Applies to these control families: Midas, Centurion, ACA (including “Titanium” subset)
What you’re doing
You’re telling the washer/dryer to accept commands from a card/serial payment system. For some Alliance controls, that’s done with a menu setting; for others, it’s a small switch (DIP switch) or a jumper plug on the control board.
Before you start (important)
Turn power OFF to the machine before opening any panels.
If you’re not comfortable working inside the machine, ask a qualified technician to perform these steps.
If you are having trouble identifying whether your machine is ACA, Centurion, etc. - consult this guide
Note on Errors:
If the machine displays EC18 or EC19, the serial mode is correctly enabled. This means that the device is not communicating serially while the machine is expecting it.
If the device shows "Error_INIT_Machine" this means that the device is configured in serial mode but is not receiving communications back from the machine.
Method 1 — ACA controls (DIP switch method)
Compatibility (works for)
Alliance washers and dryers with ACA controls (washers + dryers)
ACA machines are also known as "Quantum Gold"
If your machine has a DIP switch bank on the machine control board, it is an ACA machine.
How to enable Serial/Card Mode (ACA)
Turn OFF power to the machine at the breaker/switch.
Open the machine control area to access the machine control board.
Locate the machine’s DIP switch bank (this is not the card reader’s DIP switches).
Flip DIP switch #3 to ON. Leave the other machine DIP switches as they are.
Power cycle the machine: leave power OFF for a few seconds, then turn it back ON.
It is sometimes helpful to power cycle a second time to ensure the device/machine are in sync in case you see an error on either one.
Method 2 — Centurion controls (jumper plug method)
Compatibility (works for)
Alliance Centurion (older) controls where serial/card mode is enabled by installing a jumper plug (commonly referenced at H6).
Washers only!
How to enable Serial/Card Mode (6-Pin Jumper / H6)
Turn OFF power to the machine.
Open the control area and find the H6 connection on the machine control assembly (it’s typically labeled).
Install the specified jumper plug onto H6 (a small plug that bridges pins on the header).
Restore power and power cycle the machine if needed (OFF ~30 seconds, then ON).
Notes (important): Penny devices communicate with Centurion washers serially, while use a coin pulse method for dryers. As such this jumper is only necessary for washers.
Method 3 — Titanium controls (menu settings: SErPAY + CArdEn)
Compatibility (works for)
Alliance Titanium controls
These are SpeedQueen small chassis (TLW/FLW) machines that use the new control style with white numbers on the display and capacitive touch buttons rather than the older green numbered display and physical buttons
Also known as "Quantum Gold Pro"
How to enable Serial/Card Mode (Titanium)
Enter the machine’s service/manual/program mode (access method can vary by exact model).
Select the Prog (programming) option, then set:
Serial Payment Configuration (SErPAY) = CArd
Card Enable (CArdEn) = On
Exit the menu / exit manual mode.
Power cycle the machine (OFF ~30 seconds, then ON).
If you don’t see SErPAY / CArdEn: Some machines assumed to be Titanium may actually be ACA; if you see machine DIP switches, use Method 1 instead.
Method 4 — Alliance Touch controls (touchscreen menu: enable Card Reader + Serial Payment System)
Compatibility (works for)
Alliance Washers and Dryers with touchscreen controls, also known as Quantum Touch (Speed Queen) and Galaxy Touch (Huebsch).
Ensure the bullet connector (on some machines) is disconnected to enter manual mode. Ensure the coin vault is fully installed and the lid/control access panel is open.
Once this is disconnected, use the "secret button" located in the middle of the top banner for about 5 seconds
How to enable Serial/Card Mode (Touchscreen)
Open the service door (and follow any on-machine requirements such as lid/vault conditions per your model).
Enter the System Menu: touch and hold the menu header area for ~3 seconds.
Go to Settings.
Go to Vend Settings.
Open Payment Options / Payment Settings and set:
Card Reader = Enabled
Serial Payment System = Enabled
(If shown) Coin = Disabled for card-only setups
Exit and choose Save and Exit (or save changes when prompted).
Power cycle the machine after saving.