Monday, May 11, 2009

Alien Autopsy : Wierd POS terminal



I found this item on a recent trip to the Raleigh Flea Market. It appeared to be some sort of custom point-of sale terminal. It had :

  • smart card slot
  • credit card scanner
  • PC card attachment
  • large rectangular touch screen
There were no external markings. It was only $1, so what the heck. As is usual with such items, I take them apart.

The internals are a spectacular mess. Wires go in every direction. Copious silicone caulk holds it together. The PC Card/flash connector on the back goes nowhere. Apparently a design change.

I am impressed at the volume of stuff they managed to jam in there :
  • smart card reader
  • credit card scanner
  • processor board
  • VGA PC Card
  • thermal printer
  • 2 rechargable batteries
  • 2 alkaline batteries, caulked in place
  • 4 AA battery holder
  • 2 AA battery holder
  • LCD touch screen
  • 2 pushbuttons
And of course the case, which is the best part. It will make a nice case for an upcoming project.

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