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Rowe 4900 Jr. HELP?


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Ok I bought a used Rowe 4900 Junior.. it looks to be older but I got it cheap and it was working..or so the guy says when I bought it and Ive bought from him before and had no issues..anywho, my machine looks like this:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROWE-4900-CANDY-CHIP-SNACK-VENDING-MACHINE-/261399003314?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cdc9840b2

 

BUT of course mine is the smaller model being the junior edition. Anyway I have it on location just sitting there to be filled. I go in today plug in the machine, lights come on and everything..I think I figured out how to set prices but I could be wrong.

 

Anyways I have the top shelf set for .75 cents a vend and I put in three quarters to test it.. machine registers money and than when I press a number like 11 - since the top shelf selections are 11, 21, 31, 41 - the light beside try another selection blinks.. so I try another and another and its the same issue. I hit coin return and it gives me back my 3 quarters.

The dollar bill acceptor isnt working (which I figure that is because there is no money in the changer..) but would having NO change in the changer make the machine keep saying "try another selection"? or what would be the other issue if this is not it?

 

Thanks for all the help! Im new to snack/soda but Im learning slowly!

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Open the door.

 

Read the display.

 

And post what is displayed.

 

If you are lucky only a dismal point will be lit.

 

Anything else is an error code.

 

Find a manual and read about your code.

 

Pressing the test vend button twice should run all the motors one turn.

 

Also there are 2 different flavors of 4900 with different error codes.

 

The older ones have 3 or 4 boards on the pull out divider are called 3 board machines these machines never worked very well.

 

The newer machines have just one board and are a much better machine.

 

 

Walta

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Walta thanks for the information..will do this tomorrow.

 

I only pressed the test vend button once and not twice so maybe thats why it didnt work..

 

I believe this is a one board machine..not positive but I believe so..

 

Ill go back to location tomorrow and follow your instructions..I pray for the best!

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This problem is either that you don't have prices stored as you thought or the machine doesn't see the shelf due to a poor connection behind the shelf. 

 

To price a selection, enter the selection number with the door open (in the service mode).  The display will show that selection and the current saved price.  If the price is correct then you can pull out the corded test module and press the "test vend" button.  If the motor works it will run that single motor.  If you see "make another selection" then the machine doesn't see the shelf.

 

When checking the prices you can start with any selection number.  If the price shown is correct you can press the "Enter Price" button to increment to the next selection which will show it's price.  You may scroll through all the selections in this way.  To change any price, you must see the selection number and it's current price on the display.  At this time you may press the number keys with leading zeros followed by your new price.  For example, if .50 is listed for a selection and you want to change it to .60 you will press 0060 and press "enter price".  This will save the new price and increment the display to the next selection.  You may now close your door to exit the service mode or enter a different selection number that you wish to change.

 

If the machine doesn't see the motors and run them in a test, pull your shelf and inspect the shelf rollers to ensure they are there and the nuts are tight.  Inspect the pins on the back of the shelf to see if any are pushed in too far and inspect ALL of the socket slots on the back cabinet to see if there are two shiny contacts visible within each slot.  If you have a pin or slot problem then the machine won't see part or all of the shelf.

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"To price a selection, enter the selection number with the door open (in the service mode).  The display will show that selection and the current saved price.  If the price is correct then you can pull out the corded test module and press the "test vend" button.  If the motor works it will run that single motor.  If you see "make another selection" then the machine doesn't see the shelf."

 

Pull out the corded test module?? That things pulls out..I thought it just sat there..on the test vend there are four buttons ... one says 5cent, one says 10 cents, one says 25 cents, and last one says test vend.. so im assuming this is the module your speaking of..

so after i set my price on any one selection.. after i set it and save it..i press test vend once (or as walta said twice) and it should test vend just that selection..if not BIG PROBLEMS! LOL :)

I hope and pray this is just a simple fix but I have the worst luck it seems

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The corded module I'm speaking of is not the one with the coin switches on it.  There should be a separate handheld module on a coiled cord which plugs into the box that the coin mech plugs into.  This module can be unclipped to pull it out around the door while you are in the service mode and then it's used while pricing the machine.  It has other features on it as well though the only two buttons you will use are the "free vend" (maybe) and "set price" buttons.  The "free vend" button can be used to begin a single test vend only AFTER you have entered a selection.  If you press it first you will start a sequential running of all motors.  The "set price" button is used for saving new prices and/or to sequentially move through your selections to check prices.

 

The coin inventory switch and test vend buttons are a separate item.  On that component the "test vend" button should have a metal guard around it to remind you that any time you press that button you will start a non-stop single vend of every motor in the machine, which you won't want to accidentally start when you have product in the machine.

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I dont think I have this module.. I do know there is a spot underneath where the coin mech plugs into that something could plug into..I wondered what plugged in there..

 

all I have to work with is the box I spoke up above and another cluster that has four buttons: 1 says FREE VEND, 1 says ENTER PRICE, 1 says PROD CORE, and 1 says EMED LOAD (this one may be wrong as I wrote it on paper fast and I cant read it)..

 

on the very bottom of the machine I have a OBA Control Unit..

