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Frequently Asked Questions for LinkGem wireless tablets:
LinkGem is a wireless RF signature capture device, available in pneumatic canisters for drive-through Banking or Credit Union applications, or as a handheld general-use tablet. For complete LinkGem specifications, including features, dimensions, and ordering information, download the spec sheet at the LinkGem product page.
What is the range of the wireless receiver?
How big are the canisters?
What kind of wireless standard does it use?
How do I manage multiple tubes?
How does the LinkGem connect to my PC or server?
What warranty and support plan does Topaz offer?
What is the range of the wireless receiver?
Tablet reciever range is dependent on a number of factors including line-of-sight, material obstacles to transmission, and local radio interference. With a clean line-of-sight, no obstacles, and little interference, the tablet was able to function as far as 1000 feet from the base unit. Although every situation will vary, it is usually safe to assume that the range of the receiver is at least 500 feet under normal line-of-sight conditions, and at least 50 feet if the signal must pass through multiple layers of solid material.
How big are the canisters?
There are four types of canisters designed to fit different carrier systems, with each canister weighing about 2 pounds:
T-RFS261-C1B is based on SOTA10, a 4" side-opening carrier specifically designed for LeFebure Tel-Air 10 systems.
T-RFS261-C2B is based on SO4L, a 4" side-opening carrier with bull-nosed bumpers. Fits Diebold Vat2 and all LeFebure Tel-Air systems except Tel-Air 10 and Tel-Air 45.
T-RFS261-C3B is based on SO45, a 4.5" side-opening carrier with fully tapered bumpers. Fits most Hamilton, ComCo, Diebold Vat 4 & 6, and Mosler Trans-Vista 4000 systems.
T-RFL462-C4B is based on L45V, a 4.5" end-opening carrier with Velcro/felt air rings. Fits Diebold VAT systems (Except VAT 2), Mosler Trans-Vista 2000R/ 3000/ 5000/ AutoBanker RT, LeFebure Tel-Air 45, ComCo, Skilcraft, and Security systems. This canister also features an LCD display
What kind of wireless standard is used?
The wireless system is a custom, secure point-to-point FHSS 2.4Ghz system. It is NOT Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
A secure FHSS point-to-point system is an excellent system for wireless signature applications because it relies on a proprietary code and a sequence of frequencies built into the transmitter and receiver to control the random sequence of frequency hopping and therefore maintain data security and integrity. Spread spectrum was developed during World War II by the U.S. military to provide secure battlefield communications. It is still used today for secure military communications in addition to civilian communications. Spread spectrum transceivers spread their data over a range of frequencies. FHSS tranceivers transmit their signal by sending a small burst, or packet, of data on one frequency and then "hopping" to another frequency to transmit a second burst. This hopping continues throughout the transmission. For the transmission to be successful, both transceivers must be synchronized, consistently hopping to the same frequency and remaining there for the same amount of time. This provides for reliable, interference-resistant communication. In the event that a packet of information cannot be sent on one frequency due to "jamming", the packet will be sent on the next frequency. NOTE: If you are on a WiFi network and believe you are receiving interference from LinkGem, keep your network below channel 21 as this is LinkGem's lowest frequency.
How do I manage multiple tubes?
In all installations, the bank must set up a visual id system inside the bank to ensure that the RF base unit, RF canisters, and pneumatic systems are labeled or color-coded in matched sets so that the teller always sends the canister to the matching drive-up window. In other words, put a Lane 1 sticker on the lane 1 pneumatic port, canister, and RF base. Put a Lane 2 sticker on the lane 2 pneumatic port, canister, and RF base).
In a single teller / single PC but multi-lane environment, more than one matched tube / base unit are necessary (A single RF base does not support multiple canisters). Each Topaz RF base must connect to a separate com port on the PC. If there are two lanes so two base units, then the PC would have the software configured to select the COM port for the relevant transaction in that lane at the time a signature is collected. If 2 COM ports are not available on the PC, one will have to be added. There are a number of ways to do this, including Keyspan adapters).
In a multi-teller, multi-lane environment, the simplest approach is to dedicate some of the Lane sets to each PC. Lanes 1 and 2 are service by PC "A" and Lanes 3 and 4 are serviced by PC "B". In this case, there are two RF base units connected to two COM ports on each PC. If one teller is gone, those two lanes should be shut down until they return.
If for some reason it is desired to have a single PC serve all the lanes that are normally served by 2 pcs (Not a good idea for many reasons), All 4 of the RF servers could be set up through a Topaz PortShare Adapter (Topaz part# A-PS01) or serial switchbox so that all four boxes can be accessed by both PCs. Since this can lead to some confusion when both tellers are present and active, however, and since the teller would be overloaded anyway in this situation, it is best to just close down the lanes associated with the unused PC until a teller returns.
In no cases would there be allowed "crossover" service where teller A set up for service to drive up 1 and 2 could serve teller B's drive up stations 3 and 4 and vice versa.
How does the LinkGem connect to my PC or server?
The LinkGem canister or portable handheld tablet connects to a PC or server via a wireless receiver with a RS-232 DB9 Serial or standard USB cable. Power to RF base is supplied by an AC wall adapter. USB can also be connected with a USB-Serial adapter dongle.
What warranty and support plan does Topaz offer?
All Topaz LinkGem systems come with a standard 1-year warranty against material or manufacturing defects. Topaz also offers unlimited software and hardware support, plus a Perpetual Warranty program to keep you up-and-running even after the standard warranty expires.
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