Modern online cash registers require a stable internet connection to transmit fiscal data to the fiscal data operator and the tax service in a timely manner. Model Mercury 185F Incotex's wireless module is one of the most popular solutions for small businesses due to its autonomy and functionality. However, initial setup of the wireless module often raises questions for users, especially when a Windows computer is not available.
Using a smartphone as a configuration device is a quick and convenient way to activate the Wi-Fi module without having to find a USB cable or install specific drivers on your PC. The entire process involves installing a dedicated app and correctly transferring the router settings to the fiscal storage device. In this article, we'll walk you through each step in detail so you can get your point of sale up and running as quickly as possible.
It's worth noting that the success of the operation directly depends on the firmware version of your device and whether the network parameters are entered correctly. Before beginning, make sure you know the password for your access point and have at least 30% battery charge. Any power interruption during the configuration update may cause the communication module to malfunction.
Necessary tools and equipment preparation
To get started, you will need the terminal itself. Mercury 185F, an Android or iOS smartphone, and a stable Wi-Fi network. It's crucial to prepare your wireless network details in advance: the exact name (SSID) and password. If the network name contains Russian letters or special characters, it's best to temporarily rename the network to Latin characters to avoid encoding errors during transmission.
You will also need an app Mercury Token (or Mercury Token), which acts as a bridge between your phone and the cash register. This software is available in the official Google Play and App Store. Make sure Bluetooth and location are enabled on your phone, as some versions of Android require location permission to search for Bluetooth devices.
Before connecting, check the cash register's battery status. The setup process and subsequent network registration may take several minutes, during which the device will actively consume power. If the cash register's battery runs out while recording network settings, you may need to reset the configuration to factory defaults.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your cash register supports a wireless module. Some basic configurations may not physically include a Wi-Fi adapter, making software configuration impossible.
Installing and configuring the Mercury Token app
The first step is to install the control software on your smartphone. Find it in the app store. Mercury Token from the developer Incotex and complete the installation. After launching, the app will request a number of permissions, including access to Bluetooth, location, and notifications—all of which must be approved for proper operation.
The app's interface is fairly minimalist. On the main screen, you'll see a device search button or a list of previously connected cash registers. To get started, tap the "Add a new device" button. The app will begin scanning the surrounding area for fiscal registers in pairing mode.
In some cases, you may need to manually connect via the phone's Bluetooth menu. Go to your smartphone's Bluetooth settings and find the device with a name starting with M185F or containing the serial number of your cash register, and pair it. The standard PIN code for pairing is usually 1111 or 0000, if it has not been changed previously.
The process of pairing a smartphone and a cash register
Once the app has found your cash register, you need to establish a connection with it. Select the device from the list of found devices. The cash register screen may prompt you to confirm the connection or display a confirmation code. The app may also require you to enter your administrator password, the default value of which is 30.
The connection is established using the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol, ensuring low power consumption. During the handshake, encryption keys are exchanged. If the connection is lost immediately after attempting to connect, check that the cash register isn't connected to another device, such as an accountant's computer or a cashier's tablet.
Successful pairing is confirmed by the display of the cash register model and its serial number in the application interface. Mercury TokenFrom this point on, the phone has read and write access to the device configuration. You can check the current network connection status in the device information section, where it will indicate that the Wi-Fi module is disabled or not configured.
- 📱 Make sure the cash register screen is active and has not gone into sleep mode.
- 🔗 Keep your phone and cash register no more than 1-2 meters away during setup.
- 🔋 Monitor the battery level of both devices during the configuration process.
Transferring Wi-Fi network parameters to the cash register
The most crucial step is entering your wireless network settings. In the app menu, find the section Settings or Configuration, and then select the item Setting up Wi-FiHere you will be asked to select your network from the list of available ones or enter the SSID manually.
When you select a network from the list, the app will automatically fill in the name. All you need to do is enter the password. Be extremely careful when entering the password: letter case is important, and extra spaces at the beginning or end of the line will result in an authorization error. After entering the data, click the button. Write down or Send settings.