 

Can I still set the machine up even tho I dont have this pull out controller :(

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I dont have the machine in front of of me right now so Im using ebay auction to look inside ..the ebay auction I posted:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROWE-4900-CANDY-CHIP-SNACK-VENDING-MACHINE-/261399003314?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cdc9840b2

 

has the machine I have setup the exact same way with everything in the inside picture setup the same place I mine is.... after looking at a couple more auctions..I found he two boxes I have..

the first box is the one I spoke of: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rowe-4900-inventory-switches-and-test-vend-unit-works-great-delivery-guarantee-/231167578298?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35d2a950ba

I do see the metal guard you speak of covering free vend ..

 

I also see the the other box with the cord you speak of:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Programmer-for-Rowe-4900-Snack-Machines-Rowe-snack-machines-programmer-/221192189706?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item338014f70a

thats the one in my last message I tried to describe..i thought one of the switches said "EMED LOAD" since I wrote it sloppy but it in fact says ENTER LOAD ...I didnt know this box pulled out..

 

I see I have ALOT to learn... I never had this much trouble on a snack machine.. I have a few more and they are simple to operate. I REALLY appreciate everyones time!

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Have you downloaded the manual yet so you can follow the directions in it?  Read the manual and then take a paper copy with you to leave in the machine, or at least download it to your phone so you always have it to refer to when you are at the machine.

 

When you get to the machine the next time, TAKE YOUR TIME, read the pricing steps in the manual or in my previous posts #4 and 6 of this thread.

 

The Rowe machines are very easy to operate once you understand them.  Certainly they are different from AP or National machines but they are easy to operate, nonetheless. 

 

My concern is that once you get the pricing method down will the machine actually work?  You currently have more than one issue with it and I don't care how many people told you it worked before you bought it, it might not have been working and you bought someone elses problem, or you might have created the problem (not seeing the motors) with whatever method you used to move the machine.

 

You also mentioned that you have an OBA controller in the machine, which means you probably still have an OBA bill acceptor hanging on your door which you will have to upgrade.  Having an OBA validator also leads to the greater possibility that you have a multi-board machine.  Pull out your sliding panel that the coin mech is on.  Look at the board(s) on the panel (they are black).  If you have one large board you are good as it's a single board machine.  If you see two separate boards, then you have a multi-board machine and you could be in for a bumpy ride.

 

Have you contacted the seller and asked them to come show you how the machine works?  That way you will have an opportunity to have him take it back if it's not working.

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Where can I download the manual at?

 

I went to the machine today and I was able to set the prices..that was easy.. however..i plugged the machine in and opened the door and it comes up with "9.09" on the display... i can clear it off sure by hitting reset but then when i insert money and press a selection sure enough it says try another selection..on ALL selections..

 

I think this guy lied about this machine working.. I bought 2 cranes off him and had no issues and he threw this snack machine in for 100.00.. ill check on the boards tomorrow and let u know if its one or three boards. It does have the old orginal coin mech and dollar acceptor.. Im really second guessing the purchase of this unit but I bought it as is and by word of mouth that it work.. see what I get for trusting :(

 

Anywho any idea what the 9.09 code is? Thanks!

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I found the manual and downloaded it..I didnt find that error code but did find this

 

"all selection motors do not run (test or free vend mode) " - defective controller assembly  - replace

 

"vendor accepts coins but will not vend (any selection)" - defective controller - replace

 

So it sounds like I have a defective controller? How hard is that to replace? how are is a new one to find?

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The 909 code is an old code associated with the multi-board machine, so it means you have a multi-board setup.  When one of those boards goes bad you have to replace them in pairs.  This is because there were two different sets of boards used, but mostly because you never know which board has the problem.  Tell the guy to give you the hundred dollars back because this is going to cost a lot of money to get working properly - two boards and a validator upgrade at the very least.  Then take any electronics out for proper recycling and junk the cabinet for $30-40 at a scrapyard.

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I just called the guy and he said you bought it as is.. again see what I get for trusting a seller,,guess I learned my lesson...even tho it cost me 100.00

 

guess all I can do is scrap it and than go buy a decent used machine.. what a dang day and stress! Thanks AZVendor for all your help!

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Since you only have $100 invested, do you want to get it working with some replacement parts?  I can probably get you a set of boards and then it's not too difficult to upgrade the validator.  After that you will need to determine if the coin mech works properly and if all the motors work.  Chances are they do but you need to test it to find out.

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Let’s take a step back and take fresh look at this machine before you put any more money into it.

 

What do you need for this machine to do?

 

Do you need a Bill acceptor?

Had this machine ever been pried open with a crow bar?

Is this machine rusty?

Has this machine been dropped?

Is the rear baffle in the delivery missing or disabled?

 

If you answered Yes to any of the questions I would cut my losses and scrap this 35 year old machine.

 

Even if you answered no think hard about you choices.

 

Make a plan how much money are you going to put into it?

 

If you are going to spend 2 grand fixing this machine up and you could, do it with a plan from the beginning.

 

 

Walta

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I think Im going to cut my loss and scrap it..like AZ said I should be able to get 30.00-40.00 in scrap from it so Ill only have 60.00-70.00 loss which isnt bad considering I did get two nice working cranes and alot of plush.

