Installation manual

FuelMaster
®
Installation Manual
46
• Through analog phone lines: download through phone lines will require access to an analog,
data-grade, USA telephone line. A telephone line in use by a fax machine may be shared for this
purpose.
Previous versions of this install manual specified a voice-grade analog telephone line. When it
became necessary to troubleshoot telephone line problems, the line was tested for its ability to
transmit voice signals. A phone line may transmit voice communications when it is not capable of
transmitting data. The requirement was changed from a voice-grade to data-grade to ensure effective
data transmission.
Automatic call processors are available for automatic sharing of a phone line with multiple devices
without manually switching cables or switches. Automatic call processors may be installed to operate
as receivers or transmitters. In addition to the capability to split an incoming phone line to multiple
devices, they can also receive inputs from multiple master FMUs to send signals through a single
phone line (i.e., a retail operation with multiple FMUs but one phone line can use an automatic call
processor to request credit card authorization through a single analog phone line). Automatic call
processors are available from a number of sources. A reliable call processor used by Syn-Tech
Systems is The Stick made by Multi-Link, Inc. Retail price is approximately $95.
•
Through a two-way ringdown device: this communication method is very similar to
standard phone line communications except for the addition of the two-way ringdown device to
simulate a phone line. An active analog phone line is not required. A two conductor communications
cable is routed from the phone jack in the Central Controller modem to either of the phone jacks in
the two-way ringdown device. The other phone jack in the two-way ringdown device accepts an
incoming communications cable from the master FMU. Once connected, the Central Controller
communicates with the master FMU to upload or download information, as needed. Syn-Tech
Systems uses a DLE-200B two-way ringdown device made by Viking Electronics. Retail price is
approximately $135.
Since it does not use an active analog phone line, installation of a two-way ringdown device may
preclude support from Syn-Tech’s Customer Satisfaction Center if the device is not positioned close
to an analog phone jack. Typically the two-way ringdown device is positioned close to the analog
phone jack used by the fax machine. When it is desired to attain support from Syn-Tech’s Customer
Satisfaction Center, the communications line from the two-way ringdown device to the FMU is
disconnected from the two-way ringdown device and plugged into the analog phone jack. The line
may be returned to its normal position after the assistance from the Customer Satisfaction Center is
no longer needed.
•
Through a phone line extender: download through a phone line extender is another option. A
phone line extender transmits a wireless phone signal up to 14 miles to a line-of-sight receiver. Phone
line extenders are not a FuelMaster® product and must be purchased by the customer. The
Trailblazer phone line extender from Carlson Wireless has proven to be a reliable phone line
extender. At the time of this writing, the Teletics Zipline phone line extender was in test and proving to
be another option.
•
Through a cell modem: a kit is available to adapt a cell modem to a master FMU. The cell
modem must be purchased by the customer. Different locations may have different preferred
providers. Though not very reliable in its earliest form, this interface is a high priority with Syn-Tech
Engineering. A reliable cell modem interface is expected to be available in the near future.
Network Communications
Download by network may be through a Cat 5 (or equivalent) cable, a fiber optic cable, or wireless. All
options require the FMU to be equipped with the optional network interface card. The network interface
card supports 10/100 Ethernet communications. Any speeds greater than 100 Mbps must be stepped
down to be compatible. When the network interface card option is purchased, a modem card is provided
as part of the package. If a network firewall cannot be taken down to acquire support from Syn-Tech’s
Customer Satisfaction Center, an analog phone line may be run to the FMU to attain phone line support.
222