Posts filed under 'Credit Card Equipment'
The Verifone Omni 3740 and 3750 are able to process over the internet using a dual comm or Ethernet module. This allows the terminal to process transactions extremely quickly, and allows businesses to utilize existing internet capabilities and to avoid tying up a dedicated phone line.
This post is a simple guide to setting up a network allowing a Omni to process through it. The Omni can process on a network with just about any other hardware on it as long as the network is setup correctly. While it is fairly simple to setup the network, it can be tricky to get the omni to work smoothly right from the start. The biggest cause of failure is the Omni having an outdated software version. Once the correct software version is installed on the Omni, and the downloads are complete (may take up to 7 separate downloads for the terminal to be configured correctly), it is normally as simple as plugging the Omni in.
Requirements:
IP Based Connection (Cable Internet, DSL, T1, T3, etc)
Internet Router or Switch
Appropriate Cat 5 / Cat 5E / Cat 6 cables
Verifone Omni with Dual Comm or Ethernet Module
A simple knowledge of computer networking is helpful in setting the Omni up to process over an IP connection. Also, most processors do not have the ability to program the Omni over an IP connection, so the Dual Comm module is necessary to setup the Omni. This way, the Omni is programmed over a standard phone line, and then switched to the IP connection once it is properly programmed.
If you have broadband internet, all you really need to hook up the Omni is a router with an open port, and an Ethernet cable to connect the Omni to the router with.
Depending on the specific network, the Omni can be configured to connect to the router using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) or with a static IP address. DHCP allows the router to assign an address to the Omni and can make setting up the entire network much easier. The IP address type and value are set in the Omni Communications Menu. This is something that should be set with the help of your processor’s tech support to avoid any problems.
As long as the Omni has the correct software versions and the downloads are completed successfully, processing over an IP connection is virtually a plug and go process. Outdated software versions, incomplete downloads and network misconfiguration can create a troubleshooting nightmare trying to get the Omni to process.
Another thing to keep in mind, is that back end processing networks still use analog technologies. An Ethernet connection is a digital connection. Your processor uses a 3rd party service to convert the digital omni transaction into an analog transaction on their end. Because of this, every omni has a unique signature and must be individually programmed with the processor and the 3rd party conversion service. While this setup is normally transparent, it can cause problems onthe back end, which your processor must clear up before the Omni can process.
Related Posts:
Convert an Omni 3740 or 3750 for Ethernet Processing
Tested routers for the Omni 3750 and other Verifone ethernet terminals
Related Information:
Setting up a simple computer network – solution 3 is recommended!
May 15th, 2006
This is probably the biggest news in many years relating to the credit card processing equipment industry. Verifone Holdings Inc. is set to acquire Lipman Electronic Engineering Ltd in a merger of 2 of the largest processing equipment manufacturers in the world.
Lipman is the 3rd largest processing equipment manufacturer in the World, while Verifone is the largest. Lipman manufacturers the popular Nurit line of processing terminals, and while Lipman is only the 3rd largest market holder in land-line processing equipment, they are the undisputed leader in wireless processing equipment having a 90%+ market share in wireless terminals. Verifone’s wireless terminals have been accepted in other countries but are very limited in their use in the US. This appears to be a very smart and well founded acquisition for Verifone.
Hypercom who is the 2nd largest equipment manufacturer in the world, will look dwarfed by the size and market share in every area of Verifone. Hypercom’s terminals are very easy to use, reliable and low cost, so they appear to be in little danger for the time being.
April 21st, 2006
I finally got around to programming another simple tool.
The lease cost calculator will show how much the total cost of leasing processing equipment will cost, and will also show you how much money you save by buying equipment outright. There are about 25 common terminals programmed into it, and the price for those terminals was obtained from the equipment that we sell or one of our competitors sell. This way, I know that the piece of equipment is readily available at the listed price.
Processing Equipment Lease Cost Calculator
April 18th, 2006
I have been searching around for several days now, and I cant seem to find a decent resource as to history pertaining to credit card acceptance and the bankcard business. The next few posts will be a series of history related articles.
Credit card terminals which have a place on the counter of millions of businesses have a very short history. This would most likely explain why the terminals that are most common today are using technology that is 20 years old. Much like the military, credit card terminals base their technology on reliability and security. While new technologies can offer great security, these technologies have not been time tested and are slow to make their way into payment processing.
