USA Technologies (NASDAQ: USAT), a leading supplier of networked devices and wireless non-cash transactions, associated financial/network services and energy management, announced today the launch of its ePort Wireless Test Kit designed to test for optimum wireless signal strength when installing the Company's ePort line of wireless cashless payment devices.
"Customers told us they wanted a simple and accurate way to survey wireless signal strength for maximum operational effectiveness when deploying their cashless vending machines, or unattended POS terminals," said Ron Fridman, Vice President, Technology and Product Development of USA Technologies, Inc. "The Wireless Test Kit is a tool that we believe gives customers an easy, inexpensive and reliable way to test signal strength for wireless, cashless technology, before or during deployment."
The ePort Wireless Test Kit is equipped with a Wireless RSSI (Receive Signal Strength Indicator) Meter that reads the available wireless signal strength and measures the quality of the signal to maximize the operational reliability of the ePort wireless card reader. The kit gives operators the ability to survey the suitability of market locations where they are considering adding the ePort Cashless Payments System to their vending machines, kiosks or other self-service retail machines. The Wireless Test Kit enables owners and operators to determine in advance if sufficient wireless signal is available, if additional parts are required to boost the signal, or if alternative methods of connectivity should be considered.
"USA Technologies has developed a wireless test kit that is easy to use, reliable, and takes the guesswork out of deploying cashless to our vending machines in the field," said Tom Beals, Director of Operations, Southern Refreshments. "It's a tremendous benefit, before we talk to the customer, to know that a location is well suited for wireless connectivity, or to work with USAT on how to boost signal where it's weak. The signal strength testing becomes part of deployment planning and there are no surprises once the ePort card reader is installed. The wireless kit really is a simple way to help with the successful implementation of cashless technology."
The test kit supports the Deployment Planning Service that USA Technologies developed in response to customer requests for guidance on when, where and how to deploy cashless vending services for optimum performance. The service helps customers identify the best locations throughout their operation and create a strategic deployment plan using USAT's market intelligence and experience in the industry.
"USA Technologies is committed to developing solutions that we believe will help customers who make the decision to convert their machines to cashless, convenient and profitable. The new ePort Wireless Test Kit is an example of USAT working to meet the needs of its customers and helping to ensure their success," said Mr. Fridman.
The ePort Wireless Test Kit features:
• A Battery capable of more than 400 site audits
• Signal strength translated into easy-to-read bar graphics, numbers and descriptions
• Measures Bit Error Rate (BER) - to measure transmission quality
• A standard lithium battery pack (CR-V3), available at most major electronics retailers
The ePort Wireless Test Kit is designed to mimic the performance of the USA Technologies' ePort devices. The kit contains the ePort Wireless RSSI Meter and battery pack and is enclosed in an impact-resistant carrying case. The ePort Wireless RSSI Meter is patent pending.