[BC] TFT EAS Logging Question

[Darryl Parker]

George,

Thank you for contacting us.

There are a couple of ways to accomplish your task. The two RS-232 ports on the rear of the EAS911R4 are the mandatory FCC ports, both are 1200 baud (8-N-1). One is an input for EAS protocol data that essentially bypasses the FSK decoder. The other is an output of EAS protocol data for every message transmitted (or forwarded) by the EAS911R4. Neither port will provide data from every message transmitted and every message received as required by 47CFR11.54(b)(12).

The easiest way to comply is to repair or replace the printer. You may obtain a return authorization from our Customer Service Department, and we will try to repair the printer. A replacement printer is $495.

You may also install the 4-pot COM expander card 7100-4277 which is $395. COM4 will have RS-232 9600 baud (8-N-1) with the translation of the header information for every message received and every message transmitted. This port can be connected to a number of devices.

Regards,
Darryl

-----Original Message-----
  From: George Kowal

I have a situation where I am thinking of installing the EAScriber software on a pc to log the EAS messages of both a Gorman-Redlich EAS unit, the one for TV that has a "pc" port DB9 connector on the back and an adjoining TFT 911EAS, I believe it's an older R4 version. The TFT only has the 2 standard DB9 ports on the back and doesn't have the optiional 4 port serial card. The printer on the TFT is slightly hosed where it only prints legibkly near the center of the paper tape.

Wondering if any of you have an idea whether this will work on the TFT without having the optional RS232 card.
Also any anecdotes regarding attaching any other printers or logging software to either of these units.

I do use the EAScriber program in the East logging a half dozen Sage boxes and it has worked solidly for a years ever since we installed it.

George Kowal  CBNT
KG2KC