Vending Machine Security with Modern Monitoring Devices

Didactum Small AC Current Transformer

Compact Hall Effect Probe for Smaller AC Circuits The Didactum Small AC Current Transformer probe is a simple open-loop Hall effect AC current transducer (open-loop ammeter) in a particularly compact design that measures current on a conductor contactlessly without disconnecting it. The cable to be measured is passed through the opening of the ring-shaped transducer; the probe converts the measured AC current into a proportional 0–5 V DC output signal. This article refers to the AC-50 model with a rated current of 50 A and a measuring range of 0–50 A — ideal for individual circuits, outgoing feeders, and smaller to medium-sized loads. ⚠️ Important note: The Didactum Small AC Current Transformer probe measures the current on the conductor, but it cannot transmit the measurement signal to a monitoring system on its own. You also need the Didactum AC Current Transformer, part no. DI14030-AC, which acts as a transceiver, receives the probe’s 0–5 V signal, and forwards it via an analog port (A1…A8) to the Didactum monitoring system. Without the DI14030-AC, no display, analysis, or alarm notification of the measured values is possible. Design Current Probe Design The current probe consists of a compact ring-shaped transducer head with a pass-through opening and a 3-pin connection terminal. 1 Pass-through opening The cable to be measured is routed through the opening in the ring-shaped compact transducer core. The probe measures the current contactlessly via the magnetic field that is generated. 2 Mounting tabs Two mounting tabs on the housing used to secure the probe with screws and nuts. 3 3-pin connection terminal (pitch 3.81 mm) Three-pin terminal for wiring to the Didactum AC Current Transformer DI14030-AC. Pin assignment: + (+12 V DC supply), G (Ground), M (0–5 V measurement signal). ℹ️ Note on confusion: The AC-50 probe has a 3-pin terminal (+, G, M). The larger K6A model for higher currents uses a 4-pin terminal (G, M, G, +). When connecting, make sure the wires are assigned correctly according to the terminal labeling. Installation Mounting and Connection The current probe and the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) are installed together. 1 Mount the probe Secure the current probe in a suitable location with screws and nuts. Route the cable to be measured through the probe’s pass-through opening. 2 Wiring to current transformer DI14030-AC Connect the 3 wires of the terminal (+, G, M) to the 3-pin input terminal of the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) according to the wiring assignment. 3 Connect to the monitoring system Connect the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) to a free analog port (A1…A8) of the Didactum monitoring system or an 8-port sensor expansion unit using an RJ11 cable. ⚠️ Safety instructions: The regulations applicable to installation in the respective country and the relevant accident prevention regulations must be observed, as well as internal company work, operating, and safety regulations. The specified technical limits, especially insulation voltage and ambient temperature range, must under no circumstances be exceeded. Before installation, check the maximum permissible conductor diameter and the maximum insulation voltage of the probe. Web interface Full Control over Thresholds, Trends, and Automation Via the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC), the probe integrates seamlessly into the Didactum web interface. Individual thresholds (Lower Critical, Lower Warning, Normal, Upper Warning, Upper Critical) for each measurement point Logic schemes for automated actions when limit values are exceeded, e.g. in case of overload Clear, individually configurable dashboard Graphical trend display and continuous logging of measured values Notifications via email, SMS, SNMP trap, and other channels Application examples Use Cases for the Current Probe Monitoring circuits and feeders in electrical distribution panels to detect overloads Monitoring motors, pumps, compressors, and production machines for load changes Automatic alarm notifications when defined current limits are exceeded to prevent equipment damage and power outages Monitoring the power consumption of smaller IT and facility devices in the data center Early detection of wear or defects based on changes in current consumption Complementing existing monitoring environments (Zabbix, PRTG, Nagios) Scope of delivery What Is Included Please check the delivery for completeness upon receipt and report any missing or damaged parts to your supplier immediately. The Didactum AC Current Transformer DI14030-AC is not part of this scope of delivery and must be ordered separately. Didactum Small AC Current Transformer probe AC-50 (50 A)1 piece Self-adhesive label1 piece Screw L18.5 M42 pieces Bolt L14 M42 pieces Nut M3.52 pieces Key benefits Why This Current Probe Is the Right Choice 50 A rated currentMeasuring range 0–50 A for circuits and smaller to medium-sized loads. Compact designEspecially space-saving, ideal for tight control cabinets and distribution panels. Contactless measurementCurrent detection without disconnecting the conductor. High accuracy0.5% accuracy and linearity error. Easy installationMounting via two tabs with screws and nuts. Robust insulationInsulation voltage AC 2.5 kV 50 Hz 1 min for safe operation. Wide operating rangeDesigned for ambient temperatures from -10 °C to +70 °C. Made in EUDeveloped and manufactured in the European Union. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions For which current range is this model suitable? This model (AC-50) has a rated current of 50 A and covers a measuring range of 0–60 Aac. Make sure the maximum expected operating current of the conductor being monitored stays safely within this range. How does this probe differ from the larger K6A probe? The AC-50 probe is more compact and uses a 3-pin terminal (+, G, M), while the K6A probe for higher currents uses a 4-pin terminal (G, M, G, +). Both probes require the Didactum current transformer (AC version) as the transceiver to the monitoring system. Can the current probe be connected directly to the monitoring system? No. The probe outputs a 0–5 V analog signal and absolutely requires the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) as a transceiver, which transfers this signal to an analog port of the monitoring system. Is the DI14030-AC included in the scope of delivery? No. The Didactum AC Current Transformer DI14030-AC is a separate product and must be ordered additionally if not already available. Does the conductor have to be cut open for installation? No. The current probe measures contactlessly via the magnetic field of the conductor routed through the pass-through opening. Cutting the conductor is not necessary for the measurement itself. Can multiple current probes be used at the same time? Yes. Each circuit to be monitored requires its own AC-50 current probe with its own Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) connected to a free analog port. If the available ports are not sufficient, the number can be expanded using a VT408 expansion unit. Questions about the Didactum Small AC Current Transformer probe? Our support team in Germany will advise you free of charge on selection, installation, and configuration. Contact form (+49) 2501 92 90 160

