Comtec Encore 4, User Manual, Page: 25 / 36

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SRRF Network Overview
The short range RF network operates as a collection of
linked pairs of terminals and printers. There is no base
station or centralized control; control of the network is
distributed across the entire network.
Before SRRF operation can begin, the Encore 4 must
be “linked” to a terminal with a compatible short-range
radio. Linking means that addresses are exchanged
between the terminal and the printer. Once linked, the
terminal and the printer become a “linked pair” and com-
municate exclusively with each other. The power can be
cycled on both the terminal and the printer without affect-
ing the link; the link remains valid until another link is
deliberately created. Thus it is not necessary to perform a
link every time that the equipment is used. So long as
the linked pair is kept together, they remain linked indefi-
nitely. If the linked pair is not stored together, then the
terminal and printer selected should be linked prior to
use.
Multiple linked pairs can be operated in close quarters
and each terminal will only communicate with its linked
printer. Each radio in the network has a device address
(terminal or printer), so every device is guaranteed to
have a unique address.
Linking From the Terminal to the Printer
The linking operation can be activated from either the
terminal or the printer. If the terminal has a scanner
available, then the bar-coded serial number on the side of
every printer can be scanned. The terminal can then
determine the printer address and can force a link to that
printer. A terminal can initiate a link even if no scanner is
available if the user manually enters the serial number of
the printer; however, this method is not recommended.
The terminal cannot control the scanner. The terminal
must be programmed to guide the user through scanning