POS not connecting to master

Having trouble getting POS terminals connected to each other on the network?

This article sets out an example scenario and provides troubleshooting tips.

Example basic configuration:

• POS1 set as master
• POS2 set as slave

Example issue and diagnosis:

• POS2 (the slave) cannot communicate with POS1 (the master)
• Diagnosed by observing a red heart icon on the top right of the POS display

Troubleshooting

Tapa POS terminals communicate over the network using a number of different means and technologies. Principal to this is that all terminals exist on the same LAN, whether that be a cabled connection or Wi-Fi, both are supported as long as all terminals are connected to the same network and on the same IP range.

1. Primary connectivity checks

• Ensure each terminal is plugged into, or connected to the network
• Check network cable is connected securely on the bottom of the POS terminal and at the wall jack
• If using Wi-Fi ensure the terminal is connected and has adequate signal

Use the Network tab in the POS Settings screen to check you have connection and an IP address.

2. Only one master terminal

Ensure only one of your terminals is set as a master terminal. This setting is configured within the POS Settings screen under the Advanced tab

3. Manually check communication

• From a slave terminal ensure you can ping the Master terminal IP
• Using a web browser, navigate to the master terminal IP with port 8600 and confirm you receive a 404 response

4. Check master terminal firewall

Normally when Tapa is launched for the first time you will be prompted to allow communication through the Windows Firewall, if this was denied then you will need to change the generated “block” rules in the firewall to “allow”.

Technical Information

Additional technical details for advanced and enterprise users.

Terminals communicate over TCP sockets. Additionally, the master terminal will issue broadcast UDP beacons for discovery.

Master terminal requires the following ports open to LAN: