Do you want to exercise your forearm muscles?

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I definately am not a professional tool reviewer but I know after I used this tool my forearm was unbelievably sore.  I had trouble lifting things and I now hate this ViperGrip 8 inch 2 in 1 self-adjusting and locking pliers (IDL Tools International 9050, Lowes).  But I love my Knipex wrenches:  they seem to be great quality and never slip.

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I really liked the idea of having pliers that lock and are normal but….  I used the tool for about 30 minutes straight and at the beginning it was working fine.  Then after awhile of using them as non-locking pliers, they started slipping.  (Second picture) The problem I think they have is the teeth are so small (unlike a viper) and have a tendency of slipping.  (Third picture) The next problem was the larger teeth for the object you are gripping on to.  These seemed to grip fine then slip and get brass flakes all over the place.  The third problem is the pain in my forearm.  I guess the pressure I used to make sure it would not slip was a real work out.  I can’t wait till tomorrow because my forearm is going to be really sore.  I also can’t wait to get my money back on this item.

Installation guide for BC-200 NEXGEN $5 Bill Upgrade (Kit 27050001)

Do you own a Rowe changer?  Have you updated to the new $5 bill yet?  If you haven’t then you are as bad as I am.  But, I got a couple NEXGEN $5 bill upgrades from Rowe International.  It came with some instructions and was pretty easy.  The hardest part was staying in the equipment room since it is really hot here in Alabama.

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1) Remove all the chips and the 3 stickers from the bag.  2) Turn the machine off then on again if it says “FAST PAY” then you need to find another HowTo somewhere else, this is only for the “DOUBLE DUMP”.  3) Turn the power off then remove the CCC from the machine.  4) Get the board out of the plastic housing.  (The third picture red arrow shows what you will be removing.)
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The (yellow arrow) shows the black piece that will be removed from the (red arrow) blue piece.  The second picture shows the new board on the left and the old board on the right.  5) (Last picture) Gently remove the Eprom chip for “FAST PAY”. I used a screwdriver and was very careful but……

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I kind of messed up the FP chip.  6) Now you need to install the “DDUMP V1.0” eprom.  This is actually the hardest part and I actually was careful with the pins being lined up correctly.  7) Next flip over the board and install the “DOUBLE DUMP” sticker.

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8 ) Now line up the piggy back board with the main ccc board like shown. Skip step nine!  9) Next get a hammer and tap the small board into the ccc board use some force so it will be a snug fit.  10) Put the plastic housing back on and Install the “65082522” sticker and you can see the DD sticker on the left side.

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11) Turn the unit on and watch all the updating on the ccc.  Then you should get the Night Rider Kit Car lights (the okay light).  12) Test and enjoy!  Everything worked great and it was actually very easy to do just skip step 9 unless you want to just purchase a new ccc.

Rowe International BA-50 bill acceptor repairs

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I received my ba-50 bill acceptors back from Rowe today and was very impressed how good they look.  If you own Rowe changers, I would recommend checking out other repair techs, which might be able to help with reliability issues.  While talking with Tom Kozlik from Rowe he explained that the key is to find a reliable repair tech.  He recommended DFW Changer Service in Dallas area 214-354-0664 or Baca Changer Service in Denver Co. 720-855-8351.  I got the new blue belts and I will keep you updated with how well they work.  I also receive some “NEXGEN” chips so that I can accept the new $5.  I really appreciate all the help that Tom gave me and I believe that maybe I will start liking my Rowe changers.  I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Love Looney Tunes?

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I like Looney Tunes as much as the next person but I don™t know if I would put “Looney Tunes” on my car.  The trunk says “Back Off”.  I imagine the Police would really like that.