 

For the price of parts, shipping, and manpower to get this machine top notch and going ..thats not saying there could be more issues after replacing boards and all.. its going to be close to 700.00

 

For 700.00 i can buy a newer used snack machine for this location..Im just glad this machine is on a location that is understanding..i placed it on location since i had it in a rented truck..cleaned it their and made it look ok (its older and a little rough looking) but they still are ok with it..and now after two days of messing with it they still understand

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I found me a red lance machine just like the one I bought off ebay in tennesse a month or so ago..

this one is located only 45 minutes from me and the guy wants 400.00

 

he says he will show me its working ..only issue is one vend selection doesnt work.. no biggy

 

im familar with this machine tho as like I said I just bought one...I think it would be wiser to invest 400.00 in this newer machine than 400 PLUS in the old rowe unit.. right?

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Probably but I would try for a national 145/146 or AP 6000/7000 instead. If that's your only cheap option, you may have to take it. Just keep in mind that it will cost more than it's worth if a board goes out on that one too or if you want a newer bill acceptor.

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Before you give up

 

Take the covers off the big board and measure the voltage from the battery.

 

I seems like 9.09 was the code for a dead battery.

 

Anyone have a manual for a 4900 multi board?

 

Walta

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Okay, I found my book with Multi-board error codes.  If you turn the machine on while the door is open and one of the error codes of 9.09, 9.19, 9.29, 9.39 or 9.49 show on the display you will need to reset the machine controller.  Here is the reset procedure:

 

1. Press the red reset button behind the coin switches and the error will disappear.

2. Enter any selection number and change its price to anything.

3. Press the "Enter price" button on the handheld module.  The next selection and its price will appear.

4. Press the red reset button one time and then enter selection "59".

5. Press "Test Vend" next to the coin switches.  The display will then blank out and return with only a decimal point.

6. The reset is now complete and you must check for proper operation of the machine.

 

I have also found that the 9.49 error is associated with the OBA bill head.  There are no explanations of the meaning of the other codes.  Your error 9.09 could very well mean the logic board battery was/is dead - I do remember that one code was for that issue.  By resetting the board and having the machine turned on you will charge the battery, if it's still good, and perhaps your board will then continue to operate.

 

This all brings back memories of old when running these machines.  Those beginning years of my vending career are fond ones.  Really.

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I tried this and It didnt work :(

 

It was going great until step #5..thats when it just wouldnt do anything except stay on selection 59..

 

I have a guy coming to town in a week that had a huge snack/soda business but sold out..he has alot of rowe parts for cheap he said and told me he can surely troubleshoot it for me! So im eager to see what he says!

 

I did go ahead and buy the Lance machine for the location.. I trade machines out tomorrow..if I can get the Rowe working it goes to a new home.. a small factory that has 28 employees..

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  • 5 months later...

Before you give up

 

Take the covers off the big board and measure the voltage from the battery.

 

I seems like 9.09 was the code for a dead battery.

 

Anyone have a manual for a 4900 multi board?

 

Walta

WALTA you were correct!

I finally got back to this machine. I was sick of messing with it so I shoved it in back of the garage and I took it out the other day and sat down and looked at it again. .My dad checked the battery with a volt meter and sure enough it was dead..we left the unit plugged in over night thinking it would charge the battery but nope still dead.. so I ordered a new battery off ebay (about 12.00). We installed it this morning and I came home and put board back in this afternoon and the machine works 98% of the way.

 

I have every spiral in the machine working except for 2. The 2 that are not working are the last one on BOTH candy shelves..I personally dont think the unit it programmed right so its not using those 2 selections.

 

The selection numbers on the shelves are out of order also.. like on the first shelf it has 4 selections..the stickers on it say 01, 11, 21, 31  BUT its programmed for these selections: 81. 01, 11, 21

 

Here is a list of the selections in order that make the unit work

 

SHELF ONE: 81, 01, 11, 21

SHELF TWO: 82, 02, 12, 22

SHELF THREE: 83,03,13, 23

SHELF FOUR: 84, 04, 14, 24, 64, 34, 94, THIS LAST SELECTION NOT WORKING

SHELF FIVE: 86, 06, 16, 26, 66, 36, 96, THIS LAST SELECTION NOT WORKING

SHELF SIX: 87, 07, 17, 27

 

On the two candy shelves I cant seem to figure out the selection numbers for the 2 non working selections. Like on shelf four I tried 44, 54, ad 74 (as those are the only 3 numbers that end in 4 for that shelf) and none of them work.

 

How would I reprogram the machine to make the selections in order and fix the two not working candy selections?

 

On the pull out module I have two buttons I dont know what they do.. "ENTER LOAD" and "PRODUCT CODE"

 

If I didnt confuse you guys to bad..can you help? THANKS!

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Press the “test vend” button twice with the door open. This should turn selection 11 then the next selection until the machine has tried every possible motor one at a time.

 

If this does not fix your problem you may have bad motors or damaged shelf connectors in the back of your machine.

 

Try swapping shelves and motors around and single out the bad part.

 

 

Walta

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