Possible causes and fixes for cards sorting to incorrect bins
There are two categories for card sorting errors. Strap in, this one is a bit long.
The first thing to determine is whether this is a software or a mechanical problem. The most obvious indicator is if the card counts in the bins match the counts in the PhyzBatch interface. If they do, it's likely a software problem; if they don't, it's likely mechanical. The second method is to watch the cards as they feed through the conveyor. It should be possible to spot if the bin flapper is moving or the timing is off, which indicates a mechanical problem.
Mechanical Sorting Issues
Software Sorting Issues
- Bin order takes precedence over other sort options
- Cards incorrectly identified
- Sets and Foils
- Card Database Updates
Conveyor Control Plug is Backwards
If the conveyor control plug is installed upside down (ex., after a scanner swap), it will send signals to the wrong flapper. This can be identified by having a card designated for Bin 13 going to Bin 2, or a card designated for Bin 6 going to Bin 9.
To fix this, the cable must be unplugged and plugged in correctly.
Tools Needed
- none
- Remove the thumbscrew from underneath the rear of the conveyor cover, on the left side while facing the rear of the machine.
- Slide the conveyor cover partially off of the machine. There is no need to remove it fully.
- Check the grey plug, which comes out from the scanner unit to the conveyor. The colored marking on the cable should be on the top.
- If the colored wire is on the bottom, unplug and plug in the cable in the correct orientation.
- Push the cover back on and screw in the thumbscrew removed earlier.
Bin Order
If your PhyzBatch is mechanically sound but cards are being sorted to the wrong bin, bin order precedence may be the cause. This is not a bug, but rather a function of the software.
A card will sort into the first bin it matches the criteria for, with lower bin numbers having priority. The exception to this is Unidentified or Overflow, which will always be last in priority.
For example, if we have the following bin configuration, the card will go in the "Value: Less than or Equal to $2.00" bin. The "Color: Black" bin will not be evaluated, because it is later in the sequence.
It is best practice to assign higher-priority criteria (such as high-value cards, foils, etc.) to lower-numbered bins. Bin 1 is usually assigned to Unidentified due to its smaller size.
Cards Incorrectly Sorted or Unidentified
If none of the above issues apply, there are a few more possibilities.
Misidentification
While the PhyzBatch has a 99%+ accuracy rate overall (some exceptions, see below), it can occasionally misidentify the cards. To rectify this, use the Quick Correct feature to swiftly change the misidentified cards to the proper choice and/or bin number. Corrected cards will also be used to improve the PhyzBatch's detection algorithms, so accuracy will increase over time.
Some additional notes on accuracy:
- The PhyzBatch will not currently detect (but you can change them in Quick Correct):
- Magic: The Gathering: Serialized, The List, Signed, World Tour
- Pokémon: McDonald's, World Championship, Trainer Kits, Play! Series, Burger King, BOOster Box, Holiday Calendar, Gym Series 1
- One Piece: The Best
Detection for these sets and variants will be added in a future update.
- Pokémon currently uses only the artwork for detection. Foils can cause refraction on the cards, which results in a mismatch with the expected image. It's expected that Pokémon foils will have a lower identification rate. This will be addressed in a Q4 2025 patch.
Card Database Updates
Your PhyzBatch-9000 stores an internal database of cards it scans. Your machine will refresh its database during the nightly update for maximum accuracy. If there is a new or changed card, or the internal database has become corrupted, the update should fix the errors.
Updates take place at 12:00AM MST/MDT every day, or whenever you have them scheduled in your settings.
A manual update can be triggered by clicking on your user icon in the top right and selecting Updates.
The error "Missing <TCG> Card ID <#>", which can appear during sorting, indicates that your PhyzBatch's internal database is incomplete, and you should run an update. If this error persists after updating, contact Support.
None of the above applies? Please take note of the cards you are having issues with and email support@tcgmachines.com, contact us through Discord, or create a Support Ticket in your account for further assistance.