- Manual Imprinters
Manual Imprinters have been around since the beginning of a wide acceptance of credit cards. They are still as widely used and are considered a great backup processing method when a businesses primary method is unavailable. Originally, merchants would imprint their customers cards and then mail their slips into their bank. This process was time consuming and did not offer the speed or instant transfer capabilities that are standard today. Using a manual imprinter now, merchants can call in transactions for instant approval. The transactions are now electronically deposited into a businesses bank account.
- Electronic Authorizations
- The first electronic credit card authorizations were done over the phone, and often took upward of 5 minutes. Merchants had the choice of imprinting their transactions or calling in for an authorization. Because of the long waiting time for authorizing a transaction over the phone, many businesses opted for voice authorization only on larger transactions.
- Point of Sale Terminals
- Point of sale terminals emerged in 1979, when Visa introduced a bulky electronic data capturing terminal. This was the first of credit card terminals as we know them today, and greatly reduced the time required to process a credit card. In the same year, MasterCharge became MasterCard and credit cards were replaced to include a magnetic information stripe.
1979 was a turning point in the credit card processing industry.
Verifone:
In 1981 a small electronics company started in Hawaii that we now know as Verifone. Verifone’s first contract was a 200 terminal order from Tymshare. In 1983 Verifone introduced the ZON terminal which was the first terminal that could be considered modern. The ZON series terminals set the standard for all credit card terminals, and are still being used by many merchants today. ZON terminals led the way for the Tranz series terminals and later the Omni series terminals from Verifone. To this day, Verifone has maintained their line of best selling terminals in the world. Verifone is the largest manufacturer of processing terminals in the world.
Hypercom:
Hypercom is the number 2 market leader in processing terminals, and since its change to payment processing technologies in 1982, has been the main global competitor of Verifone. Hypercom through the years has manufactured a long line of reliable processing terminals, both in printer and printer-less form. The Hypercom T7P has been on of the best selling terminals in history, and the newer Hypercom T7 Plus, is a steady competitor to any comparable terminal. Hypercom also manufacturers the ICE series terminals which are highly advanced and made to handle large customer processing applications, which are being replaced by the Optimum series terminals. Hypercom’s Optimum T4100 is already competing as a worthy high-end terminal.
Lipman:
In 1994 Lipman Electronic Engineering, Ltd. was established in Israel. Lipman quickly grew, and now has offices and distributors in nearly every country in the world. Lipman is the manufacturer of the Nurit line of processing terminals. Because of Verifone’s already firm place in the payment processing industry when Lipman was established, Lipman targeted an untapped niche in the processing industry. While, Lipman holds about a 10% share in wired credit card terminals, they are the undisputed leader with more than 95% share in wireless processing terminals. Lipman has produced a variety of terminals since its creation, starting with the Nurit 2070. The most current models are the Nurit 8100 and the Nurit 8000. Of all processing equipment manufacturers, Lipman is the quickest to adapt new technologies into their processing equipment. Although Lipman is know widely for their wireless terminals, their land-line terminals also are some of the most popular and reliable terminals available. The Nurit 2085 is one of the widely used terminals in the US, and offers exceptional ease of use and reliability.
- Other Equipment Manufacturers:
- Verifone, Hypercom, and Lipman are the big three equipment manufacturers, but there are other important companies that manufacturer processing equipment. Thales, Ingenico, Schlumberger, and Linkpoint are a few of the larger companies. Apriva, Comstar, and eProcessingNetwork are a few of the smaller companies that specialize in wireless technologies.
The Future:
- Credit card processing technology has a lot of room for advancement. Increasing processing speed, reliability and security are driving forces behind processing technology advancement. While IP and WiFi based processing are just emerging, contact-less payments, biotechnology, and smart cards are just around the corner. The processing industry has a lot to look forward to, and will definitely be adapting new technologies in the near future.
References:
Visa History
MasterCard History
Verifone Time-line
Hypercom History
Lipman History
April 12th, 2006
Wireless credit card machines hold the future of credit card processing. Wireless credit card machines offer businesses the ability to process credit and debit card at virtually any location. There are several common pitfalls not found with traditional credit card terminals that a potential buyer can fall into if not careful when looking to purchase a wireless credit card terminal. Over priced equipment, wireless coverage availability, and outdated equipment top the list for the most common problems found when purchasing a wireless credit card machine.
Common Pitfalls
Pitfall – 1, Over Priced Equipment
The most common wireless terminals in use in the US are the Nurit 3010, the Nurit 8000, and the Nurit 8000 GPRS. The manufacturer Lipman, only makes 1 version of each terminal. The price for any of these terminals should fall into the $700 – $900 range for a new terminal. Anything higher and you are being ripped off. No matter what your provider tells you, this is how much you can buy these terminals for. There are no other versions of these terminals, so don’t be talked into an overpriced terminal.
