Syntax

ARDAC {/COM=x}{/IRQ=y}{/DEBUG}

    *      /COM=Com Port – Default is 4. Required if port is other than default.
    *      /IRQ=Interrupt – Default is 4 for Com1 and Com3; 3 for Com2 and Com4. Required if interrupt is other than default.
    *      /DEBUG – Replaces normal video output with display of port reads, writes, and other debugging information. Can also be used for troubleshooting.

Styling

A batch file is typically used to run the executable. This allows the Com port and IRQ to be changed without requiring EditPro. The batch file is run from a shell configured as illustrated.

[img:18j2aqqp]http://www.possupport.net/dealer/kbase/images/ardac1.jpg[/img:18j2aqqp]

Here is a typical instruction chain to execute the shell and provide basic error handling.

Index =9           

Shell To: CATARDAC 

IF Index<7         

Jump To ‘END’     

END IF             

IF Index=7          ;No response from bill acceptor

Window = CATCMERR 

Delay 4 seconds   

END IF             

IF Index=8          ;Bill acceptor won’t accept $

Window = CATNOXCP 

Delay 2 seconds   

END IF             

IF Index=9          ;Shell Error

Window = CATSHERR 

Delay 4 seconds   

END IF             

Close 1 window     

‘END’             

The executable maintains a window showing the status in the upper middle of the screen, therefore the current page should leave that area blank. The lower middle of the screen is used for a ‘Touch Screen to Edit Order’ button and should be left blank also.

[img:18j2aqqp]http://www.possupport.net/dealer/kbase/images/ardac2.jpg[/img:18j2aqqp]
 

When the shell terminates, the index variable will hold a value that is used to determine the reason for termination. If the terminating value is 7, a communication error window is displayed informing the user that a communications error has occured. This is caused by a hardware failure and will usually be either the port, the cable, or the bill acceptor.

[img:18j2aqqp]http://www.possupport.net/dealer/kbase/images/ardac4.jpg[/img:18j2aqqp]

If the value is 8, a warning window is displayed informing the user that the bill acceptor has reported an error, and it should be physically checked for determination of the problem.

[img:18j2aqqp]http://www.possupport.net/dealer/kbase/images/ardac3.jpg[/img:18j2aqqp]

If the terminating value is 9, a shell error window is displayed informing the user that an error has occured. This is caused by a styling or setup error, such as ARDAC.EXE not being installed on the system.

[img:18j2aqqp]http://www.possupport.net/dealer/kbase/images/ardac5.jpg[/img:18j2aqqp]

Variable Usage

The following variables are returned to Touchnet upon termination of the shell.

Amount – Holds the dollar value of the accepted bill.

Index – Holds the reason for termination.

    *      0 – Bill accepted.
    *      2 – Touch detected or no activity for one minute.
    *      7 – The bill acceptor is not communicating.
    *      8 – The bill acceptor has transmitted an error condition and needs to be checked.
    *      9 – Reserved for TouchPro use. Index can only be 9 if the shell failed to execute.

Bill Acceptor

The Ardac acceptor comes with a combination power/serial cable. An external power supply connects to a 4 pin molex connector, and the serial cable connects to a DB25 female. The bill holder is released by pressing on a release lever located on the side or top, depending on the model. A red and green light indicate it’s current state. If ready to accept bills, the green light will be off and the red light will flash about once a second, usually referred to as heartbeat speed. Other light combinations are as follows:

Red – Status

    * Heartbeat pulse – Normal standby mode
    * Fast pulse – Check stacker
    * Not Lit – Check power
    * Steady On – Acceptor logic board defective

Green – Credit Pulse

    * Off – Not in use. Normal standby mode
    * 2 flashes – Bill denomination inhibited
    * 3 flashes – Bill scan poor
    * 4 flashes – Bill path not clear
    * 5 flashes – Bill handling poor

Cables

If making cable without the RJ45 adapters used by Touch Menus, omit the middle section.

Liberty      Adapter        Ardac

DB9 Female  RJ45 Ribbon    DB25 Male
RXD 2 White  White 8        White 3 TXD
TXD 3 Red    Red 4          Red 2 RXD
GRD 5 Green  Green 5        Green 7 GRD
DTR 4  —
DSR 6  –| (Jumper these three pins)
CTS 8  —

 
Revisions

1/26/98 Ver 1.03

    1. The executable will now draw the ‘Touch Screen to Edit Your Order’ button, to eliminate problems with customers touching the screen early and thinking the button didn’t work.