If it wasn't for dealing with cash, I would say it sounds like an ideal tooth cutting project, but applying a pi to the task could be overkill.
And any errors or bugs could prove expensive..
be prepared for extensive exception testing if you build a prototype, you will need to have confidence there are no tricks, pulling wires etc that will open the drawer without logging when and by whom.
Issuing RF tags or cards to employees for system id purposes or perhaps some bluetooth key id via phones could be employed ( have to look that one up..) - rf tags are simple, and the reader can be hidden behind any flat surface (almost) for stealth activation.
Limit cash exchange options to a small set which can be displayed in one or two small touchscreen pages so once a valid id has been scanned ( rf tag) the exchange options are displayed,
on selecting and confirming an option 2x touches of the screen, log user id time and selection made, and open the drawer - reset.
I would consider a remote pi doing other things an ideal logging depository hosting mosquito mqtt broker it could handle any mqtt logs and save in a db, or file? (lots of examples and roadmaps for this)
But for the cash drawer 'brain' i would consider a esp32 or perhaps a new arduino??
imho the arduino ide and the soc's it supports is a superior framework for learning hands on about h/w modules.. but thats just my take.
buy an esp32 and an rf reader module or sd card module and see how you get on connecting up and using with its example sketch/program.. if that slots into place ok buy a small touchscreen and start playing with that too.
And any errors or bugs could prove expensive..
be prepared for extensive exception testing if you build a prototype, you will need to have confidence there are no tricks, pulling wires etc that will open the drawer without logging when and by whom.
Issuing RF tags or cards to employees for system id purposes or perhaps some bluetooth key id via phones could be employed ( have to look that one up..) - rf tags are simple, and the reader can be hidden behind any flat surface (almost) for stealth activation.
Limit cash exchange options to a small set which can be displayed in one or two small touchscreen pages so once a valid id has been scanned ( rf tag) the exchange options are displayed,
on selecting and confirming an option 2x touches of the screen, log user id time and selection made, and open the drawer - reset.
I would consider a remote pi doing other things an ideal logging depository hosting mosquito mqtt broker it could handle any mqtt logs and save in a db, or file? (lots of examples and roadmaps for this)
But for the cash drawer 'brain' i would consider a esp32 or perhaps a new arduino??
imho the arduino ide and the soc's it supports is a superior framework for learning hands on about h/w modules.. but thats just my take.
buy an esp32 and an rf reader module or sd card module and see how you get on connecting up and using with its example sketch/program.. if that slots into place ok buy a small touchscreen and start playing with that too.
Statistics: Posted by Lbox1 — Mon May 05, 2025 7:50 am