Pitfall – 2, Outdated Equipment, Outdated Networks
It is often very easy to find a ‘very low’ priced wireless credit card terminal on ebay or at other marketplaces. Many of these terminals use outdated processing networks, and what was a wireless terminal, will no longer work for wireless processing. Many Nurit 3010, and Nurit 2090 wireless terminals use a network called the CDPD network. This wireless network is all but abandoned for credit card processing and you will not be able to use this terminal for wireless processing.
Make absolutely sure that the wireless terminal that you are buying is not one made for the CDPD network. If the seller does not know, or will not disclose what network the terminal is programmed for, then do not buy the terminal. In general, if the offer just sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Also, many merchants that are selling their used terminals may have no idea what network the terminal operates on. Whatever the case, you need to make sure the terminal is not programmed for the CDPD network.
Pitfall – 3, Wireless Processing, Wireless Service Coverage
The ability of being able to process anywhere at any time is a great asset for many mobile businesses. But, don’t confuse the coverage area that your cellular phone gets with what is available for wireless processing. Wireless credit card terminals currently operate on three wireless networks; the Motient, Mobitex, and GPRS Edge networks. All three of these networks are considered business class networks that have much better data, speed, and security than traditional cellular networks. Wireless processing networks also have much lower cellular coverage availability than cellular phone networks.
Wireless Networks Overview
GPRS vs. Motient and Mobitex
Wireless networks are by nature a confusing topic. The Motient and Mobitex networks are different networks but wireless terminals generally use both, so I group them together. GPRS on the other hand is a completely different technology operating on different towers.
GPRS offers the best signal and widest coverage of any network available. Motient and Mobitex have good coverage in urban areas, but several states have no Motient or Mobitex coverage at all. GPRS has at the very least, some coverage in every state. In general you want to purchase a GPRS enabled terminal. The Nurit 8000 GPRS is currently the only certified terminal that operates in the GPRS network. The Nurit 8000 GPRS also uses the Motient and Mobitex networks, so there is no reason to buy an older outdated terminal. Lipman, the manufacturer of the Nurit 8000, has discontinued all other wireless terminals in favor of the Nurit 8000 GPRS. The Nurit 8000 GPRS is also referred to as the Nurit 8000S.
Mobitex / Motient Coverage:
GPRS Edge Coverage (Dark Blue):
It is important to ensure that there is sufficient coverage in the areas that you intend on using your wireless terminal, otherwise an expensive wireless terminal is a waste of money. You also have the ability to plug your terminal into a standard phone line if wireless coverage is not available.
The Apriva Coverage Search will allow you to search for coverage based on ZIP codes. The GPRS Edge, Motient, and Mobitex (Velocita Wireless) networks are searchable on the Apriva website.
General Features
Wireless credit card terminals are almost identical to land line terminals except they operate on cellular networks, and use a battery instead of a power cord.
Parts of a Credit Card Machine
Wireless Only Features
Store and forward is a feature that will store a credit card transaction when wireless coverage is not available. You can later process the transaction when you connect the terminal to a phone line or wireless coverage becomes available. With store and forward a business takes the risk of having a credit card decline after the sale has been made. When using store and forward no electronic authorization is ever made, so it is possible for card to decline when the transactions are actually processed. Also, a merchant needs to batch within 24 hours of accepting a credit card using store and forward, or the transactions may downgrade. Wireless terminals can be, but are not always programmed with the store and forward application. Your service provider will need to setup a store and forward application for your terminal.
There are also a variety of accessories for wireless terminals that are useful for some but normally not needed. These include docking stations, extra batteries, and high gain antennas.
Summing it up
Before you purchase a wireless terminal, make sure you are buying a terminal that is still able to process wireless. Make sure there is sufficient GPRS Edge, Motient, or Mobitex coverage in the area that you intend on processing at unless you have access to a phone line. And, make sure you are aware of any fees that will be incurred from your service provider for processing with a wireless terminal. Following these tips will help you avoid any unsuspecting problems when your business needs a wireless credit card terminal.
April 10th, 2006
Merchant Account Agents:
A merchant account agent program is a referral partnership between a merchant service providing company and another company or individual. The merchant service provider pays the referring company a fee for each business that is referred for a merchant account. The payment can be a residual split or can be an account buyout program. Merchant account agents with existing, well founded, business relationships can create substantial revenue with minimal effort being an agent. Accountants, Consultants, Financial Services, Web Services and many other business types can greatly benefit from a merchant account agent program, as many of their customers are looking for merchant services already.
