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Hardware Freedom & BYOD Setup

Use any device as your POS - no proprietary hardware required.

Overview​

Restaurant Revolution works on virtually any Android device:

  • Tablets - Any Android tablet 10" or larger
  • Phones - Android phones for mobile POS
  • Chromebooks - Chrome OS devices
  • Fire Tablets - Amazon tablets with Play Store
  • Dedicated Terminals - Sunmi, PAX, and other POS devices

Benefits:

  • Zero hardware lock-in
  • Use devices you already own
  • Buy affordable generic hardware
  • Instant setup with auto-configuration
  • Save thousands vs proprietary systems

Supported Devices​

CategoryDevicesStarting Price
Budget TabletSamsung Galaxy Tab A, Lenovo Tab M10$150
Mid-RangeSamsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite$300
PremiumSamsung Galaxy Tab S9$450
Dedicated POSSunmi T2, Sunmi D2$400
ChromebookLenovo Duet, HP x2$250

Minimum Requirements​

SpecMinimumRecommended
OSAndroid 10+Android 12+
Screen8" (tablet), 5" (phone)10"+
RAM3GB4GB+
Storage32GB64GB+
WiFi802.11n802.11ac

Device Capabilities Auto-Detected​

When you set up a device, we automatically detect:

  • Screen size and resolution
  • NFC support (for tap payments)
  • Bluetooth (for peripherals)
  • Camera (for barcode scanning)
  • Battery capacity
  • Performance tier

Quick Setup​

Step 1: Download the App​

  1. Open Google Play Store on your device
  2. Search for "Restaurant Revolution"
  3. Install the app
  4. Open and sign in with your manager credentials

Step 2: Register Device​

  1. App detects device capabilities automatically
  2. Enter device name (e.g., "Counter 1", "Bar Terminal")
  3. Select location (for multi-location)
  4. Choose device role:
    • POS Terminal - Full ordering and payment
    • Order Entry - Orders only, no payments
    • KDS - Kitchen display
    • Customer Display - Customer-facing screen

Step 3: Configure Role​

Based on the role, configure:

For POS Terminal:

  • Assign to station/register
  • Enable payment methods
  • Set receipt printer
  • Configure cash drawer

For KDS:

  • Select kitchen stations to display
  • Set display preferences
  • Configure alert sounds

Step 4: Connect Peripherals​

  1. Go to Settings → Hardware → Peripherals
  2. Tap Discover Devices
  3. Select peripherals to connect
  4. Test each peripheral

Peripheral Setup​

Receipt Printers​

Supported Printers:

BrandModelsConnection
StarTSP100, TSP143, mPOPUSB, Bluetooth, WiFi
EpsonTM-T20, TM-T88, TM-m30USB, Bluetooth, WiFi
BixolonSRP-350, SRP-380USB, Bluetooth
GenericESC/POS compatibleVaries

Setup Steps:

  1. Go to Settings → Hardware → Printers
  2. Tap Add Printer
  3. Select connection type:
    • Bluetooth - Pair in device settings first
    • WiFi - Enter printer IP address
    • USB - Connect cable, auto-detected
  4. Select printer model or "Generic ESC/POS"
  5. Print test receipt
  6. Assign to station(s)

Cash Drawers​

Setup:

  1. Connect drawer to printer (RJ12 cable) or USB
  2. Go to Settings → Hardware → Cash Drawer
  3. Select connection method
  4. Test drawer open
  5. Configure auto-open settings:
    • Open on cash payment
    • Open on paid-out
    • Require manager for no-sale open

Barcode Scanners​

Supported Types:

TypeConnectionBest For
HandheldBluetooth, USBCounter service
PresentationUSBHigh-volume scanning
Camera-basedBuilt-in cameraBasic scanning

Setup:

  1. Pair Bluetooth scanner or connect USB
  2. Go to Settings → Hardware → Scanners
  3. Test scan a barcode
  4. Configure scan actions:
    • Add item to order
    • Look up item
    • Apply discount code

Customer Displays​

Options:

TypeSetup
Attached DisplaySecond screen on POS device
Separate TabletDedicated customer-facing device
Pole DisplayUSB character display

Setup:

  1. Go to Settings → Hardware → Customer Display
  2. Select display type
  3. Configure what to show:
    • Order items as added
    • Order total
    • Promotional content
    • Tip selection screen

Kitchen Printers​

For backup or specific stations:

