TD Terminal: Power Surge Diagnostic and Recovery - Solar... | terminalfaults.org

Technical Background:

Power surges can induce high-voltage transients exceeding the terminal's power supply input limits. These transients can damage internal components such as rectifiers, voltage regulators, and surge protection diodes. Over-voltage can lead to corruption of firmware stored in non-volatile memory (NVM), impacting boot sequence or EMV kernel functionality. EMV chip readers are sensitive to ESD and Voltage fluctuations.

Symptoms:

Terminal is unresponsive following a reported power surge during a lightning storm. No display activity, no audible beeps, and no indication of power. External power supply may or may not show signs of activity (e.g., LED illumination).

Possible Causes:

Damaged external power supply: The power supply may have failed, preventing power delivery to the terminal.
Internal fuse failure: The terminal's internal fuse may have blown to protect the circuitry from overcurrent.
Voltage regulator damage: Voltage regulators inside the terminal may have been damaged by the surge, leading to insufficient power to critical components.
Data corruption: The power surge may have corrupted the terminal's firmware, preventing it from booting properly.
ESD damage: Electrostatic discharge from the surge can damage components even if the terminal is ostensibly off.

Solution:

1

Safe Handling: Unplug the terminal from the wall outlet to ensure no further power is supplied. Allow to sit for one minute.
2

Inspect the power supply: Check the external power supply (if applicable) for any physical damage (e.g., bulging capacitors, burn marks).
3

Test power supply output (external supply only): Use a multimeter to verify the power supply is outputting the correct voltage. Replace if voltage is outside specified tolerance.
4

Inspect cable connections: Ensure all cable connections between the power supply and the terminal are secure. Check for frayed or damaged cables.
5

Attempt a power cycle: Reconnect the power supply and attempt to power on the terminal. Press the power button firmly and hold for 5 seconds.
6

Check for external interference: Ensure no nearby devices are causing electromagnetic interference. Move the terminal away from potential sources of EMI.
7

Contact support: If the terminal remains unresponsive, contact TD support for advanced diagnostics and repair options. Do NOT attempt to open the terminal.

Safety Warning:

Power surges can create electrical hazards. Ensure the terminal is disconnected from the power source before performing any inspection or maintenance. Do not attempt to repair the terminal internally. Opening the terminal will void any warranty and may trigger anti-tamper mechanisms, rendering the device unusable. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage electronic components. Ground yourself before touching any internal components.

Prevention:

Implement surge protection measures, such as using surge protectors on the power outlets connected to the terminal. Ensure cables are properly managed to prevent strain and potential damage. Regularly clean the terminal's touchscreen with an approved screen cleaner to remove contaminants that could affect performance. Be mindful of static discharge, especially in dry environments. Consider using an anti-static mat.

Expert Tip:

Some terminals have a hidden reset button. Consult the TD documentation (if available) to locate it. If a power cycle doesn't work, try holding the power button while plugging in the terminal. This can sometimes force a hardware reset. If possible, check that the external power supply unit (PSU) has not become disconnected at the barrel connector.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the output voltage and current of the power supply?

Check the power supply's label for the DC output voltage and current (e.g., 12V 2A). Use a multimeter to verify the voltage if you suspect a fault.

•Is there a replacement power supply I can test with?

If a known working power supply with the same voltage, current and polarity is available, use it to test if the terminal is functional.

•Is the terminal's firmware up to date?

If the terminal powers on, check for firmware updates. Outdated firmware can sometimes exacerbate hardware issues. Note that power surges can corrupt the firmware.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the output voltage and current of the power supply?

•Is there a replacement power supply I can test with?

•Is the terminal's firmware up to date?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: