Triton 97XX Series Operation Manual - Manual (Page 192)

TRITON SYSTEMS, INC. 5-137
O
PERATION
M
ANUAL
- M
ODEL
97XX-Series SECTION 5 - MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS
Once the Heartbeat Message call feature is enabled at the termi-
nal, an internal timer will be initialized to the number of minutes set
in the DELAY PERIOD parameter at system power-up and after a
reset. This timer is restarted each time a call is made to the host.
A call to the host is defined as any transaction, including financial,
balancing and configuration that actually communicates with the
host to the point that the Terminal ID is recognized. A customer
transaction that is declined will reset the timer, while a call that fails
because the host phone number was busy would not.
It is important to remember that as long as transactions are being
done on the terminal on a regular basis, Heartbeat Message calls
will not be made. The sole purpose of these calls is to let the host
know that the terminal is OK when it is NOT performing regular
transactions.
Because the primary purpose of the Heartbeat Message call is to
let the host know everything is all right, a Heartbeat Message call
that DOES NOT succeed for any reason is not retried. If the call
does fail, the interval timer will be reset and the terminal will re-
main in service.
While the concept of the Heartbeat Message call is simple, inter-
preting the absence of an expected call must be explained. Listed
below are reasons why Heartbeat Message calls will not be re-
ceived at the host either when expected or at all.
Feature Not Turned On
Obviously, if the feature in not enabled, no Heartbeat Message
calls will be made.
Terminal is Doing Transactions
If the terminal does at least one regular customer transaction or
balancing transaction before the interval timer, no Heartbeat Mes-
sage call will be made.
Terminal is in Management Function Mode
Heartbeat Message calls are suspended while the terminal is in
the Management mode, although the interval timer continues to
run. If the timer expires while the terminal is in this mode, the call
will be delayed until the terminal returns to the normal service mode.
Terminal is Out of Service
When the terminal goes out of service, one Heartbeat Message
call is made. After that call, all further calls are suspended until it is
returned to normal service.