Two options for agents referring businesses
When an agent enters into a contract with a merchant service provider, they agree upon the payout method. A residual split option is by far the most common agreement. A residual split means that the provider and the referrer split revenue collected from the processing of transactions by the referred business. The split can be anything, as negotiated between the referrer and the provider, but a 50/50 split is the most common. It is common for an upfront cash bonus in addition to the split, for many providers. Residual payments normally last as long as the referred business is processing, so they can provide a great lifetime value for businesses looking to form long term relationships.
Upfront buyout programs are also available but much less common than residual splitting programs. An upfront buyout is a lump sum that the referrer receives for referring a business. Since their is no residual payments like the residual split program, upfront programs are better for businesses looking to get paid upfront and not ever have to worry about that business again.
The company you refer to is a reflection of yourself
When you refer a business for a merchant account, you want to ensure that they will be taken care of and treated in a way that reflects positively on your own business. Very often, merchant account agents refer their existing contacts to their partnered merchant service provider. To avoid potential repercussions from referring to a company that provides a poor experience, you need to make absolutely sure that you are referring to an honest company. Check BBB reports, and look for consumer complaints about the company that you are looking to form a partnership with. Also, make sure the company you are referring to has been in business for several years. New businesses come and go, so you should make sure that the company has a solid foundation, and positive reviews from customers.
Another often overlooked aspect of referring to a merchant service provider, is what type of businesses the provider accepts. Many providers are restricted in the types of businesses they can accept. A good provider is registered to several processing banks and can normally provide services to all but a few select rare business types.
Customer service is a huge factor in determining who to refer to. Your customers need great service and support, and you need support when you require it. Only partner with a company that gives you a direct contact that can help you and answer any questions that you have. You are a person and not a number, and your partnered merchant service provider should feel the same way.
Lastly, equipment pricing should be a major concern for you and your customers. Equipment can be very reasonably priced, but due to huge markups, often costs businesses and agents 3 or 4 times what it is actually worth. Try to find a company that will provide you with wholesale, or near wholesale pricing on equipment. Be vary cautious of free credit card terminal agent programs. From what I have investigated, they often come with many strings attached.
Not all agent programs are equal
With every industry there are good companies and there are less good companies. Becoming an agent for a merchant service provider requires a trust and commitment on your part, and you need to be sure that the company you are working with is the best match for you. Many providers with agent programs have huge payout or residual claims, but when payday comes around, their promises fall far short.
With any offer, if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. Also, make sure to read the fine print. I have seen free terminal programs for agents, but after reading the contract, I found that the terminal is free to the customer, but the cost is deducted from the agent’s residuals. I have also seen upfront buyout programs that guarantee $1000 or more per merchant account, but if the business what not active for two years, the agent had to pay back the full amount of the referral fee. The point is, make sure you know what you are getting into, and who you are getting into it with, before you ever sign the contract.
Merchant Account Agent Program Question Checklist
I made up a short series of questions that you should absolutely know and be comfortable with before entering in a partnership with a merchant service provider.
Questions for them:
- How long has the merchant service provider been in business?
- What processing banks / processors is the company registered to?
- What types of businesses does the company provide to and do they accept startup internet or MOTO (Mail Order Telephone Order) businesses?
- What residual split and buyout option are available?
- How often are residuals paid, and are they lifetime?
- What are the prices and customers prices on processing equipment?
- Does the company deploy the equipment themselves?
- What payment gateway options are available for internet merchants?
- What support do I have and what support do my customers have?
- How competitive and what are the rates that are being offered?
- What are all of the extra fees with each merchant account (SETUP, APPLICATION, MONTHLY, YEARLY, TERMINATION, ANY OTHER MISCELLANEOUS FEE)
Questions for you:
- Do you have an actual person you can contact, phone, email, etc.?
- Is the processing equipment at or near wholesale?
- Does the company support all types of businesses, including startups?
- Do you understand all of the fees that they have for each business type?
- Do you understand your contract and your referral’s contracts?
- Most Importantly: Would you be comfortable using this company for your own business?
If you are interested in learning more about being a merchant account agent or would like info on the program that my company offers, please check out The Merchant Store’s Merchant Account Agent and Referral Program.
