LightSpeed is able to communicate with a wide range of the POS hardware you require in your operation, including label printers, cash drawers, and barcode scanners. Configuration of these devices is generally very simple, and can be completed quickly following a few basic steps.
The most elemental of input devices, barcode scanners have only one function – to read a visual code required to identify an object or piece of information, and input that information into the system. They can be purchased with or without a trigger, but nearly all USB barcode scanners are compatible with LightSpeed and will comply with the software’s requirements for data entry. The one necessary attribute is for the scanner to send a return command after the data is scanned, as if the Return key had been pressed. However, the vast majority of USB barcode scanners have this ability. Barcode scanners do not require Mac drivers.
LightSpeed gives you the option to print Invoices on either 8.5” x 11” or receipt format. Star Micronics is the only receipt printer manufacturer that ships their printers with drivers for Mac OS X, available in the TSP-100 and the TSP-600 series.
The first step is to install drivers for your Star Micronics printer. Connect your printer. Add the printer in your OS X Print & Fax Preferences by clicking the "+" icon and choosing it from the printers on the network. Once you select it in the Add Printer window, the driver should appear in the Print Using pop-up menu. Once the printer has been added, be sure to set it to set it to be shared on the network.
Configuration for the Star Micronics printers happens in the Station Setup panel, found under the File menu. Choose the Receipt option in the Printing section of the Station setup panel. Click Save at the bottom of the window. Then, click Printer Setup and define both a full page and the receipt printer for the station. Then, choose the Page Setup option from the File menu.
Choose your TSP printer in the “Format For” pop-up menu, and choose 72mm x 2000mm as the Paper Size. Click OK, and a dialog box will appear asking if you want to save this Page Setup for future print jobs. Choose Save for Receipt Printing, and click Yes.
In terms of compatibility, almost any cash drawer with an RJ-45 or serial connection will work with LightSpeed. There are three options for connecting a cash drawer to your computer – either directly via USB, using a USB-serial adapter, or by connecting it first to a receipt printer via an RJ-45 to RJ-11 cable.
USB
The APG Vasario USB cash drawers connect directly to your Mac’s USB port. Choose USB Drawer in the Station Setup panel.
Via a Receipt Printer
Via USB to Serial Adapter
First, you must install the adapter and its drivers, and connect the cash drawer’s serial cable to the adapter. You may need to unscrew an access panel to connect the power supply to the drawer - refer to the drawer’s documentation. In File >Station Setup, select Serial Drawer Connected via USB Adapter, choose a port (likely 0 or 1), and click Save. You can test it by clicking Apple-/.
Opening Cash Drawer Based on Payment Method
Beginning in 3.6. users can set their cash drawer to kick open based on the Payment Method used to pay an Invoice. To do this, go to Tools > Setup > Basics > Payment Methods. Double-click any Payment Method, and in the resulting slide-out window, check the Open Cash Drawer setting. This will open the cash drawer when this Payment Method is used, regardless of connection (USB, via receipt printer, or via serial adapter).
The Logic Controls TD3000 USB pole display can be connected directly to your Mac’s USB port. Choose USB Pole Display in your Station Setup panel.
To set up your serial pole display via USB adapter, you must first install your Keyspan Serial to USB adapter, and plug your pole display’s serial cable into the serial port on the adapter. Once both the serial and power cables are connected, you are ready to configure LightSpeed for use with the pole display. In File > Station Setup, click on the Pole Display pop-up menu and choose ‘Serial Pole Display via USB Adapter’. Select a port (likely 1 or 2). Click Save.
Unfortunately, due to the limitations of serial technology, there is no way for LightSpeed to tell which port is correct, so you will have to try adding a Product to an Invoice or the POS screen to see if it works.
Dymo LabelWriter
To access the Dymo LabelWriter, choose the Dymo LabelWriter tab in the Print Customer Labels or Print Customer Labels window, and select the label size you’re printing to with the pop-up menu. Installing the Dymo LabelWriter requires you to connect the printer only when prompted to do so after installing the drivers. (see Labelling article for more info)
If you are alternating between a receipt printer, a label printer, and/or a laser printer from the same station, choose Last Printer Used in the Selected Printer in Print Dialog pop-up menu in the Print & Fax panel of your computer’s System Preferences. If you need to change printers, do so in the Print Dialog box when you’re ready to print the document, whether it’s a Quote, labels, or an Invoice.
Like barcode scanners, USB card swipes are simply reading devices and are universally compatible. They are available as stand-alone units, or as part of a USB keyboard. In LightSpeed, card swipers are used to read credit cards for internal processing, or for reading the serial numbers of gift cards. When plugging in card swipers for the first time, it is important you do NOT “tell” your Mac that it is a keyboard.
Installing the Payment Terminal
The terminal (which can take both debit and credit payments, depending on the processor) is connected via ethernet to your local network and accessible by one or more computers using its IP address. Follow these instructions to begin installing your Ingenico device.
Once you have completed the above steps, you may configure the debit terminal for connection with a computer running LightSpeed.
Configuring the Terminal
The integration of the Ingenico debit terminal requires the completion of a brief procedure that configures the unit with LightSpeed and your Mac.
Please follow these steps before testing your payment account with debit transactions.
Configuring LightSpeed
Once you have configured the credit card terminal, you need to configure LightSpeed to recognize it and process payments. Before starting this process, you must already have configured the Credit Card Processing setup window, after arranging an account with a compatible payment gateway.
Once you have configured a payment gateway, go to Tools > Setup > Basics, and follow these steps.
A. Configure Terminal.
1. Double click Credit Card Terminals.
2. Click the "+" icon.
3. Choose "Ingenico" and give the terminal a name you will be able identify it with later. Click Create.
4. Select the terminal and enter the unit's IP and Port (see step 13 above). Click Save.
5. Click Configure Terminal. When the dialog window disappears, the terminal has been configured.
B. Pair Terminal to a Sales Station
1. Open Station Setup. Select "External Terminal" under Card Swipe. Click Terminals.
2. In Debit Setup window, select your terminal. Click Save. Enter OS Admin password for computer.
