Another entry in the Freetronics Instructables competition this week is an RFID-enabled vending machine by Instructables member jasit. They have modified a typical drink vending machine to allow for payment using predetermined RFID cards. The system can track the balance of each card, have different prices for each drink and also email the customer their card balance after every purchase.
Furthermore administration is easy, with the use of a "master" RFID card and the use of drink selection buttons for the interface - along with an LCD module, the person in charge can update card balances, make changes and even add a "free drink" mode.
This would be a great project for a hackerspace - or perhaps a neat way to dole out soft drink to children in a family. Either way, you can find all the details in the project Instructable page. And for more, we're on facebook, Google+, and twitter - so follow us for news and product updates as well.
If you're looking to learn about Arduino and RFID, or just how to get more from your Arduino or compatible board - you can't go past "Arduino Workshop - A Hands-On Introduction with 65 Projects” by John Boxall.
Arduino Workshop takes the reader from having zero knowledge about the Arduino platform, electronics and programming and leaves them with the know-how and instructions on everything from blinking an LED, to robotics, wireless data, cellular communications, motor control, sensors, Internet connected systems and more. For more information including a sample chapter and table of contents, visit the book page.
