IStation + Aloha POS Integration Guide

1. Purpose

This guide explains how to correctly install, configure, and troubleshoot the IStation when integrated with Aloha POS.

It covers:

• Paging (Pager devices)

• SMS (Text messaging)

• Common issues and how to resolve them

 

2. Critical System Understanding (VERY IMPORTANT)

The system uses two communication paths, but they are connected:

Paging Flow (Aloha  → IStation  → Pager)

• Aloha sends data via Serial (DB9 / COM1 port)
• IStation transmits to pagers
  
  

SMS Flow (Aloha  → IStation  → Pager → JTECH Server → Phone)

• Aloha sends data via Serial (DB9 / COM1 port)
• IStation detects a phone number
• IStation sends SMS using network connection

 

Key Rule (Most Important)

Even for SMS, the IStation must be connected via serial (DB9)
Why:

• Aloha always sends data through serial
• IStation decides:
  • 1–4 digits → Pager
  • 10 digits → SMS
    
    

Aloha captures the phone number in the order and sends the message when the order is bumped

 3. System Architecture Paging

Aloha POS
→ Serial (DB9 / COM1) → IStation→ Pager

SMS
Aloha POS → Serial (DB9 / COM1) → IStation → Network (Ethernet) → JTECH Server → Customer phone

4. Required Hardware

For Paging (REQUIRED for Aloha integration)

• DB9 serial cable OR DB9-USB- adapter

For SMS

• DB9 serial cable OR DB9-USB- adapter

• Ethernet cable connected
• Network access (internet)

 

5. IStation Configuration

5.1 Identify COM Port

• Open Device Manager
• Locate:
  • Serial port OR USB adapter
• Note COM port (example: COM1, Aloha’s default)

 

5.2 System Settings

HME Mode (Default)

• HME Wireless
• RS232 protocol: Waveware
• 9600 bps
• 8 data bits
• 1 stop bit
• No parity
• Flow control: None
• FIFO buffers: Unchecked
• Cap code prefix = Base ID

 

JTECH Mode

• JTECH - UHF
• RS232 protocol: JTECH
• 1200 bps
• 8 data bits
• 1 stop bit
• No parity
• Flow control: None
• FIFO buffers: Unchecked
• Cap code prefix = Base ID

 

5.3 Pager Settings (HME Mode - Default)

• Type: Numeric or Alpha
• Baud rate: 1200
• Data inversion: Unchecked
• High priority capable: Unchecked

 

6. Aloha Configuration (Important)

Aloha must be configured to:

• Capture phone number
• Parse pager vs phone number
• Trigger message on bump

 

6.1 Phone Number Capture

Options:

• Name Order (Quick Service)
• Tabs (Table Service)
  
  

Example:

• 5555555555franklin → SMS
• 123 → Pager

 

6.2 Order Mode Settings

• Enable:
  • Parse order name for phone number
  • Parse order name for pager number
  • Use phone number for SMS

 

6.3 Message Trigger

• Configure when message is sent:
  • Page on order served (recommended)
  • Page on bump

 

7. Network Configuration (SMS Only)

On IStation:

• IP Address
• Subnet Mask
• Gateway
• DNS (if required)

 

JTECH Credentials

• Client Code
• Token

 

8. Testing Methodology (Correct Order)

Step 1 – Test SMS from Keypad

 Confirms:

• Network OK

• Credentials OK

 

Step 2 – Test Manual Paging

Confirms: Transmitter working

Step 3 – Verify Serial Connection

• DB9 connected
• COM1 port correct

 

Step 4 – Test from Aloha

• Enter number
• Bump order

 

Step 5 – Validate Full Flow

• Paging works from POS
• SMS works from POS

 

9. Troubleshooting Guide

9.1 Paging Not Working

Symptoms

• No paging from POS
• Manual paging works

Cause

• Serial connection issue

Fix

• Check DB9 cable
• Verify COM port
• Check Aloha config

 

9.2 SMS Not Working

Symptoms

• SMS not received
• Paging may still work

 

IMPORTANT
SMS depends on:

• Serial connection
• Network
• Credentials

 

Steps

1. Check DB9 connection
2. Verify network
3. Test SMS from keypad

  If keypad works → network OK
 If keypad fails → network or credentials issue

1. Verify:

• Network configurations (IP, Gateway IP, DNS IP)
• Client Code
• Token
• Check firewall / internet

 

10. Common Scenarios

Scenario	Symptoms	Likely Cause	What to Check	Validation Method
1. Paging works / SMS fails	Paging works from POSSMS not received	Network issue Credentials issue	Verify IP, Subnet, Gateway Check firewall / internet Verify Client Code + Token	Ping IStation IP Test SMS from keypad
2. SMS works (keypad only)	SMS works from keypad No paging from POS	Serial (DB9) issue	Check DB9 cable Verify COM port Check Aloha port config	Open HyperTerminal Power cycle IStation → check boot logs
3. Nothing works	No paging, No SMS	Serial + Network issue	Verify DB9 connection Verify IP config Check credentials	HyperTerminal test + Ping test + Keypad SMS
4. SMS works from keypad but NOT from POS	SMS works manually, No SMS from Aloha	Serial issue, Aloha config issue	Verify serial communication, Check phone number format Confirm parsing settings	HyperTerminal test, see logs when powering ON IStation
5. Intermittent issues	Random failures Delayed messages	Network instability Timing issue, Serial mismatch	Check network stability, Validate delay settings, Verify serial parameters	Monitor behavior, Adjust delay (1-2 sec)