WHAT IS A “34” ERROR?
Flash Code 34 is a “Sensor Error,” meaning the coin counting sensors located on each side of the hopper coin chute are blocked or counted an extra coin.
NOTE: In some older machines, the Error Code Reference sticker identifies this as an “Overpay Error.”
When you open the Hopper door on a front-load machine, you will see a green control board as shown in Figure 1. In the middle, you have the Hopper Coin Chute, which guides coins dropped out of the Dispense Mechanism into the coin cup of the change machine.
At the top of the Control Board located on each side of the Hopper Coin Chute are two black blocks (red circles in Figure 1 above). These two blocks are paired sensors that emit and receive an LED infrared beam of light across the chute, which we designated as the “sensor zone” (yellow bar in Figure 1). The sensor pair are aligned with the holes at the top of the Hopper Coin Chute – as shown in Figure 2.
When you first examine the hopper board, you will see the three LED lights on the right side of the hopper board. The lights are YELLOW – GREEN – RED (from top to bottom). The flashing yellow should be signaling the 34 error code (three quick flashes – short pause – four quick flashes – long pause). The Green light will be on, indicating the hopper is still getting power.
At this point, check the Red light. If the red light is on solid, it means there is something in the sensor field or stuck at the top of the hopper coin chute. (In normal operating mode, the red light flashes as coins are dropped from the dispense mechanism.) If the sensor field is clear, the red light should be off as well.
The obstruction can be lint, dirt, insects, or a jammed coin. Once the obstruction is cleared (you will know because the red light turned off), simply push the Red Reset Button on the Hopper Control Board to clear or reset the error.
After the hopper reboots, if you cleared the obstruction, the hopper and machine should return to Normal Operating Mode – the yellow indicator light will flash repetitively, and the green light will be solid on. If the hopper returns to a 34 Error again, there is still something obstructing the sensor field. At this point, we will need to clean the sensors. Using canned air (which can be purchased online or at any store that sells electronics, computers, and computer accessories) – spray the air in short bursts at the black sensors through the holes in the hopper coin chute. This will help clean any accumulated dust or debris that was sitting on the sensors.
Next, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the hopper coin chute, and a cotton swab can be used to lightly clean the sensor blocks.
Push the Red Reset Button again, and after the system reboots, the hopper should return to normal operating mode. If the 34 error occurs again, there may be a problem with the Control Board, and it needs to be replaced.
You can purchase a replacement board by contacting the Standard Change-Makers Service/Parts Department by calling 800-968-6955 or emailing parts@standardchange.com
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above directions used images for the Front Load Coin Hopper. In a Rear Load machine Hopper, the Control Board is on the back of the hopper (so the indicator lights and reset button are facing the door). There are no black sensor blocks or coin chute on the Rear Load Hopper Main Control Board. There is a Secondary Board, with sensor blocks, that has connector wires to the Main Control Board – see Figure 3 above. To access this board you will need to remove the six screws (three on each side) on the back plate of the hopper (where the Coin Chute protrudes).
You would clean the sensors in the same manner as discussed on the Front Load Hoppers.
OTHER ISSUES THAT CAN CAUSE A 34 ERROR
There are other issues that can cause the Sensor Error “34” that are not related to dirt or coins stuck in the sensor field on the Control Board. These issues are:
- Hopper Coin Chute Alignment
- Hopper-to-Coin Cup Alignment
- “Coin Bounce”
For more information on these causes, please download the Error 34 Bulletin by clicking on this link:
TROUBLESHOOTING HOPPER ERROR 34 – SENSOR ERROR
If you have any questions, please contact our Service/Parts Department by emailing: service@standardchange.com