Vending Machine Protocols | Nayax Core

Your vending machine and your Nayax device need to speak the same language. That language is called a protocol. Nayax supports three main protocols MDB, Pulse, and Marshall each designed for different machine types.

General

Devices & Connectivity  Machine Protocols

Vending Machine Protocols | Nayax Core

Your vending machine and your Nayax device need to speak the same language - that language is called a protocol. Nayax supports three main protocols: MDB, Pulse, and Marshall, each designed for different machine types. Choosing the right protocol is one of the most important steps in setting up your machines.

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Pick the right protocol before you configure anything else.

MDB for standard vending machines · Pulse for coin-operated machines · Marshall for advanced kiosks and multi-service setups.

Which Protocol Do I Need?

Use this table to identify the right protocol for your machine type, then jump to the relevant section below.

Quick Reference
  • MDBStandard vending machines - snacks, drinks, coffee.
  • PulseCoin-operated machines - laundry, car wash, rides, amusements.
  • MarshallAdvanced kiosks and multi-service machines requiring pre-authorisation.
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Not sure which protocol your machine uses? Check your machine's technical documentation or contact the manufacturer. Configuring the wrong protocol will prevent the Nayax device from communicating with your machine.

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MDB Protocol

Multi-Drop Bus - standard vending machines worldwide

MDB (Multi-Drop Bus) is the global standard for vending machines. If your machine has a VMC (Vending Machine Controller) - which most snack, drink, and coffee machines do - you will use MDB. The VMC acts as the "master" and the Nayax device acts as the "slave," exchanging commands to handle payments and product delivery.

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Typical MDB machines: snack vending machines, cold drink machines, hot beverage machines, combo machines, and most retail vending units.
Overview
Overview of Machine Product Map, MDB Codes and PA Codes | OperationsUnderstand what product maps, MDB codes, and PA codes do, and what breaks when either is wrong.

Pulse Protocol

Coin-operated machines - laundry, car wash, amusements

Pulse uses simple electrical signals to communicate. It is designed for machines that use a coin mechanism instead of a VMC, such as laundromats, car washes, kiddie rides, photo booths, and amusement machines. Pulse has several modes depending on how your machine charges customers.

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Pulse modes available: Single Price · Multi Price · Pay-as-You-Go · Linear. Select the mode that matches how your machine bills customers.
Getting Started
🥁 Getting Started | Pulse Machine ProtocolsStart here - full overview of Pulse types, pricing modes, and key differences between Count-Up and Count-In.
Installation
⚙️ Pulse Hardware | InstallationComplete installation guide - wiring, device mounting, and cable connections for Pulse machines.
Guide
📊 Understanding Nayax Pulse Modes: A Complete GuideDetailed breakdown of all Pulse modes - Single Price, Multi Price, Pay-as-You-Go, and Linear.
Nayax Core
🪄 How to Configure Pulse Wizard Feature for a POS Device | Nayax CoreUse Pulse Wizard to configure pricing and settings from Nayax Core with a self-service interface.
Configuration
✔️  Understanding Attributes and Configurations | PulseKey attributes and configuration settings for Pulse machines in Nayax Core.

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Marshall Protocol

Advanced kiosks, multi-service machines, and pre-authorisation

Marshall is a serial protocol for machines that need advanced payment features - such as kiosks, multi-service car washes, or any machine requiring pre-authorisation. Marshall supports four session types to match different transaction flows.

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Marshall session types: Single Session · Multi-Session with Pre-Selection · Pre-Authorisation · Always Idle. Choose the session type that matches your machine's payment flow.
Guide
All about Marshall Protocols and ConfigurationsComplete overview of Marshall session types - Single Session, Pre-Authorisation, Always Idle, and Multi-Session with Pre-Selection.

Troubleshooting

FAQ

FAQ

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