Hardware
The TapVend board
A small MDB payment board that adds cashless payments to the vending machines you already own. Plug it in, pair it, and start selling.
- ESP32-S3 with Bluetooth Low Energy
- Pre-flashed with TapVend firmware, fully assembled and tested
- Connects to the standard MDB cashless port
- Powered by the MDB bus, no separate power supply
- MDB bus ESD protection
- Over-the-air firmware updates via BLE
- Unique BLE name sticker for pairing
Install it in about 15 minutes
- 1
Power off and open the machine
Open the coin door and find the 6-pin MDB cashless port near the control board or coin mechanism.
- 2
Plug in the board
Connect the TapVend board to the MDB port with an MDB cable and secure it inside the machine.
- 3
Power on and enable cashless
The machine detects the board on startup. If needed, enable the cashless device in the operator menu.
- 4
Pair it in your dashboard
Add the board in the TapVend dashboard using the BLE name on its sticker. You’re ready to take payments.
Why a board instead of a card reader?
Front-mounted card readers from Nayax and Cantaloupe cost $289–$399 each and come with a monthly fee for every device. The TapVend board sits inside the machine, where there's nothing to vandalize, and costs $69.99 once.
The trade-off is that customers pay through the TapVend app instead of tapping a physical card, which works best at locations with repeat customers. See how it compares →
Hardware questions
Which vending machines does the TapVend board work with?+
Any vending machine with an MDB cashless port, which covers most machines built since the mid-1990s, including Crane, AMS, Dixie Narco, Royal Vendors, and most major VMC brands.
Do I need a technician to install it?+
No. Installation takes about 15 minutes per machine with no electrical work. The board draws power from the MDB bus.
Is there a monthly hardware fee or lease?+
No. The board is a one-time $69.99 purchase and you own it. Your TapVend subscription is a flat monthly price for your account, not per machine.
Does the board need cellular service or Wi-Fi?+
No. Customers connect to the board over Bluetooth from the TapVend app on their phone, so there is no cellular plan to pay for.
How do firmware updates work?+
Firmware updates are delivered over the air via Bluetooth, so you don’t need to open the machine to update the board.