Troubleshooting a FasCard Kiosk Dispenser

Owned by Andrew Cool (Deactivated)
Last updated: Jan 29, 2024 by Chris Kite
5 min read

Overview

This troubleshooting guide provides an overview of the various maintenance tips and solutions to fix common problems associated with the FasCard Touch Kiosk dispenser (P/N: C-5650R1).

Use this guide when the loyalty kiosk has trouble dispensing cards. Please follow these steps before attempting to replace the unit. Regular maintenance is required to ensure correct operation.

Required tools & supplies

  • Compressed air can

  • Philips head screwdriver

  • Lint-free towel or cloth

  • Rubber roller cleaning solution

  • Long cotton swabs

Step-by-step guide

Step 1 – Power cycle the Kiosk

Rebooting an electronic device is typically the quickest way to resolve an issue.

  1. Unlock the Kiosk's front door.

  2. Slide open the front door.

  3. Firmly press the red/brown/black Maintenance Button on the back of the Kiosk door.

    1. This button is found on the upper-left-hand corner of the Kiosk.

  4. On the Kiosk's touchscreen monitor, you will select Maintenance Menu.

  5. Then select Shutdown/Reboot.

  6. Finally, select Shutdown Computer.

  7. After the Kiosk has shut down, power off the Kiosk using the power supply switch.

    1. The switch is located towards the back of the Kiosk drawer next to the Power Supply Unit (PSU).

  8. Wait 2 minutes before powering the Kiosk back up.

       


  9. Power on the Kiosk by flipping the rocker switch from earlier. This will automatically boot up the Kiosk interface.

  10. Test dispense several cards from the Kiosk menu. If testing fails at any point, proceed to Step 2 – Internal check of components.

Step 2 – Internal inspection of dispenser components

Take caution when handling internal dispenser parts. They are VERY fragile.

  1. Shutdown the Kiosk using the steps provided in Step 1 – Power Cycle the Kiosk.

    1. Be sure to leave the Kiosk powered down before proceeding.

  2. Visually inspect the Glide rollers for any damage or dirt.

  3. Disconnect the USB data cable and power harness from the side of the dispenser.

  4. Visually inspect the power harness for any bent pins or loose wires from the harness.

  5. Reseat both cables.

  6. Open the retention carriage by pulling the Release Bar and lifting up. Take care to avoid making contact with the wire loom when lifting the carriage.

  7. Inspect the rollers and read head for dirt and/or damage.


  8. If there is extensive damage to the rollers, glide rollers, and/or read head the dispenser unit will need to be replaced. Otherwise, if the components are in good standing proceed to Step 3 – Cleaning dispenser components.

  9. Power on the Kiosk once you've inspected the internal components of the dispenser.

Step 3 – Cleaning dispenser components

If the rollers are clean and do not have a glossy appearance, attempt to clean the read head and white tension bars by doing the following:

  1. Apply a small amount of alcohol to the cotton swab. Dab on the towel to remove excess liquid.

  2. Clean the read head by rubbing the swab in the direction that the cards travel.

    1. DO NOT go against the card path direction. 

  3. Clean the white tension bars thoroughly as dirt and grime tend to build up in their proximity.

  4. Using a dry portion of the towel, wipe off any excess liquid from the read head and tension bars.

  5. Restart the computer and test dispense a number of cards to ensure proper operation. If testing fails, proceed to Step 4 – Physical adjustments.

If the rollers are dirty and appear to be glossy, clean them by doing the following:

  1. Spray a small amount of the rubber cleaner into the spray can cap and then dab a Q-tip in the cap.

  2. Hold and rotate the Q-tip over one of the rollers while sticking a card through the front opening far enough to get the wheels to turn automatically.

  3. Dip the other end of the Q-tip in the can cap to wet it.

  4. Repeat step 2. for all remaining rollers, using a new Q-tip if needed.

  5. Restart the computer and test dispense a number of cards to ensure proper operation. If testing fails, proceed to Step 4 – Physical adjustments.



Step 4 – Physical adjustments

As the Kiosk door is cranked shut, it may push the dispenser out of alignment. This last step is meant to correct the orientation of the dispenser itself.

  1. Open the front of the Kiosk as far as it will go. Take care not to bump or nudge the dispenser.

  2. Loosen but DO NOT remove the six (6) mounting screws at the base of the dispenser.

    1. In some Kiosk installations, there may only be five (5) mounting screws.

  3. Push the dispenser tightly to the front of the tray.

    1. Close and crank the Kiosk shut.

  4. Reopen the front of the Kiosk as far as it will go. Take care not to bump or nudge the dispenser.

  5. Without moving the dispenser, tighten the mounting screws down until suitable

    1. Do not overtighten as this may strip the mounting screws. 

  6. Slide the Kiosk door back in place and crank the Kiosk shut. You do not need to reinsert the locking core at this time.

  7. Test dispense a number of cards to ensure proper operation.

  8. Once completed with testing, replace the Kiosk lock core.