The cash register will receive the data packet and attempt to connect to the router. This process can take 10 to 30 seconds. During this time, connection status messages may appear on the cash register screen. If the password is correct and the signal is sufficient, the Wi-Fi indicator on the display will change from crossed out to active.
☑️ Check settings before sending
If the network is hidden (doesn't broadcast its SSID), you'll have to enter the network name manually, making sure to spell every character correctly. Even a single character error will prevent you from connecting. For such networks, it's also important to select the correct security type, which is usually WPA/WPA2-Personal.
Diagnosis and solution of typical problems
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users often encounter difficulties. One of the most common issues is that the cash register detects the network but fails to connect. This is often due to the wireless modules of older cash registers not supporting modern encryption standards or the 5 GHz frequency.
Wi-Fi module in Mercury 185F Most often, it operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts only on the 5 GHz frequency or combines them into a single network with Smart Connect, the cash register may be lost. In this case, it is recommended to temporarily separate the networks in the router settings or create a guest network strictly on the 2.4 GHz band.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The cash register doesn't see the network. | Distant router or 5 GHz frequency | Come closer and check the router frequency. |
| Password error | Invalid input or case | Double-check the password and show it on the screen. |
| No internet after connecting | MAC address blocking | Check your router settings and add the cash register's MAC address to the whitelist. |
| Communication failure during transmission | Weak charge or interference | Charge the cash register and remove it from sources of interference. |
It's also worth mentioning the issue of MAC filtering. If your router has strict MAC address filtering, you'll need to find the cash register's MAC address (displayed in the Wi-Fi settings on the cash register screen or in the app) and add it to the router's whitelist.
How to find out MAC address without connection?
With the cash register turned on, press the menu button and select "Status Report" or "Interface Settings." The WLAN or Wi-Fi line will display a unique device ID.
Checking the connection and updating the firmware
After a successful connection, the indicator on the cash register screen should show the signal strength. However, a signal does not guarantee data transfer. To verify this, perform a test action, such as printing a correction receipt or simply opening a shift, so that the cash register attempts to send data to the fiscal data operator.
If the receipt is sent to the fiscal data operator (OFD), congratulations – the setup was successful. If you see a transmission error, check the date and time settings. For SSL certificates, which are required for a secure connection with tax authorities' servers, to function correctly, the time at the cash register must be synchronized. Typically, when connected to the internet, the time is adjusted automatically via an NTP server.
Internet access also allows for firmware (FR) and fiscal data tables to be updated directly via Wi-Fi. This eliminates the need for a cable. In the app Mercury Token Or you can search for updates through the checkout menu. If a new software version is available, follow the on-screen instructions.
⚠️ Caution: Never interrupt the firmware update process. Power outages or connection losses while the new data is being written to the cash register's memory may cause irreversible damage to the software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect the Mercury 185F cash register to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, it's possible. You can set it up through the app. Mercury Token Select manual SSID entry. You'll need to enter the network name accurately and select the correct encryption type. Automatic network detection will not detect the network in this case.
What should I do if the cash register no longer recognizes the router after changing the password?
You need to re-upload your Wi-Fi settings through the app. The cash register stores the last network profile. If the network parameters change, the old profile will become invalid. Simply enter the new password in the app and upload the configuration to the device.
Does Mercury 185F support hotspot mode?
No, this model only works in client mode (Station). It connects to an existing router for data transfer. It cannot share the internet. It requires an external Wi-Fi signal source to function.
Are Wi-Fi settings reset when replacing a fiscal storage device (FSD)?
Network settings are typically stored in non-volatile memory and are independent of the FN. However, a full reset or a firmware update with configuration clearing may cause network settings to be lost. It's recommended to keep them handy.
Why does the cash register connect to Wi-Fi but not send receipts?
The problem is most likely not with Wi-Fi, but with the OFD settings or date/time. Check that the OFD server address and port are set correctly. Also, make sure the system time at the register matches the actual time, as time desynchronization blocks the secure connection.