A modern retail outlet requires a constant internet connection for instant transmission of fiscal data to the OFD. Model Mercury 185F from the company Incotex is one of the most popular solutions due to its autonomy and the ability to work through wireless networksHowever, initial connection setup often raises questions for users unfamiliar with the cash register menu.
The problem may lie not only in entering the password correctly, but also in the compatibility of the router's frequency ranges. It's important to understand that cash register equipment has its own technical limitations, which must be taken into account when configuring a router. In this article, we'll cover every step of the connection process, from preparing the equipment to fine-tuning the connection settings.
A high-quality connection is critical for the smooth operation of a business. Failures in receipt transmission can lead to blocked sales and fines from tax authorities. Therefore, setting up Wi-Fi It must be completed the first time and without errors. We'll cover every detail to ensure your cash register is always online.
Technical requirements for the router and network
Before setting up the cash register itself, you need to make sure your router is ready to work with the fiscal registrar. Most modern routers operate in two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Cash register Mercury 185F supports only the standard 802.11 b/g/n in the 2.4 GHz frequency range.
⚠️ Note: The cash register will not detect the network if the router is operating exclusively in 5 GHz mode or if the SSID hiding feature is enabled. Make sure the wireless network is active and broadcasting.
It's also worth paying attention to the encryption type. For stable operation, it's recommended to use the standard WPA2-PSK with encryption algorithm AESOlder security methods, such as WEP, may not be supported or may work unstable, and the newer WPA3 standards have not yet been implemented in the firmware of this equipment.
Another important parameter is channel width. Although many routers automatically select the optimal width, for cash registers, the most stable option is often to fix the channel width at a value 20 MHzThis reduces interference, which is especially important in areas with large concentrations of wireless devices.
Preparing the cash register for network setup
Before entering passwords, you must access the corresponding settings menu. To do this, the cash register must be turned on and in standby mode (receipt mode). If an error message is displayed on the screen or the cash register is printing, access to the settings may be restricted.
Navigate the menu using the keyboard. You'll need to use the function keys and arrow buttons. Make sure the register's battery is charged or the device is connected to a power source, as this may occur during setup. energy saving may turn off the screen.
☑️ Check before setup
To enter the configuration menu, press the key Menu (or X (depending on your keyboard version), then select "Settings" and go to the "Network" section. Here you will see a list of available communication interfaces.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting to Wi-Fi
The connection process is divided into several steps, each of which requires careful attention. First, you need to select the connection type. In the list of available interfaces, find Wi-Fi or Wireless networkIf this item is missing, it's possible that your cash register doesn't have the appropriate communication module installed.
Once you select the interface, the cash register will begin searching for available networks within range. A list of network names will appear on the screen (SSID). Find your network name in the list. If the network is hidden, you'll need to select "Add Manually" and enter the network name yourself.
After selecting the network, a password entry field will appear. Use the alphanumeric keyboard on the screen or the physical buttons on the register to enter the security key. Be careful with the case of the characters, as Wi-Fi sensitive to this parameter.
⚠️ Note: When entering your password, characters may not be displayed or may be hidden by asterisks for security reasons. Please enter your password slowly and double-check each character before confirming.
After entering the password, click the confirm button (usually Input or Enter). The cash register will attempt to obtain an IP address from the router. If all parameters are entered correctly, a successful connection message will appear on the screen, along with the assigned IP address.
What to do if the network is not found?
If your network isn't listed, try moving the cash register closer to the router. Also, check if your router has MAC address filtering enabled. In rare cases, temporarily disabling router protection to test network visibility can help.
Setting up a static IP address
In some cases, dynamic address acquisition (DHCP) can lead to unstable operation, especially if there are many devices on the network or the router's address pool changes frequently. For cash registers, it is recommended to register static IPThis ensures that the cash register address will not change after rebooting the router.
To configure a static address, go to advanced network settings. You'll need to disable DHCP and manually enter the following parameters: IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers. These parameters must match your local network settings.
| Parameter | Example of meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | 192.168.1.150 | Unique address of the cash register on the network |
| Subnet mask | 255.255.255.0 | Determines the size of the network |
| Gateway | 192.168.1.1 | Your router's address |
| DNS | 8.8.8.8 | Domain Name Server (Google) |
It's important to select an IP address that isn't within the range automatically assigned by the router to avoid address conflicts. For example, if the router assigns addresses from 1 to 100, you could assign address 150 to the cash register.
Diagnosing and troubleshooting
Even if you've entered the correct information, connection issues may still occur. If the cash register displays "No connection" or "Connection error," first check the signal strength. The network menu usually displays a signal strength indicator. If the signal is weak, try moving the cash register or router.
A common problem is a time mismatch between the cash register and the network. For proper operation with the OFD, the time must be synchronized. Make sure this option is enabled in the network settings. NTP synchronization or the time is set manually correctly.
It's also worth checking whether your router is blocking the device by MAC address. Some corporate networks or strict home security settings prevent new devices from accessing the network without prior registration.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface and item names may differ slightly depending on the firmware version of your device. Mercury 185FIf you do not find the item described, please refer to the user manual for your specific software version.
Checking the connection with the OFD
After successfully connecting to Wi-Fi, ensure the cash register can transmit data. To do this, print a test report or try printing a test receipt. The receipt should display the fiscalization indicator and the transfer status to the fiscal data operator (OFD).
In the cash register menu, there's a "Reports" or "About FN" section where you can check the connection status with the fiscal data server. If the status is "Waiting" or "Error," check the date and time settings and the availability of the fiscal data operator (FDO) server.
If the internet works on other devices but the cash register doesn't transmit the receipt, there may be a problem with the port settings or the OFD server address. These parameters are usually set automatically, but in rare cases they require manual adjustment.
How to update firmware via Wi-Fi?
If your cash register is connected to the internet, you can try updating the software. Go to the settings menu, select "Software Update," and follow the instructions. Do not turn off the cash register during the update process, as this may cause damage.
Why can't the cash register see my Wi-Fi network?
Most likely, your router operates in the 5 GHz band, while the cash register only supports 2.4 GHz. The network may also be hidden or use an encryption type unsupported by the cash register (for example, WPA3).
Is it possible to connect the cash register to mobile Internet (sharing from a phone)?
Yes, it's possible. Enable tethering on your smartphone and set a network name and password. The cash register will connect to your phone just like a regular router. The main thing is that your phone has a stable mobile signal.
How do I reset my network settings to factory defaults?
In the network settings menu, find "Reset settings" or "Restore defaults." Confirm the action. You will then be asked to re-enter your Wi-Fi network password.
Does internet speed affect the operation of the cash register?
Fiscal data transmission requires minimal speed, so even a weak 3G/4G signal is usually sufficient. However, if the channel is overloaded with other devices, timeouts may occur when sending a receipt.
What should I do if the cash register connects but displays "No connection with OFD"?
Check that the date and time are set correctly. Ensure that the fiscal storage device in the cash register is valid and has not expired. Also, check that access to the fiscal data operator (OFD) servers is not blocked by your provider.