March 2nd, 2006
The Verifone Omni 3740 and 3750 credit card terminals are compatible with an Ethernet processing module, which will enable them to process over an IP based connection. The Ethernet module is available in an Ethernet only, and a dual comm version, which includes a phone connection and the Ethernet connection. I highly recommend the dual comm version of the module over the Ethernet only module.
The Ethernet processing module is a small electronic adapter that replaces the land-line module that comes standard with Omni credit card machines.
This is a simple instruction on how to convert your Omni to the Ethernet compatible version.
What you will need:
Compatible IP enabled processing service
Small Philip’s Screw Driver
Omni 3740 or 3750
Omni Ethernet or Dual Comm Module
An IP based connection for processing (broadband internet, VOIP, LAN, etc.)
First make sure the terminal is completely unplugged, and make sure you do not have any transactions on the terminal. If you have transactions that are not batched sitting on your terminal, you will probably lose them. Make sure you are batched out.
- The processing module in your machine is located on the bottom rear of the terminal. It is held in place by a single screw which can be removed by a small Philip’s screwdriver.
- Once the screw is removed, the module can be slid backwards and removed from the terminal. Be careful not to touch the medal contacts, as this may damage the module.
- Once the old module is removed, the new Ethernet or dual comm module can be inserted into the terminal, exactly as the old module was removed. Carefully push the new module into the terminal. Again, make sure you do not touch the metal contacts to avoid damaging the module.
- Once the new module is fully inserted into the terminal, replace the screw that was removed in step 1.
- Your terminal will now need to be re-programmed in order to operate. You will need to call your provider and they can normally do this over the phone. Hopefully everything will work smoothly the first time and you should now be able to process over an IP based connection.
Disclaimer: This guide was written as I swapped out a module in an Omni 3750, so it is accurate to the best of my writing ability. Regardless of that fact, this guide is meant as a reference only. I make no guarantee of the accuracy of this guide, and I am not responsible in any way for anyone messing up their terminal as a result of following this. Credit card terminals are complex and expensive equipment, so if you are unsure of your own ability to perform the swap, I suggest you get help from a qualified individual or your processing company.
February 28th, 2006
Broadband internet is now the standard for most businesses and homes. Naturally with the increased speed and usability, phone line technologies are migrating to broadband. Credit card processing, which is build around the conventional phone networks, is also making the move to broadband.
All popular terminal manufacturers are moving toward broadband technologies, and each manufacturer is making broadband capable terminals. Processing banks have been slow to pick up the new technology that operates completely differently from phone based equipment. The Verifone Omni 3740 and the Omni 3750 are the two terminals with the best support for broadband processing.
Each of these terminals is available in both phone and Ethernet capable models. There is also a dual communication module that allows the use of both standard phone lines and IP based broadband connections.
How does broadband processing work?
Unlike a phone line, a broadband or IP based connection is always on. A credit card terminal is connected securely to a processing server similar to the way a computer web browser connects to a website. This server connection allows the credit card terminal to communicate with the processing server in order to process transactions. The whole process is done very rapidly and eliminates the need to dial out on a phone line, because the terminal is always connected.
Why is broadband processing better?
The main benefit of a broadband processing terminal is the increased speed and security in processing. A broadband capable terminal will also free up an extra phone line, and since most businesses already have a broadband internet connection, minimal hardware is needed to connect the terminal to the internet.
The Drawbacks:
Currently, not all processing banks support IP based processing. There is a lot of extra equipment that is needed to support broadband processing, and the extra cost has made for a slow transition. It can also be difficult to initially configure. All broadband connections are different because of the hardware configurations used to setup a network, so there can be compatibility problems when setting up a terminal for broadband processing.
What is needed to process over a broadband connection:
The first thing needed would be a broadband capable terminal. Next, a broadband internet service, DSL, Cable, Satellite, or other broadband internet connection is needed for access to the internet. Lastly a free space on a router or directly through a broadband modem to connect the terminal to.
Once configured, IP based processing is faster, cheaper, and more convenient than processing through a standard phone line. If you have an existing Omni 3740 or 3750 you can buy a dual comm module and setup an IP processing service for it. The module will cost you about $100.
Related Posts:
Convert an Omni 3740 or 3750 for Ethernet Processing
February 15th, 2006
Wireless credit card processing through a WiFi connection is becoming available for businesses in the US. WiFi is simply a standard of connecting devices together to create a wireless network. WiFi delivers broadband speed and function but eliminates wired connections from the system. WiFi promises to deliver the same function, that has made it so popular with computer networking, to credit card processing.
