Coin Acceptor Setup Guide for Claw Machines & Arcade Equipment

Coin Acceptor Setup Guide

This guide covers how to install, wire, and program a coin acceptor on your claw crane machine or arcade equipment. Compatible with most standard coin acceptors used in Hiclawcrane machines and DIY kits.

Note: All new Hiclawcrane machines come with a coin acceptor pre-installed. This guide is intended for DIY kit builders, replacement installations, or operators who need to reconfigure their existing coin acceptor. Need a replacement? Browse our arcade spare parts.

What You Need

  • Coin acceptor unit (included with most Hiclawcrane machines)
  • Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
  • Wire connectors or soldering kit (if custom wiring)
  • Sample coins for calibration

Step 1: Mount the Coin Acceptor

  1. Locate the coin acceptor slot on the front panel of your machine
  2. Insert the coin acceptor from the inside of the cabinet
  3. Secure with the provided mounting screws — do not overtighten
  4. Ensure the coin entry slot aligns with the front panel opening

Step 2: Wiring the Coin Acceptor

Most Hiclawcrane machines use a standard 3-wire connection:

  • Red wire: +12V DC power
  • Black wire: Ground (GND)
  • Yellow/White wire: Signal output to control board
  1. Connect the power wires to the 12V output on the control board or power supply
  2. Connect the signal wire to the coin input terminal on the PCB (labeled COIN or CN)
  3. Double-check polarity before powering on

Note: Incorrect wiring can damage the coin acceptor or control board. If unsure, refer to your machine wiring guide or contact support.

Step 3: Calibrate the Coin Acceptor

  1. Power on the machine
  2. Press and hold the SET button on the coin acceptor for 3 seconds until the LED flashes
  3. Insert 5–10 sample coins one at a time — the acceptor learns the coin profile
  4. Press SET again to save the calibration
  5. Test with additional coins to verify acceptance

For multi-coin acceptors, repeat the calibration process for each coin denomination.

Step 4: Set Credits per Coin

  • Access the operator menu by holding the service button inside the cabinet
  • Navigate to Coin Settings or Credit Settings
  • Set the desired credits per coin (e.g., 1 coin = 1 play, or 1 coin = 2 plays)
  • Save and exit the menu

Troubleshooting

  • Coins rejected consistently: Re-calibrate with fresh, clean coins. Dirty or worn coins may not be recognized.
  • No signal to control board: Check signal wire connection and ensure the coin acceptor is receiving 12V power.
  • Machine credits not registering: Verify the signal wire is connected to the correct PCB terminal (COIN input).
  • Acceptor jammed: Remove the unit and clear any debris from the coin path.

For more troubleshooting help, see our Claw Machine Troubleshooting Guide.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What coins does the acceptor support?

Hiclawcrane coin acceptors can be calibrated to accept most standard coins worldwide, including USD quarters, UK 1-pound coins, EUR 1-euro coins, and custom tokens. Multi-coin models support up to 6 denominations.

Can I use tokens instead of coins?

Yes — calibrate the acceptor with your custom tokens following the same calibration steps above. Tokens are recommended for venue operators to prevent unauthorized coin use.

My coin acceptor stopped working after a power surge. What should I do?

Power surges can damage the acceptor's internal circuitry. Try recalibrating first. If the unit is unresponsive, it may need replacement. Contact our support team for a replacement unit.