coins.
mode byte 1: A Coin acceptor with sorter is attached to the ICS cctalk peripheral bus.
mode byte 2: A Coin acceptor with an Escrow unit and Sorter is attached to the cctalk peripheral bus.
See Chapter 4 for more details.

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20
3.3 Payout related commands
This section describes the commands that are related to the payout of coins.
Note that there are 8 coin tubes. The first tube is called tube0 and the last tube is called tube7.
3.3.0 Command 20: Dispense coins
Command 20 (14Hex) is used to payout a certain amount of coins from each tube.
Transmitted data: <ICS Command>, <20>,<nrCoins Tube0>, …, <nrCoinsTube7>
Received data : <ACK> or <NAK>, <eventCounter>
The number of coins to dispense from a tube is a byte value.
The maximum nr of coins to pay from a tube is equal to Total In minus 2 coins (security stock),
otherwise a NAK will be returned.
If the ICS has no coins (Total In is 0), is jammed or is not able to work, the payout can’t be done and a
NAK will be returned also. If the nr data bytes is unequal to 9, a NAK will be returned also.
Example: Tube 1 is out of stock, and you want to pay 1 coin from tube 0 and 1 coin from tube 2 and 2
coins from tube 5:
TxData: 03 09 01 46 14 01 00 01 00 00 02 00 00 95
RxData: 01 01 03 00 02 F9
Tube1 can’t be used, so we specify to pay 0 coins from this tube.
From the response we conclude that the payout could be accepted and that the payout event
counter is 2.
The payout event counter is only incremented if the payout command is accepted (ACK’ed).
After a reset it is set to 0. The event counter is a byte and rolls over from 255 to 1. It will only be 0
after a reset.
3.3.1 Command 21: Get payout event counter
Command 21 (15Hex) returns the number of accepted payout events. After a payout command is
accepted by the ICS, it starts to payout the coins. During and after the payout, the user can monitor
the payout process using status commands.
Transmitted data: <ICS Command>, <21>
Received data : <ACK>, <payout events counter>
See command 20 for more information about the payout event counter.