A modern retail outlet is unthinkable without a stable internet connection, which ensures data transfer to the fiscal data operator (OFD) and the Federal Tax Service (FTS). Cash register Mercury 185F, one of the most popular models on the market, supports wireless connectivity, eliminating unnecessary cables for businesses. However, the initial configuration process often presents difficulties for users unfamiliar with network protocols and the specifics of fiscal storage devices.
Successful integration of the device into the local network requires not only a router but also proper preparation of the cash register itself. You'll need to know your network parameters in advance, as automatic settings detection doesn't work with all router configurations. In this article, we'll cover each step in detail, from logging into the administrator menu to checking the connection to the fiscal data server.
Before you start setting up, make sure that your router is transmitting a signal in the 2.4 GHz range, as the module Wi-Fi This cash register model does not support the 5 GHz frequency. It is also critical that the device has the latest firmware version, as older versions may have network module bugs. If you have just purchased the device, we recommend updating its firmware immediately via a USB cable.
β οΈ Note: The cash register menu interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version installed. If you don't find the exact item described, look for a similar section in the network settings.
Preparing to set up a network connection
The first step is to gather the necessary information about your wireless network. Cash register Mercury 185F, like most IoT devices, requires manual configuration if the router hides the network name (SSID) or uses complex encryption methods. You'll need to know the gateway (router) IP address, subnet mask, and preferred DNS servers.
The easiest way to obtain this data is to use a computer or smartphone that is already connected to the desired Wi-Fi. In the operating system Windows This information can be found in the active connection properties, or in the network details on smartphones. Write down these numbers, as they will be needed to statically configure the TCP/IP stack of the cash register.
Particular attention should be paid to network security. Make sure your router uses an encryption protocol. WPA2-PSK or WPA3, as outdated security methods may block the connection of cash register equipment. Also, check if your router has MAC address filtering enabled, which could prevent access to the new device.
It's important to understand that the cash register must be located within a strong signal reception area. If the connection indicator on the screen Mercury 185F shows a low level, connection breaks are possible when punching receipts, which will lead to the accumulation of unsent documents in the fiscal storage device's memory.
Logging in to Administrator Mode and Navigation
To make changes to network settings, you must have administrator rights. The default password for entering administration mode at the checkout Incotex usually equal 30, unless it was previously changed by a technician during initial registration. Login is via the device's main menu.
Press the menu button (usually the key with a house icon or the "Menu" button), then select "Administrator." After entering the password, you'll have access to an expanded list of settings. Navigate using the arrow keys and the "Enter" (or "IT" or "VK" keys, depending on your keyboard model).
In the list that opens, find the "Settings" or "Configuration" section. Within this section, look for the "Network" or "TCP/IP" subsection. This is where all the parameters responsible for the physical and logical connection of the device to the company's local network are located.
What to do if the password has been changed?
If the default password doesn't work, please refer to the technical documentation or contact the specialist who performed the initial setup. Resetting the administrator password may reset the fiscal settings, which is undesirable.
Be careful when changing other settings in administrator mode. Accidentally changing fiscal storage device or product table settings may cause the cash register to malfunction. Work only within network settings if you only need to connect to Wi-Fi.
Step-by-step Wi-Fi setup
After entering the network settings menu, select the "Wi-Fi" (or "Wireless Network") connection type. The cash register will begin searching for available access points within range. In the list that appears, find your network name (SSID). If the list is empty, check that Wi-Fi is enabled on your router and that the network name isn't hidden.
When you select your network, a password entry window will open. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the security key. Be careful with case: Wi-Fi Sensitive to uppercase and lowercase characters. Confirm after entering.
Next, you need to configure IP addressing. In most cases, for stable operation of the cash register equipment, it is recommended to use a static IP address so that it does not change after a router reboot. Select "Static IP" instead of DHCP if your network requires strict address assignment.
βοΈ Check before saving
Fill in the IP address, Mask, Gateway, and DNS fields. The cash register's IP address should be in the same subnet as the router, but not the same as other devices. For example, if the router's address is 192.168.1.1, the cash register can be assigned 192.168.1.50. Google's (8.8.8.8) or your ISP's address are often used as DNS.
Configuring TCP/IP and ports
Correct operation with the OFD and the Federal Tax Service depends not only on the connection, but also on the correct port settings. By default, the port used to transmit fiscal data is 5555 or 7777However, these values ββmay be changed by the fiscal data operator. Please check your agreement with the fiscal data operator to confirm these values.