Credit card processing is slowly moving out of the telephone age and into the WiFi age. Several credit card terminals are already WiFi capable or WiFi ready. A WiFi terminal will operate over a wireless broadband connection and offer a convenience never previously seen in credit card processing. Upscale restaurants, shops, and many mobile businesses are already looking into the benefits of WiFi processing…
So far, Verifone is leading the WiFi processing front. While Lipman controls the market for wireless cellular processing with the Nurit 3010, the Nurit 8000, and the Nurit 8000 GPRS, Verifone is actively pursuing WiFi processing. So far, Verifone has designed a WiFi module for the popular Omni 3740, and 3750 and the new Verifone VX 610 is factory available in a WiFi ready version.
What WiFi will do for businesses and who wants WiFi:
Because of the price and networking knowledge requirements that comes with WiFi, it may not be the best solution for all businesses, but for some it is a perfect match. Wireless internet is quickly becoming the standard in many homes and businesses and many businesses who already use wireless networking can easily integrate their credit card processing into it.
The greatest benefits of WiFi terminals are the reduction of cables required for a standard credit card terminal and the convenience of not being tied to any particular location within an establishment. The Verifone VX 610 can also run from a battery, eliminating cords all together. As long as the terminal is within range of the wireless network, transactions can be processed on it. A terminal can be brought to a table, or handed to a customer. A WiFi terminal offers the most possibilities and convenience for virtually any situation. Because there are no additional wireless fees as seen with wireless cellular terminals, WiFi terminals are a much better mobile option for retail type businesses.
What is needed for a WiFi Processing:
The basic components needed for WiFi processing are the same as for setting up a wireless local area network.
- Wireless Modem
- Wireless Router
- Wireless PC Cards (Not required, but you can connect your computer as well as your terminal to the internet
- A WiFi credit card terminal
The wireless modem will connect you to the internet either through a cable or DSL type broadband connection. You will need to get setup with a broadband internet connection with an internet service provider, cable, or phone company.
If you are connecting to an existing internet accessible LAN (local Area Network), then the modem is not needed.
A wireless router will allow your terminal to connect to the internet in addition to any other wireless devices or computers.
Wireless PC cards will allow a computer to connect to the wireless router. Wireless PC cards are available for desktops and laptops, either internal or USB type. Many newer computers include a wireless PC card from the manufacturer.
Then, your wireless terminal will connect to your router and you can process over the wireless connection.
Your processing range is only limited by the range of your wireless router and whether you terminal has a battery or not. The possibilities are endless. Your customers pay from virtually anywhere in your establishment. The entire transaction takes place in real time on the terminal itself.
Coffee bars can accept payment when they bring customers their coffee. Customers at a shoe store don’t have to stand back up after trying on shoes until they leave. Restaurant patrons can pay at the table and see the transaction process without their card ever leaving sight. The customer service impressions that you can make are virtually unlimited.
Things to think about:
Not all processors support IP based processing so check with your processor before going out and buying a new terminal. The cost of a WiFi terminal is slightly more than a standard land-line terminal. Expect to pay between $450 and $1000 for a new Verifone WiFi terminal. The 2 that are becoming available are the Verifone VX 610 WiFi and the Verifone Omni 3750 with the WiFi processing module.
February 13th, 2006
- Printer – Prints transaction and batch receipts. Can be thermal, impact, or ink.
- Printer Paper – Specifically made for the type of printer the credit card machine is using. Heat is used to produce the receipt image on thermal paper. Impact paper uses carbon to create the receipt image. An ink printer uses ink ribbons or cartridges like a computer.
- Display – Shows user information about the transaction or function they are currently operating.
- Keypad – Allows manual keying of transaction, and aids in completing some functions.
- Soft Keys – Programmed keys to perform specific functions including programming, batching, returning, voiding, etc.
- Magnetic Card Reader – Magnetically captures information contained on the credit card. Type 1, 2, and 3 card readers are available, and each reads a different portion of the magnetic strip.
- Smart Card Reader – Some terminals allow a business to process smart card embedded credit cards in replacement of the magnetic strip.
- Ports – RS232 and other peripheral ports allow printers, pinpads, smart card readers and other peripherals to be attached.
- Power Plug – Provides power to the terminal via an AC adapter. Some terminals are able to operate from battery power.
- Phone Jack – Connects the terminal to a phone line, allowing the terminal to dial the processing network and process a transaction.
* Different terminals have different configurations and parts, this guide is meant only to diagram the basic parts of most credit card machines. Check the description of a particular machine for the specifics of that machine.
February 8th, 2006