Product number: DI14033

€89.00

Security Technology for Vending Machines

Vending machine security is essential, as machines must be protected around the clock from external attacks. This applies to ATMs as well as ticket, beverage, ticket, or cigarette machines. These machines are often freely accessible (parking garages, train stations, shopping centers, public places, etc.). Modern monitoring devices provide additional protection here.

Usually, thieves target the contents of the machine, i.e., the cash or change. We are all familiar with images of blown-up ATMs. For cost reasons, not every machine can be equipped with a built-in safe and dye pack. For parking ticket machines, beverage machines, or snack vending machines, this would lead to a drastic increase in the sales price.

Increasing Vending Machine Security with Didactum Security Technology

The security and monitoring technology manufacturer Didactum Security GmbH, based in North Rhine-Westphalia, offers field-proven solutions for protecting vending machines. Already installed machines can be retrofitted with an alarm system, such as the Monitoring System 100 III. This is a compact measuring and monitoring device with four ports for intelligent sensors. A model with 24V DC power supply is also available.

In addition to door or magnetic contacts, the machine can also be equipped with a combined glass break and vibration sensor. This security sensor can be individually adjusted to the surface to be monitored (glass, wood, steel sheet, polycarbonate, etc.). Furthermore, this sensor features built-in tamper protection. In addition to security monitoring, the Monitoring System 100T can also monitor the machine’s power supply and measure and record the supply voltage.

If desired, the humidity inside the machine can also be monitored in real time (remote monitoring). Optionally, a smoke detector and/or gas detector can also be connected to the monitoring system.

Reliable Notifications and Alarms from the Machine

Each web-based measuring and monitoring system from Didactum operates independently (“stand-alone”), without dependencies on additional hardware or software. Secure access to the German-language web interface is via web browser from a PC, notebook, smartphone, or tablet.

If the web-based monitoring system detects a critical situation or acute threat, such as forced opening of the machine, notifications and fault alarms are sent via email and/or SMS (*via built-in GSM/LTE modem or web-to-SMS server). Manipulation detection and vandalism damage can also be detected and reported early.

The content of the email or SMS alarm can be individually customized using macro functions. Control room staff can remotely access the Monitoring System 100T and use an optional video surveillance camera to get a live view of the situation. The logic built into the monitoring system also supports automatically activating alarm sirens with flashing lights. An active alarm has often driven off would-be thieves!

Additionally, the monitoring system sends notifications in the form of standardized SNMP traps (Simple Network Management Protocol) to automation or management software. The intelligent sensors connected to the monitoring system can also be queried directly via LAN/WAN using SNMP commands. For example, if the internal temperature of the machine falls below or exceeds a threshold, or if the power supply fails, this is remotely transmitted via SNMP to the monitoring software/control room solution (a UPS battery may be required).

Remotely Monitoring the Machine’s I/O Contacts

The Didactum Monitoring System 100T offers additional inputs for Ethernet connection of relays or potential-free fault detectors.

If a technical fault occurs in a beverage, ticket, or fare machine (e.g., defective motors), specific notifications can be sent to the responsible (service) technicians and staff at company headquarters. The 12V switching outputs of the monitoring device can be manually controlled via the web interface (e.g., for door control). Remote switching of relays via SMS command (GSM or LTE modem required) or rule-based switching is also possible.

Access Control for the Machine

If desired, the monitoring system can also be equipped with an RFID or ID card reader. All opening and closing operations of the machine are controlled and additionally logged by the 100 III monitoring system. If desired, the control center can be notified by email and/or SMS* when the machine is opened. Sending video images when the machine is opened is also possible. If an RFID key or ID card is lost, the electronic key can be blocked immediately.

Syslog Event Database & Measurement Data Storage for Operational Information

The web-based monitoring system stores all status changes and critical events in the built-in syslog database. The syslog can be automatically sent to the control center and evaluated there. The integrated measurement data storage (“data logger”) records the temperature measured in real time inside the machine.

A graphical display of the temperature values is possible directly in the web interface of the Monitoring System 100T. If there are problems with the food cooling of the machine, the temperature log can be exported in XML or CSV data format and opened and processed with common software such as Microsoft Excel.

For supervisory authorities or audit purposes, evaluations and documentation regarding vending machine security and temperature monitoring can thus be created.

Didactum Monitoring

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