Aloha Spy Question 1

[wizardhawk]

I have tried making sense of the aloha spy instructions from the manual (5.3.31) and as most user manuals go, this one lacks details where it matters most.

We have 3 terminals and I'd like to capture the data coming form all 3 and bring it into one of our Geovision DVR's. This DVR is on the same network as the nic card in the BOH that does charge auths and has full POS data processing built into the software. We only need all 3 to be added to one camera, not a seperate camera for each. I'm confused as to whether I require a text inserter box on each term or if there is a way to get that data to spool right through our existing network. Geovision makes text inserters, but does not list Aloha as a required platform for using it and the manual shows a text inserter in the aloha special functions guide, but doesn't mention how/when to use one. Nor does it say it is required for anything other than adding text to VCR feeds which doesn't apply here.

Also I've had employees tell me that servers have found a way to use mgmt access on FOH terms to somehow bypass normal security and remove transactions that have already been printed in the kitchen without leaving any audit trail (i.e. not a standard void/clear, no record of that order exists). Anyone else heard of this even being a possibility on 5.3.x?

You can email if you prefer to not answer that security question here. Thanks in advance for any help here.

 

[DTSMAN]

Wizardhawk,

It has been a while. the geovision server is setup to monitor the broadcast of a port number You set the port numbers in Aloha terminal maintenance. I think it is something like 3999 or something similar. Should be in the documention. There is a place in back office maintenance to check to use Spy, but I can't remember if it is an add on to the key. You do not need text inserters.
And no, the servers can not alter the audit trail from the front of house terminals. Every table opened creates a new check number. Look for transfers.

Bo

Remember,
If the women don't find you handsome,
they should at least find you handy.
(Red Green)

http://www.redgreen.com

 

[joenoreason]

Reviving this old post in hopes that dtsman would share any information that he may have learned. I am also interested in connecting geovision to aloha via aloha spy but am uncertain as the proper procedures.

 

[SwampGas]

The AlohaSpy documentation is not correct. Radiant is currently working on an updated document for AlohaSpy.

There are multiple ways to make AlohaSpy work due to your needs.

I have written a document that is easy to follow on configuring AlohaSpy. Once I get to the office I will post it here.

 

[SwampGas]

Attached is my documentation on configuring AlohaSPY.

How you want to receive the TVS codes depends on you (Individually from each terminal, or all terminal messages consolidated from a single COM port from the BOH computer).

If you consolidate your messages on the BOH, then use a system that can intercept the output and place the text on the corresponding video camera feed. Otherwise it is a mess to read.

The other method for simpler cameras (but requires more TVS decoders) is to use a com port on each terminal to output the TVS messages for that particular terminal.

I use the first method since we have security systems that can handle all the output from a single serial port on the BOH and place the proper messages on the video feed aimed at the proper terminal.

Also, you may want to use a decent camera system that can allow you to convert/translate the TVS messages into something a little more human to understand, and be able to filter out messages that you do not need to see.

 

[joenoreason]

Thank you very much MegabyteCoffee for that pdf. This is exactly what I was hoping to find here.

 

[alexander00pr]

I had an Avermedia DVR system. Avermedia can read the data via an UDP port but im wondering if AlohaSPY port can be set to TCP instead UPD? The problem that im having is that i already had the serial port occupied by the EDC modem.

 

[SwampGas]

Yes, it can use TCP. I believe the copy of the AlohaSpy FFG guide that is available to users and resellers describes this.


Also, if you still want to serial, just add a USB-to-Serial adapter for about 13 dollars and use that.

Here is a link to the USB-to-Serial adapters I use for all my terminals and BOH needs:

http://sewelldirect.com/usbtoserial.asp

-I have over 5600 of these USB-to-serial adapters in use. They work great.

 

[alexander00pr]

Work great with the usb serial cable. I wonder if you had the pineout to RJ 12 to db9 serial Pineout. Also I noticed that the check # in aloha spy isnt the same as the correct check number.

 

[SwampGas]

I don't use any RJ12 to DB9 adapters. Are you talking about the ones that most resellers use that allow them to use ethernet cables and adapt them for use as serial cables?

Haven't noticed an issue of check numbers not being correct. I don't have my notes or the developers information with me today to look this up.

---
MegabyteCoffee.com

 

[SwampGas]

I have a small utility I put together that completely configures AlohaSpy. All you have to do is select the COM port, and everything else will be configured by this wizard.

My helpdesk staff uses this almost every night,as we have DVR system being rolled to all locations. This tool has reduced errors, and reduced the time to configure AlohaSpy to just a few seconds.

This utility will configure AlohaSpy the same way I have documented in my manual that is listed in an earlier post.


MegabyteCoffee.com

 

[SwampGas]

The above utility expects to find the IBERDIR and TERMSTR environment varibles when run on the BOH computer.

I am not sure about everyone else, but if you do not have the TERMSTR values set on the BOH, let me know, and I'll add a prompt for that.

MegabyteCoffee.com

 

[scseaside]

>>The other method for simpler cameras (but requires more TVS decoders) is to use a com port on each terminal to output the TVS messages for that particular terminal.<<

What steps do you need to follow for this method?

 

[SaniyaSimran]

How can I use com port on each terminal to output TVS message.What is TVS message.
Thanks

 

[SwampGas]

Do you at least have the original FFG guide on using AlohaSpy? It's faster if I tell you what page to look at and what page is wrong.


MegabyteCoffee.com