a hand held , unitary assembly , data collection device for an off - line vending machine such as a parking meter , which is operable by smart integrated circuit chip cards . the vending machine has a chip card reader , and which stores data as to the sale of goods / services from the machine . the device has a first portion which mechanically and electrically fits the vending machine reader ; and a second portion with an opening to receive a pcmcia card . data is retrieved and transferred to the pcmcia card . the first and second portions are rigidly joined to one another forming a unitary assembly , and the second portion securely holds the pcmcia card , and is also a handle for gripping the device .