The GBA ST2 is a note validator designed for various applications, including amusement and gaming markets. It is part of the Global Bill Acceptors (GBA) stackerless product range, specifically designed for retrofitting into existing applications.
Function Description
The GBA ST2's primary function is to validate banknotes, offering a high acceptance rate and robust security features. It employs Sense Technology for note discrimination and includes internal optical and mechanical anti-string protection as standard. The device is capable of accepting up to 32 bill denominations, with 4-way insertion capability. Once a note is validated, it is moved from an escrow position to a cashbox, and credit is issued. If a note is rejected, the device provides a flash code indicating the reason.
The validator can be configured using an on-board push button, a USB memory stick, or PC-based software called GBA Talk. These configuration methods allow for enabling/disabling specific note denominations, performing re-calibration, and setting various operational parameters.
Important Technical Specifications
- Bill Insertion: Up to 32 bill denominations with 4-way insertion.
- Bill Dimensions: Accepts notes from 61 to 85mm wide and up to 170mm long.
- Bill Acceptance Rate: Typically greater than 98%.
- Cycle Time for Validation: Approximately 2 seconds.
- Interface Protocols: Supports Pulse, Parallel, ccTalk® (plain & encrypted), bi-directional serial (“RS232”), NAMA MDB, and SSP.
- Power Supply: 12Vdc +/-10% (Tip positive for the DC power supply jack).
- Power Consumption: 800mA @ 12V (validating), 200mA @ 12V (idle), 1.4A (stalled).
- Environmental Range:
- Operating Temperature: 0° to 60°C.
- Operating Humidity: Up to 95% R.H., non-condensing.
- Storage Temperature: -10° to 65°C.
- Outputs: Open Collector outputs with a maximum open voltage of 40V and a maximum sink current of 50mA.
- Inputs: High > 3.5V, Low < 0.3V.
- OASG (Optical Anti String Gate): A security system that detects strings, tape, or other foreign objects. Configurable options include the number of string attempts before lock-out, lock-out period, recalibration period, sensitivity (Low, Standard, High, Disabled), and foreign object check.
Usage Features
- Ease of Configuration: The GBA ST2 offers multiple configuration methods:
- On-board Push Button: Allows for quick enabling/disabling of notes and primary calibration. A single press enables a note, two presses disable a note, and three presses initiate programming card or calibration paper use.
- Programming Card: A printed card used to configure the validator by inserting it into the reader after pressing the push button three times.
- PC-Based Software (GBA Talk): Provides comprehensive configuration, calibration, and diagnostic functions via a PC connection.
- USB Flash Download: Allows for reprogramming the unit by connecting a USB memory stick with the required noteset file.
- Diagnostic LED: A tri-color (Red/Green/Orange) LED provides visual status indications:
- Solid Green: Normal run mode.
- Green Flash Codes: Indicate reasons for note rejection (e.g., unrecognised note, OASG reject, returned due to escrow/SW inhibit, note slip, potential note cross-validation).
- Slow Flashing Green: Validator inhibited by host.
- Solid Red: Stacker full or jam.
- Slow Flashing Red: Cashbox not present.
- Fast Flashing Red: OASG lock-out.
- Build Options:
- Note Guides: Available in illuminated, flashing styles, configurable to provide specific user/technician information. Different widths are available to suit various currencies.
- Faceplate/Bezel Options: Four styles are available to suit the host machine, including Standard Faceplate, Compact Bezel, Standard Bezel, and Wide Compact Bezel. The Wide Compact Bezel is necessary for currencies with notes over 82mm wide.
- Security Features:
- Escrow: Notes are held in an escrow position before final acceptance. The escrow timeout period is configurable.
- Optical Anti String Gate (OASG): Detects foreign objects and can lock out the unit after a set number of string attempts.
- Low Power Mode: Reduces quiescent current by disabling motor checks at start-up, suitable for battery-powered applications.
- Note Jam Detect Limit: Configurable to activate a "Note Jam" state.
- Note Returned Prior to Lock Out: Option to return a note to the customer if a fault is detected, rather than holding it.
- Enable Two Note Return Check: A security feature to detect specific fraud attempts.
- ccTalk® Encryption Key Reset: Allows resetting the encryption key for secure communication in ccTalk® applications.
- Mechanical Installation: The GBA ST2 unit, with the appropriate note guide, clips into place in the host machine's faceplate or bezel.
Maintenance Features
- Easy Access for Cleaning and Servicing: The top section of the validator can be gently pivoted backwards to open, providing easy access to the note path for cleaning and jam clearance.
- Cleaning Procedure:
- Switch off power and disconnect the host loom.
- Unlatch and open the top section.
- Clean all sensors, plastic windows, note path, rollers, and belts using a cotton swab or lint-free cloth dipped in a cleaning solution (water and up to 50% Isopropyl Alcohol).
- Dry cleaned areas if necessary.
- Re-attach the top housing and reconnect the host loom.
- Jam Clearance Procedure:
- Switch off power and disconnect the host loom.
- Unlatch and open the top section.
- Clear any debris from the note path.
- Re-assemble the unit.
- Automatic Calibration: The unit features automatic calibration of optical sensors and automatic temperature compensation.
- Recalibration: While factory calibrated, re-calibration is recommended periodically (e.g., every 6 months) or after software configuration changes, especially in dusty or smoke-filled environments. This can be done using calibration paper via the on-board push button or through the GBA Talk PC software.