The first time you power on an ArcadePay Controller, cellular provision takes 10–30 minutes. If you wait until you are already at the location, that window is dead time on the floor. Do the first connect at home, your shop, or your warehouse instead.
When you get to the stop, the controller is already online. Install is wiring and a pulse check — not waiting on the network.
Why the First Power-On Is Slow
ArcadePay Controllers use cellular. There is no WiFi setup. The slow part is the first time the controller provisions on the cellular network. That first-time provision takes 10–30 minutes.
After that first connection, future power-ons typically reconnect in about 15 seconds.
Do the slow part where you can wait. Not in a customer’s parking lot.
Do This Before You Leave for the Location
- Give the ArcadePay Controller power at home, the shop, or the warehouse. If you already have the machine there, connect the controller and power the machine on.
- Leave it powered for 10–30 minutes so first-time cellular provision can finish.
- Watch the lights: 1 blue light means the controller is powered on. Two solid red lights mean it is connecting to the cellular network. A blinking red light means it is connected.
- Open your dashboard at dashboard.streampay.dev, go to Machines, and confirm the controller shows Online.
- Scan the QR code. If the buy options appear, you are ready. Wait until that works before you apply QR stickers.
If the dashboard does not list it yet, keep waiting through the 10–30 minute window before you leave for the stop.
What Changes On-Site
At the location, power the machine off before you connect or disconnect wiring. Use the install method that matches the cabinet — Easy Coin Mechanism Connector, CandyMachines / Neofuns plug-and-play, or hardwire. Then power back on.
Because the first connection is already done, the controller should come back much faster — typically about 15 seconds. Finish with the usual checks: the QR loads the right machine and pricing, and a test play credits correctly.
If signal is weak at the location, move the antenna outside the cabinet.
The full install steps are in the ArcadePay Controller installation guide.
The Takeaway
First connect at home, shop, or warehouse. Wait 10–30 minutes. Confirm it is online. Then drive. On-site becomes install and test, not a cellular waiting room.
If the controller is still not online after that first 10–30 minutes, email ops@arcadepay.app with the machine name and what the lights are doing.
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