In the TCP/IP settings menu Mercury 185F Make sure the port used to connect to the fiscal data operator (FDO) meets your operator's requirements. You can also configure the connection timeout hereβthe amount of time the cash register will wait for a response from the server before attempting to resend.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port OFD | 5555 | 5555 / 7777 | Depends on the operator |
| Timeout (sec) | 30 | 40-60 | For unstable internet |
| IP mode | DHCP | Static | For operational stability |
| DNS 1 | Auto | 8.8.8.8 | Google DNS |
If you're using a corporate network with a proxy server, you'll need to additionally enable the proxy option and enter its address and port. For typical retail locations and small offices, this step is typically not required.
Checking the connection and diagnostics
After saving all settings, the cash register will attempt to connect to the network. The connection status indicator on the main screen or in the status bar should change state. Typically, this is a blinking Wi-Fi icon that becomes solid when the connection is successful.
For a detailed check, use the built-in diagnostic utility. In the admin menu, find "Tests" or "Diagnostics" and select "OFD Connection Check" or "Ping." The device will send a test data packet and display the result.
If the test is successful, you'll see a message indicating no errors and a response time. If unsuccessful, the system will return an error code. Codes can be deciphered in the user manual, but most often, problems are related to an incorrect password or gateway IP address.
β οΈ Important: When troubleshooting, ensure that the date and time are set correctly on the cash register. A time desynchronization of more than 5 minutes may block the connection to the Federal Tax Service servers for security reasons.
It is also useful to check the protocol version TLSModern servers require secure connections using TLS 1.2 or higher. Make sure the appropriate options are enabled in the security settings, otherwise the OFD server will terminate the connection.
Working with cash register drivers and software
Setting up the cash register itself is only half the battle. To work with it, your computer or tablet needs to communicate correctly with the device over the network. In the cash register drivers (for example, the Incotex Cash Register Driver), you need to create a new TCP/IP or Ethernet port.
In the properties of the created port, specify the static IP address that you assigned to the cash register in the previous steps, and the port (usually 5555). After this, run a connection test from the program. If the driver sees the cash register, then the network connection is established correctly.
In cash register software (1C, Frontol, Atol, etc.), select "Network" or "LAN" when selecting the connection type. In the address field, enter the cash register's IP address. Do not use the hostname if your network doesn't have a DNS server configured, as the cash register may not be found by name.
It's important to ensure that your computer's firewall isn't blocking outgoing connections to the cash register port. If the connection test from the driver passes, but not from the cash register software, the problem is most likely with the operating system's security settings.
Troubleshooting connection errors
One of the most common problems is the "No connection to FN" or "Connection timed out" error. This often indicates a problem with the internet connection rather than a malfunction. Check if other devices connected to the same router have internet access.
If your cash register connects to Wi-Fi but isn't sending receipts, check your account balance with the fiscal data operator. If your balance is zero, the operator may suspend service, and receipts will accumulate in the cash register's memory until payment is made. Also, check the expiration date of the fiscal storage device.
If the cash register can't see the network at all, try rebooting the router. Sometimes network equipment freezes and stops issuing new addresses or correctly routing traffic to IoT devices. It might also be a good idea to change the Wi-Fi channel on the router to a less congested one (e.g., 1, 6, or 11).
β οΈ Please note: Wireless network specifications and regulatory requirements are subject to change. Always verify current encryption and data transmission protocol requirements with official sources or your fiscal data provider.
If all else fails, reset the cash register's network settings to factory defaults and repeat the setup process. In rare cases, a network module reflash may be required, which should be performed by an authorized service center.
What should I do if my cash register is connected to Wi-Fi, but receipts aren't being sent to the fiscal data operator?
First, check the connection status in the cash register menuβthere should be a global network icon. Then, check the date and time. If they are correct, contact the fiscal data operator (OFD) support to check the status of your cash register in their system. Re-registration or encryption keys may need to be updated.
Is it possible to connect the Mercury 185F to mobile Internet (distribution from a phone)?
Technically, this is possible if the phone creates a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, this is a temporary solution. Mobile internet can have a dynamic IP address that will change, requiring constant reconfiguration of the cash register and drivers. Furthermore, your mobile operator's plans may not support this amount of data.
How can I find out the IP address of the cash register if it was set automatically (DHCP)?
You can print a payment status report or a test receiptβthe IP address is often printed at the bottom of the receipt. You can also find the address in the cash register menu under "Interface Status" or "Network Settings." A third option is to view the list of connected clients (Client List) in your router's web interface.
Does Wi-Fi speed affect receipt processing speed?
Wi-Fi connection speed has virtually no impact on receipt printing speed, as the amount of data transferred is minimal (a few kilobytes). However, low speed or high ping (latency) can increase the response time from the fiscal data operator, causing the cash register to take longer to complete the fiscalization operation.