Vending of Faxes with a
Programmable VendaFax VF-2 Fax Module
Part No. 980006-002
The VF-2 is a cost effective, ease of use programmable, Fax Module Vending Controller, ideal for applications where faxes sent can be vended with coins, banknotes and credit cards or other access control devices. The VF-2 allows the VF-2 to fax directly or forward the fax through a third party fax long distance reseller or internet service. In the event the vendor does not wish to use a third party service, the fax calls can be dialed directly through the VF-2. The VF-2 provides data to the VendaFax control board indicating the number of fax pages sent. A trouble shooting LED provides an "ON" indication whenever the fax line is in use and a 250ms off "wink" after every page.
VendaFax VF-2 Instruction Manual
(R) VendaFax is a Federal Registered Trademark of
VENDAPIN LLC
Applications for the VendaFax VF-2
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Vending of faxes in banks, hotels, supermarkets, libraries, etc.
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Prevent outgoing faxes unless the correct payment is made.
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Limit fax times
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Force local and long distance faxes through third party fax services
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Prevent the use of hand held dialers from bypassing the VendaFax VF-2
Specifications for the VendaFax VF-2
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Power: 24V DC from VendaFax Control Board
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Dimensions: 4.75" x 2.75" x 1.38"
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Shipping Weight: 0.23 kg (0.5 lb)
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Environmental: 0°C to 32°C (32°F to 90°F) with 5% to 95% non-condensing humidity
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Connections: (2) RJ11 jacks, (1) cable to the Coin-op 5596 series or credit card companion II Pay Station or other vending or access control device
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Photo eye detection of scanned documents for positive vend signals from the moving lamp source
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Monitors the phone line for a dial tone
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Operates most MFP Copier/Fax Machines that do not have a document feeder.
Features of the VendaFax VF-2
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Non-volatile memory (no batteries required)
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Debits the fax vend price immediately at the time of scanning the document
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Allows for "re-dial" of faxes if the line is busy or an error occurs in transmission
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Compatible with touch tone fax machines
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Forwards input fax number to a third party fax service that then dials out the requested fax number via the internet
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If a third party fax service is not used, all faxes can be directly dialed through the unit
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Programmable to ignore fax system line access numbers
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Operational alert tones
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Allows emergency and toll free fax numbers
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Will operate on virtually all coin-ops regardless of manufacturer dating back to 1976
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Made in the USA
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One year warranty
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Operate on most coin-op or access control devices
VendaFax VF-2 Data Sheet
VendaFax VF-2 Instruction Manual
Note: In our instructions we have a
disclaimer that says the VF-2 module is ONLY approved for use with a
flat bed scanner and NOT an automatic document feeder. Here is a
prime example of why the VendaFax is NOT to be used with the document
feeder. When faxing, the phone comes off the hook and begins
dialing before all the pages are scanned. As soon as the phone comes off
the hook, the pulses from the photo sensor are ignored. As an
example with the Sharp MX series, if the Automatic Document Feeder is
used, the patron will only ever get charged for one sheet because it
picks up and comes off the hook before all the scanning is complete. If
the patron is forced to use the scanner platen (recommended use), the
phone does not come off the hook until the patron tells the copier there
are no more pages to be scanned. The VendaFax charges the correct amount
when used in this fashion, which is what we recommend.
The second issue is tied to redialing. If the patron pays for and scans,
lets say 3 sheets for faxing, and the fax transmission fails for some
reason, a redial must be allowed or the staff will constantly be
harassed to give refunds, or allow the patron to send the fax again
without paying. Copiers all have a redial function that is set up using
a timer. In the menu, the function is activated and a time is assigned.
In practice, the patron inserts money, scans the pages, then the copier
picks up and calls the entered number. For some reason, the fax
transmission fails. Patron simply walks away and allows the copier to
redial. This can cause a problem with free faxes. Lets say a patron does
NOT pay for a fax but enters the number and scans the sheets. The fax
absolutely will NOT go through at that time as the VendaFax VF-2
interrupts the phone line. After the preset period of time goes by, the
copier will try to redial and transmit the unpaid for fax. The fax WILL
go through on the redial without payment. We have no solution for this
document application for faxing at this time.