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Build your own NCR Aloha terminal

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Thepred

IS-IT--Management
Jul 20, 2020
3
CA
I am wondering if it is possible to build your own terminal from a desktop PC and a touch screen monitor? The price of the all in one units are extremely high from my NCR Aloha dealer in the area. Are the system requirements and system able to run Windows 10. What am I looking for in touch screen monitor specs?
 
Yes you can do this. You just need to make sure the PC has all the required ports for printers, cash drawers etc
There is also no guarantee that there wont be problems due to some future incompatibility with a software upgrade.

One of the reasons why the terminals from all POS suppliers are so expensive is because they are tested and guaranteed to work with the software.

You will also find that the terminals from POS suppliers tend to be older technology which has been tried and tested and usually more robust(rather than streamlined and pretty). Specifically touchscreens which need to stand up to constant use all day long.
A standard consumer touchscreen may not stand up to being used all day long, day after day, year after year.

Before committing to doing a DIY version calculate the cost the worst case life of some of your DIY components(primarily touchscreen in my opinion).
If you buy a consumer touchscreen with a 12 month warranty, expect that it wont last much longer than 12 months in the worst case.

Specialist in creating custom applications for the Micros POS range: 3700, 9700, Simphony FE, Simphony. SIM Scripts, Data Exports, Simphony extension applications, API Creation and integration. If you need anything please contact me via my website
 
I also quickly checked the warranty conditions on a few pc websites. They all state that the warranty is for when the product is for non commercial use.
So if they find out you are using it commercially then the may not uphold the warranty.

Specialist in creating custom applications for the Micros POS range: 3700, 9700, Simphony FE, Simphony. SIM Scripts, Data Exports, Simphony extension applications, API Creation and integration. If you need anything please contact me via my website
 
Most if not all touch screens will work. The main thing to pay attention to will be the calibration application path. Aloha does not care about touch screen controllers. Com ports and card swipes will be of major concern. Aloha does not like usb devices, so you will be creating many virtual com ports if you plan on using usb printers or cash drawers. You can purchase low cost refurbished equipment from a few places. I recommend posproviders.com. It may save you lots of time and money going with refurbished equipment over DIY.

AlohaRoss
An Aloha POS 3rd Party support Solution company.
We answer when they don't
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