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6. COMMUNICATION
Up to 32 ECRs can be linked together to form part of an IRC (Inter Register Communication) network.
Peripheral devices such as Order Printers and Slip Printers can be linked to the IRC network.
One machine is designated as the 'master' machine and the others are referred to as 'slaves'.
The IRC network is used for a number of purposes:
- To allow both individual and consolidated sales information (reports) to be collected by a master terminal or
a PC via the master terminal.
- To allow program changes made on the master terminal or a PC to be sent to all other or selected terminals.
- To allow peripheral devices (e.g. printers) to be attached.
- To allow floating clerks.
- To allow floating tracks.
A link from the master to a PC enables a PC to be connected either on-site or remotely via a modem.
Communications between the PC and individual terminals are routed automatically by the master terminal. In
the event of the master terminal failure any of the slave terminals can be re-designated as a master.
