How to Load a Configuration File on a Pyramid Platinum Bill Acceptor

Shawn M.
Pyramid Platinum PT1 bill acceptor

E & D Trading • Technical Resources

How to Load a Configuration File on a Pyramid Platinum Bill Acceptor

Platinum settings such as accepted bills, pulse settings, and communication mode come from a configuration file instead of DIP switches. Here is how to load one from a PC or a USB flash drive.

Pyramid Platinum PT1 bill acceptor with lighted bezel
Pyramid Platinum PT1 bill acceptor

Every Platinum ships without DIP switches. The way it talks to your machine (pulse, serial, RS-232, USB, or MDB, plus bill acceptance and pulse settings) is set by a configuration file. Pyramid builds these files for specific applications, and once a file is loaded the unit keeps the settings even with the power off. This walkthrough follows Pyramid's Bill Acceptors: Load a Configuration File article and the Platinum Installation & Operation Manual.

What you need

  • A configuration file made for your application. Platinum configuration files use the .plat extension. Save it to your Windows PC desktop or to a USB flash drive.
  • For the PC method: the free Platinum Acceptor Tools application and a USB Type-A to Type-B cable.
  • For the flash drive method: a flash drive formatted FAT or FAT32.
  • Power to the acceptor.
Where do I get the right file? Configuration files are application-specific. Tell us the game, kiosk, or vending machine the acceptor is going into and the bills you want to accept, and we can supply or confirm the correct file. Pyramid also lists common Skill Game Configurations on its support site.

Method 1: Load the configuration from a PC

  1. Power the Platinum and connect it to your PC with the USB cable (Type-A into the PC, Type-B into the back of the acceptor).
  2. Open Platinum Tools and confirm it shows the unit as connected.
  3. Open the File menu and select Load Config...
    Load Config option in the File menu of Pyramid Platinum Acceptor Tools
    Load Config is in the File menu of Platinum Acceptor Tools.
  4. Browse to the saved .plat configuration file and open it.
    Opening a saved .plat configuration file in Platinum Tools
    Opening the saved .plat configuration file.
  5. The configuration is applied automatically and the acceptor restarts. The update is complete.

Method 2: Load the configuration with a USB flash drive

  1. Copy the .plat configuration file to the flash drive.
  2. Make sure the file name contains the word active, in all lowercase letters. Example: skill-game-active.plat.
  3. Insert the drive into the USB flash drive port on the back of the Platinum. The unit detects the file and starts the update. The rear LED flashes blue rapidly, and the bezel flashes twice with a pause, while it loads the configuration.
  4. When it finishes, the unit restarts and begins running with the new configuration.
The word "active" is required and case-sensitive. If the file name does not include active in lowercase, the Platinum ignores the file and does not update. Active or ACTIVE will not work.

Drive holds both firmware and a configuration file?

Use the rear push button menu. Hold the button while inserting the drive, press it until the rear LED flashes blue (load the active configuration file), then hold it for 3 seconds to select. Green selects a firmware update, and purple exports diagnostic data.

Verify the new settings

After the restart, the rear LED should be solid green. Insert each bill you plan to accept and check that the machine credits the right amount. If credits are wrong or bills are refused, the configuration probably does not match the host machine. Recheck the file, or contact us with your machine make and model.

Updating firmware too?

Firmware (.ptix) and configuration (.plat) are separate files. To update the acceptor's software, follow our guide on how to update Pyramid Platinum firmware.

Shop Pyramid Platinum

E & D Trading carries the Pyramid Platinum in 12V DC, 120V AC, and MDB versions, with lockable 500-note cash boxes.

Shop the lineup: PT1-LB1-USA (12V DC), PT1-LB3-USA (120V AC), and PT1-LB4-USA (MDB 24V DC), or browse all Pyramid Platinum bill acceptors.

Images courtesy of Pyramid Technologies. Sources: Pyramid Technologies, Bill Acceptors: Load a Configuration File; Platinum Installation/Operation Manual, Rev. C; Platinum Configuration & Firmware quick start. For factory support, contact support@pyramidacceptors.com.