Pulse Communication Guide
Connect your vending machine, kiosk, or automated equipment to the myPOS Sigma terminal using the myPOS Pulse app. This guide covers everything from installation to configuration.
Overview
The myPOS Pulse app enables your Sigma terminal to send electrical pulses to external machines after successful payments—perfect for vending machines, access control systems, laundromats, and more.
What You'll Need
- myPOS Sigma terminal
- Your machine's pulse input specifications
- Basic understanding of your equipment's electrical configuration
Pin Configuration Reference
The Sigma terminal has dedicated pins for communication with your equipment.
Output Pins (Send Pulses)
| Pin | Label | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Main | Primary pulse output |
| 8 | Sec 1 | Secondary output for additional functions |
| 6 | Sec 2 | Third output for additional functions |
Use Case: Connect different pins to control multiple machines or functions independently.
Input Pins (Receive Feedback - Optional)
Pins 9, 7, and 5 can receive confirmation signals from your equipment.
Installation Steps
1. Access the Hidden Menu
- Locate the physical buttons on the back of your Sigma terminal
- Press this button sequence:
+ + - -(plus, plus, minus, minus) - When prompted, create a security password or enter your existing one
- The Android Home screen will appear
Security Tip: Remember this password—you'll need it to access settings later.
2. Install myPOS Pulse
- On the Android Home screen, open App Market
- Search for "myPOS Pulse"
- Tap Install
- Wait for installation to complete
The myPOS Pulse icon will now appear on your Home screen.
3. Connect Your Equipment
Before proceeding with software configuration:
- Connect your machine's pulse input to the appropriate Sigma output pin
- Ensure the pulse mode (NO or NC) matches on both the adapter board and your equipment
- Verify all electrical connections are secure
Important: The operational mode setting in the Pulse app must match your hardware configuration.
Configuration Guide
Access Pulse Settings
- Press
+ + - -on the back buttons - Enter your security password
- Tap the myPOS Pulse app icon
You'll see four main sections:
Configure Basic Settings
Navigate to Additional Settings to configure core parameters.
Operational Mode
Choose between:
- NO (Normally Open) - Circuit closes when pulse is sent
- NC (Normally Closed) - Circuit opens when pulse is sent
Pulse Duration
Set how long each pulse lasts (in milliseconds).
Available options:
- 30ms
- 50ms
- 100ms (recommended)
Machine Processing Time
Set the waiting period before the terminal accepts another payment. This prevents duplicate transactions while your equipment processes the current request.
When to use:
- Equipment that requires processing delay between transactions
- Machines with mechanical components that need time to complete operations
- Systems that cannot handle rapid consecutive payments
Always Idle Mode
Enable this for single-price scenarios where customers shouldn't select a product. When enabled, the terminal is always ready to accept payment without product selection.
Perfect for:
- Access Control High-traffic locations (fixed entry fee)
- Parking systems (flat rate)
- Laundry/shower facilities (single price)
Set Up Payment Options
Navigate to Payment Options to configure products or services.
Managing Options
Delete all options:
- Tap the trash bin icon 🗑️ in the top right corner
Delete single option:
- Press and hold the option
- Drag it to the top of the screen
- Release to delete
Configure an Option
Tap any payment option to access its settings:
Basic Settings:
- Product Name - Displayed to customers (e.g., "Cold Drink", "Entry Pass")
- Cost Amount - Price in your currency
- Number of Pulses - How many pulses to send (typically 1)
Advanced Options
Choose which output pin sends the pulse:
| Option | Pin | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Main | 10 | Default/primary function |
| Sec. 1 | 8 | Secondary machine/function |
| Sec. 2 | 6 | Third machine/function |
Customize Customer Display
Navigate to Home Screen Grid to design the customer-facing interface.
Configure the layout that displays payment options to your customers. Choose button sizes, arrangement, and visual style for optimal user experience.
Testing Your Integration
Quick Test Steps
- Complete a test payment on the terminal
- Verify your equipment receives the pulse signal
- Confirm the expected action occurs (dispense, unlock, etc.)
- Check timing - ensure adequate delay between transactions
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| No response from equipment | Verify NO/NC mode matches across all components |
| Pulse too short | Increase Pulse Duration setting |
| Double-activation | Check the payment option pulse amount setting |
| Wrong function triggered | Check output pin assignment in Payment Options and inspect wiring connections |
| Intermittent operation | Inspect wiring connections and power supply |
Quick Reference
Pin Summary
| Pin | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Output | Main pulse (default) |
| 8 | Output | Secondary pulse 1 |
| 6 | Output | Secondary pulse 2 |
| 9 | Input | Feedback (optional) |
| 7 | Input | Feedback (optional) |
| 5 | Input | Feedback (optional) |
| 3 | Power Ground | Required for powering the terminal |
| 1 | Power Input (12V-48V) | Powers the terminal |
Configuration Checklist
Before going live:
- Output pin wired to correct equipment input
- NO/NC mode consistent across all components
- Pulse duration appropriate for equipment
- Machine processing time prevents duplicates
- Payment options configured with correct pricing
- Customer display layout tested
- Test payments successful
Need Help?
Contact myPOS support with:
- Terminal serial number
- Equipment make and model
- Current Pulse app settings
- Detailed issue description
For hardware integration questions, consult your equipment manufacturer's documentation regarding pulse input specifications.