Troubleshooting 'Communication Error' on Interac terminals after a Rogers outage. Focus: Signal, Power, ESD, and Cable integrity. No internal access.
Locate the firmware version in the terminal's settings menu.
Check the network configuration settings.
Note the date and time for correlation with Rogers' outage reports.
EMV/NFC payment terminals rely on stable network connectivity (cellular or ethernet) to communicate with payment processors. Communication errors can arise from signal attenuation (due to infrastructure issues), incorrect IP addressing/DNS settings after a network change, voltage fluctuations affecting the communication module, or electrostatic discharge (ESD) events damaging sensitive components. Baud rate mismatch between the terminal and the host can also trigger communication errors. Rogers outage suggests a potential disruption in cellular data services or DNS resolution.
Interac terminal displays 'Communication Error' after a Rogers network outage, despite a seemingly strong signal.
Handle the terminal with care to avoid dropping it or exposing it to liquids. Unplug the power adapter before cleaning the terminal. Do NOT attempt to open the terminal casing, as this will void the warranty and could trigger anti-tamper mechanisms, rendering the device unusable. Observe proper ESD precautions, especially during dry winter months. Ground yourself before handling the terminal or its cables.
Regularly inspect power and network cables for damage and ensure they are securely connected.,Use a surge protector to protect the terminal from voltage fluctuations.,Implement cable strain relief to prevent stress on the connectors.,Clean the touchscreen regularly with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove dust and debris.,Minimize potential sources of EMI near the terminal (e.g., large appliances, motors).,Ensure the terminal's firmware is up to date to benefit from the latest bug fixes and security patches.
Try performing a 'soft reset' of the terminal by holding down the power button for an extended period (e.g., 10-15 seconds). This can sometimes clear temporary software glitches without requiring a full power cycle. Consider using a ferrite choke on the power or network cable to reduce EMI.