  1. Go to Settings → Hardware → Kitchen Printers
  2. Add printer (same as receipt printer)
  3. Assign to kitchen stations
  4. Configure print format:
    • Font size
    • Print modifiers
    • Chit format

Device Management​

Viewing All Devices​

  1. Go to Settings → Hardware → Devices
  2. See all registered devices:
    • Device name and type
    • Status (online/offline)
    • Last seen
    • App version

Remote Configuration​

Update settings remotely:

  1. Select device from list
  2. Available actions:
    • Change device name
    • Update role/station
    • Push app update
    • Restart app remotely
    • View diagnostics

Health Monitoring​

Monitor device health:

IndicatorMeaning
GreenOnline, healthy
YellowOnline, warning (low battery, etc.)
RedOffline or error
GrayNot seen recently

Alerts​

Get notified when:

  • Device goes offline for 5+ minutes
  • Battery drops below 20%
  • Storage is nearly full
  • App crash detected
  • Printer disconnected

Network Setup​

WiFi Requirements​

RequirementRecommendation
Speed25 Mbps+ per location
Band5GHz preferred
Coverage-65 dBm minimum at all POS stations
Dedicated NetworkSeparate SSID for POS devices

Network Architecture​

Internet
    │
    ▼
┌─────────┐
│ Router  │
└────┬────┘
     │
     ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│         Restaurant Network          │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│  POS Devices    │  Printers         │
│  - Tablet 1     │  - Receipt 1      │
│  - Tablet 2     │  - Receipt 2      │
│  - Phone 1      │  - Kitchen        │
│                 │                   │
│  KDS Displays   │  Other            │
│  - Line 1       │  - Cash Drawer    │
│  - Line 2       │  - Customer Disp  │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘

Firewall Rules​

Allow outbound:

  • HTTPS (443) - API communication
  • MQTT (8883) - Real-time sync
  • NTP (123) - Time sync

Offline Mode​

How It Works​

Devices continue working without internet:

FeatureOffline Capability
Take Orders✅ Full functionality
Print Receipts✅ Works normally
Cash Payments✅ Works normally
Card Payments⚠️ Store & forward
Menu Updates❌ Uses cached menu
Reports⚠️ Limited to local data

Automatic Sync​

When connection returns:

  1. Queued orders sync to cloud
  2. Card payments process
  3. Inventory updates
  4. Reports update
  5. Menu changes apply

Offline Indicators​

IconStatus
🟢Online, synced
🟡Online, syncing
🔴Offline, queuing

Troubleshooting​

Device Won't Register​

Check:

  1. Internet connection active
  2. Signed in with correct credentials
  3. Account has device slots available
  4. App is latest version

Printer Not Working​

Try:

  1. Check power and connections
  2. Print test page from printer itself
  3. Re-pair Bluetooth if wireless
  4. Check paper loaded correctly
  5. Restart printer
  6. Remove and re-add in app

Slow Performance​

Solutions:

  1. Close other apps
  2. Clear app cache
  3. Restart device
  4. Check available storage (need 1GB+ free)
  5. Verify network speed

Peripheral Disconnects​

For Bluetooth:

  1. Check battery on peripheral
  2. Move closer to device
  3. Reduce interference (microwaves, etc.)
  4. Re-pair device

For WiFi Printers:

  1. Check printer network status
  2. Verify same network as device
  3. Check IP hasn't changed (use static IP)

Best Practices​

Device Selection​

DoDon't
Buy from certified listUse very old devices
Get commercial-grade for heavy useRely solely on consumer tablets
Keep spare devicesHave single points of failure
Use protective casesLeave devices unprotected

Network​

DoDon't
Use dedicated POS networkShare with guest WiFi
Install quality access pointsUse consumer routers
Test coverage everywhereAssume coverage is adequate
Have backup internetRely on single connection

Maintenance​

TaskFrequency
Clean screensDaily
Check connectionsWeekly
Update appsWhen notified
Test peripheralsWeekly
Battery health checkMonthly

Security​

Device Security​

Required settings:

  • Screen lock enabled (PIN or password)
  • Auto-lock after 5 minutes idle
  • Remote wipe capability enabled
  • Encryption enabled

Peripheral Security​

  • Change default printer passwords
  • Use WPA3 for wireless printers
  • Disable unused printer features
  • Regular firmware updates

Access Control​

  • Each user has own login
  • Manager PIN for sensitive functions
  • Audit log tracks all actions
  • Devices can be remotely disabled
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