Operator News
ICE – AstroSystems to showcase Microcoin and Global Bill Acceptors
By Phil - 23 January 2014
AstroSystems will present its established currency validation solutions and a host of new products at ICE Totally Gaming
Based in the UK, AstroSystems is the European/UK regional office of Astrosys International, which specialises in the design, manufacture and distribution of currency handling products, under the Microcoin and Global Bill Acceptors (GBA) brands.
The core products for the global gaming market begin with the GBA ST2 stackerless banknote validator – a device which has been continually increasing in popularity over the last few years in the betting and low-end gaming markets in particular, a testament to the cost-effectiveness of the product in a difficult economic climate.
GBA ST2 offers an ideal solution for both machine manufacturers and operators. The validator will accept notes of up to 85mm width, and boasts a wide range of features and benefits including barcode reading functionality, an on-board push button for simple field configuration, straightforward modular design, and USB connectivity. The latter allows both direct serial communications and quick flash reprogramming.
Another main focus of AstroSystems’ ICE offering will be the award-winning Microcoin QL coin acceptor, which has a wide acceptance in global gaming, with specification from a considerable number of primary OEMs. Its success has been based upon the unique capability to reliably operate at up to 10 coins per second as a single or multi-coin acceptor across a wide range of world currencies, whilst maintaining a strong protective barrier against fraud attempts.
With simple and intuitive self-programming, a wide variety of supported protocols, and coin sorter compatibility, Microcoin QL is truly versatile. It is also at the forefront of new gaming developments, particularly the Italian Comma 6a+ initiative. Having worked closely with ACMI, a Italian gaming association, AstroSystems have incorporated the AES encryption, which is the default protocol for Comma 6a+ machines. AstroSystems are also currently liaising with manufacturers to prepare for the QL’s release into this rejuvenated market in early 2014.
High cash security is a prerequisite within the gaming industry, and is a recurring theme in the solutions provided by the GBA and Microcoin brands. The GBA GV1 note vault provides the highest level possible, with fully lockable cashbox and chassis, as well as a comprehensive audit facility that allows close monitoring of note input. GV1, as with all GBA products, is fully modular and simple to service, and uses the proven technology of the GBA ST2 as its validation component. The solutions on show at ICE don’t stop there; there is also the Microcoin SP coin validator to discover, with its patented parallel path reject system effectively eliminating coin jams. SP has become an industry favourite in the amusement sector, and has a strong representation among FOBT suppliers. New projects also make their maiden appearance, at the not to be missed AstroSystems’ ICE stand.
