Replacing Card Reader Boards

Replacing Card Reader Boards

For malfunctioning readers, you'll be replacing only the circuit board inside the reader's enclosure.
There are generally two stages to this:

Stage 1:
  - Installing the replacement reader board into the reader enclosure
  - Numbering the new reader board using the new reader's Dip Switches
  - Mounting the reader to the machine, and Activating it with the location's Activation Card

Stage 2:
  - Restoring the reader's settings via the Laundro Portal

Stage1 : Replace and activate reader board

Step 1 - Power Off Machine

Power OFF the machine, and remove the reader

Step 2 - Confirm you are applying the Correct Replacement Reader Board Type

NOT all reader boards are the same!! Before advancing past this step
it is CRITICAL that you confirm you have the correct reader circuit board type
All of our reader boards may look similar, but they are NOT interchangeable!

Look for the white label, with the QR code, on the back of the reader board to confirm that the new reader board's TYPE matches the type of the original reader board it's replacing
(the numbers underneath the reader board names/types are not relevant here and do not need to match).
 
For example, if your original reader board's sticker says Generic Serial, then the new reader board MUST also say Generic Serial;
otherwise the new board will NOT work with that particular machine.


Step 3 - Install Replacement Reader Board 

The reader board is typically held into the reader encloser with 2 or 4 screws.
Once the screws are removed, the entire board can be removed from the reader's enclosure and replaced with the new one.



Step 4 - Adjust The New Reader's Dip Switches

Match the DIP switches - simply set the DIP switches to the exact same positions as what the original reader board you're replacing is set to.
The DIP switches are responsible for giving the reader a unique address (e.g Washer #3, Dryer #25, POS1, etc.). 


If you would like to learn more about the dip switch settings, or need to number this reader something other than what the original reader was numbered, see our Reader DIP Switch settings article.

Step 5 - Mount reader to Machine

Reconnect and mount the reader, and power ON the machine.

Step 6 - Activate new Card Reader

Activate the reader with the Activation card for this specific store/location:

If you don't have an Activation card, you can create an Activation card by converting a regular User/Store card.
See here: Creating System Cards


Stage 2: Restore reader settings

In most cases you will also need to adjust the settings (like vend prices) on the reader to restore them to match the old settings.
Typically this is just the vend prices and Control Type selection.

Step 1 - Access the Portal

Log into the LaundroPortal at portal.mitechisys.com (If you're a dealer/distributor, you can log-in using the DLP (Dealer Portal) in dealer view)

Step 2 - Reader Settings Menu

Click on your location, and in the Machines table click the wrench  icon next to the reader you just replaced and activated.
For example, for Dryer 3:


TIP! You can check and copy the settings from another reader attached to the same model type of machine.
For example, in the above, if you replaced the board in Dryer 3, you can just copy the settings from Dryer 4, IF they are the same model dryer

Step 3 - Confirm Control Type

Check and adjust Control Type setting of the new card reader board. 
Simply check the setting from another reader, that's installed on a machine of the same model type, and select the same value for this reader's Control Type.
(in many cases, like for Alliance machines, you won't need to adjust this setting as the default setting is usually the correct one to be using)


Step 4 - Adjust Vend Price Settings (if applicable)

Adjust prices.
Simply check the vend prices for another reader and enter the same values.
If your reader is installed on a machine where the reader grabs the vend prices directly from the machine, you can skip this step.
(on those types of machines, you will NOT see any price settings when looking at the reader's configuration page).



Step 5 - Adjust Free Dry Settings (if applicable)

If you're running the Free Dry Promotion, you will also want to match those values:


Ignore this step if you were not running a Free Dry Promotion in your store.

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