Acceptor Billset Upgrade

Owned by Charles Wernicke
Last updated: Oct 04, 2024
4 min read

New varieties of paper currencies are constantly issued. At some point, you will need to update the firmware in your bill acceptor to recognize these new banknotes.

This article describes updating the acceptor billset.

  • Create a Support ticket if you feel the acceptor needs to be reprogrammed - that procedure is not described here & is deliberately undocumented.

RECYCLER? Read this:

Always “float down” (purge) recyclers before upgrading the firmware!

Recyclers can only store one type of currency (i.e. USD, CAD, or EUR etc).

The primary currency is the only currency saved for dispensing; so if you have a USDCADEUR combination, only USD can be dispensed (while all can be accepted). If you’d prefer to dispense CAD, then you’d have to install a billset that identifies CAD as the primary currency (e.g. CADUSD). Not all combinations are possible. Ask Support if any particular combination is available.

THE Y1530 FIRMWARE WILL BRICK YOUR HEAD. DON’T DO IT!

1. Determine the billset variety.

You’ll need to enter the billset name precisely. It varies by acceptor model & manufacturer.

If you’re uncertain of the billset name, please Create a new Support Ticket and:

  • Request the billset firmware name.

  • Specify the fiats you accept, or would like to accept (billsets).

  • Provide the affected BATM serial number(s).

  • Note the acceptor version (yellow or blue - see below)

We will reply to your support ticket notifying you of the billset “flavor”. All questions (above) must be ascertained before we can prepare the download, so please provide all requested details in advance.

2. After you’ve determined the billset name:

Update the Terminal’s acceptor billset from the CAS action menu.

1. Click “Acceptor Update” from Terminal: ACTIONS

2. Enter the name of the acceptor BILLSET firmware:

  • e.g. for newer US-based BATMs, the billset would typically be “Y1USDEURCAD”.

  • the billset name must be be precisely typed, not all combinations are valid.

3. Click UPGRADE ACCEPTOR.

The maintenance screen will appear on the BATM, and it will download the billset firmware.

  • DO NOT REMOVE POWER TO THE BATM DURING THE FIRMWARE INSTALLATION.

  • DO NOT REBOOT THE BATM DURING THE FIRMWARE INSTALLATION.

  • DO NOT UPDATE THE BATM DURING THE FIRMWARE INSTALLATION.

  • Installation will take about 10 minutes, and then the BATM will automatically reboot.

4. You’re done. The billset should now accept the specified banknotes.

  • NOTE: trust, but verify!

    • Test that every banknote denomination is ACTUALLY accepted.

    • If older banknotes should now be rejected, test that they are actually rejected!

Alternative method (manual)

Billset installation is performed in 2 distinct steps. This method may be preferred where a large number of BATMs are deployed and an automated process is required.

Step 1: download the billset firmware.

  1. Determine the required billset name (as described above).

  2. Login to your CAS server CLI (Command Line Interface).

  3. Download the latest firmware to your server:

sudo /batm/batm-manage acceptor FWNAME BT123456

  • Any errors or indications of failure: STOP. Create a support ticket & attach a screenshot.

Next: apply the upgrade at the BATM (detailed below).

Step 2: install the billset at the BATM.

The acceptor firmware can only be updated at the location itself. This is a security feature, preventing a malicious actor from arbitrarily uploading hacked firmware to your BATM.

  • ALWAYS EMPTY (FLOAT DOWN) THE RECYCLER (if used) BEFORE UPDATING!

Enter the administration menu on your BATM:

Press the "ACCEPTOR UPDATE" button

  • The BATM will now download and install the new firmware from the CAS.

  • The upgrade may take up to 35 minutes. Please be patient.

  • A stable & uninterrupted internet connection is required!

  • Repeat this step at each BATM in your network.

  • Report any errors to GB Support.

You should now be able to accept the desired billsets at each updated BATM.

Confirm the upgrade was accepted by looking at either:

The BATM Administration screen:

The Terminal acceptor status in CAS:

  • BATM reboot may be required to display current information.

  • The ADMINISTRATION screen AT THE BATM is always accurate & definitive.

Which acceptor do I have?

Two different types of acceptors may be installed: blue (UBA) or yellow (MEI).

  • The billsets are NOT interchangeable!

UBA Acceptors

MEI Acceptors

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