There a number of similar looking Mars Electronics validators that we use, these commonly include: ME111, ME115 and the ME126.
The Mars Electronic validator range operate in a very similar way to the C220 Coins Control unit and is susceptible to the same issues, but mostly commonly Coin Jams.
It is likely there will be a 'credit board' attached to the side of the validator, try not to dislodge this board when removing the Validator.
There are a few machines that use Mars Validators which have a connecting cable plugged into the side of the validator, similar to a C220.
IMPORTANT: Should either the credit board, a connecting cable to the credit board or the just the cable plugged into the validator be dislodge or become disconnected please refer to our Credit Board Guidance page.
Removing the Mars Electronics Validator
The Mars validator has a fixing plate, normally attached to the coin door of the arcade machine. Looking at the right hand side, viewed from the back of the validator, you should see two orange looking clips.
These two orange clips fix the validator to the fixing plate. These clips need to be pushed towards each another, in one action, to release the validator. You do not need to use much force to free the validator.
When both clips are free you will feel the validator is free too. simply pull the validator backwards and it should come free of its fixing plate.
Take a moment to look at the fixing plate and you will see there are two plastic cones that protrude, these are the locator lugs for the validator. Now looking at the front of the validator you will notice there are two round holes designed to fit over those two plastic cones.
Clearing a Coin Jam
When the Mars validator has been removed you should be able to open the eject flap and possibly shake free coins that have become lodged in the top of the validator at the point where coins are inserted.
It is possible that the coin build up has occurred at either, or both, of the coin reject and the coin hopper output slots (the one that drops coins/tokens into the coin box).
If that appeared to be the problem, then refit the Mars validator to its fixing panel and try to run coins/tokens through it to see of the the problem has been solved.
Another common issue is caused by sticky coins or tokens. These can often be the cause of the 'Jam'.
In some cases the only solution is to replace the validator.
Refitting the Mars Electronics Validator
This is fairly straight forward. Line up the holes on the front of the validator with the locating plastic cones on the fixing plate and push the validator forward.
You might hear the orange clips 'clip' into place and that's it!
Refitting the Mars Validator Cable
The Mars validators use a 14way connector which plugs into the side of the coin validator and it is important to get the alignment correct when refitting this connect.
If the validator has a fitted credit board then please refer to the refitting guidance here.
