Product category:
Embedded Computing and Control
News Release from: Vicos | Subject: ConBox
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 18 May 2006
Interfaces come together enabling PC
control
The Vicos ConBox is the solution for many, even unconventional interface problems in machine building.
Constructing and refurbishing vending machines, gambling machines or similar equipment means combining devices from different vendors To achieve an optimum in price and performance standard control and PC systems are increasingly used
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 8 May 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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However, there is a lack of necessary special interfaces to connect coin acceptors, bill validators, receipt printers, sensors and actuators directly.
Expensive adapters and proprietary interface cards increase costs and effort.
Thus the advantage achieved by using standard PCs is significantly reduced.
The Vicos ConBox is the solution for many, even unconventional interface problems in machine building.
Coin acceptors and bill validators are easily connected with standard control and PC systems by using intelligent hardware, firmware and software building blocks.
Moreover, the ConBox considerably reduces wiring effort and helps to achieve a reliable and comprehensive machine layout.
The Vicos ConBox uses standard networks like USB, Ethernet, WLAN, UMTS/Edge or Bluetooth for host integration.
Multiple turnkey interfaces are available for connecting almost any peripheral device.
CC-Talk, SSP and MDB protocol support for coin acceptors and bill validators are available off-the-shelf.
A unique electronic serial number and powerless fraud detection features allow for security applications.
And "widgets" such as keyswitches, pushbuttons or indicators can be directly connected to the various digital and analogue I/O ports with minimal effort.
ConBox hardware and software is available today and will be exactly tailored to an application based on a modular concept.
Thus you only pay for what your really need.
Power consumption and thermal management are reduced to an absolute minimum.
For a limited time, Vicos ConBox is available in a triple-pack evaluation kit for as low as Eur 320.
The kit contains two ConBox boards with USB connectivity, four serial interfaces to connect coin acceptors, bill validators and receipt printers, 24 digital inputs and eight digital outputs for various switches, sensors and actuators.
Also included are: a further ConBox board with one of the serial interfaces supporting RS232/V.24; turnkey support for CC-Talk and SSP protocols; all necessary interface and supply cables; tested software and drivers for Windows and Linux; complete documentation; and startup support via telephone and e-mail.
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