Frontier User Manual

TSP156.doc

Issue 1.1 April 2008

This document is the copyright of Money Controls Ltd and may not be reproduced in part or in total by any means,
electronic or otherwise, without the written permission of Money Controls Ltd. Money Controls Ltd does not accept liability
for any errors or omissions contained within this document. Money Controls Ltd shall not incur any penalties arising out of
the adherence to, interpretation of, or reliance on, this standard. Money Controls Ltd will provide full support for this
product when used as described within this document. Use in applications not covered or outside the scope of this
document may not be supported. Money Controls Ltd. reserves the right to amend, improve or change the product referred
to within this document or the document itself at any time.
Money Controls 2008. All rights reserved.

Frontier User Manual

TSP156.doc

Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.

Diary of Changes.......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Kit Contents.................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Installation .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.1
Hardware installation.............................................................................................................................................. 6
4.2
Ardac Elite Driver Installation ................................................................................................................................. 7
4.3
Software installation ............................................................................................................................................. 10
4.4
Setting up Frontier................................................................................................................................................ 11
4.41 To determine the correct com port. .................................................................................................................. 11
4.5
Registering Frontier.............................................................................................................................................. 12
5. Run levels ................................................................................................................................................................... 13
6. Using the software ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
6.1
General Features (Customer Level) ..................................................................................................................... 14
6.11 History .............................................................................................................................................................. 14
6.11,1
6.11,2
6.11,3

6.12

Options ............................................................................................................................................................. 15

6.12,1
6.12,2

6.13

Use Escrow .................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Use Stacker.................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Tools ................................................................................................................................................................ 15

6.13,1
6.13,2
6.13,3

6.14

Show .............................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Hide ................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Clear............................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Flight Recorder............................................................................................................................................................... 15
Audit Data....................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Reset .............................................................................................................................................................................. 16

Setup................................................................................................................................................................ 17

6.14,1
6.14,2

Comms ........................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Register .......................................................................................................................................................................... 17

6.15 About ................................................................................................................................................................ 17

6.2
<Information> ....................................................................................................................................................... 18
6.3
<Note Program>................................................................................................................................................... 18
6.4
<Firmware> .......................................................................................................................................................... 19
6.5
<Diagnostics>....................................................................................................................................................... 20
6.51 Tools ................................................................................................................................................................ 20
6.51,1
6.51,2
6.51,3

6.52

Reset .............................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Self Test ......................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Eeprom - Save ............................................................................................................................................................... 21

View ................................................................................................................................................................. 22

6.52,1
6.52,2
6.52,3

Read Optos .................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Read Inputs .................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Opto States .................................................................................................................................................................... 23

6.53 Motor Control.................................................................................................................................................... 23

6.54 Stacker Cycle <Cycle> ..................................................................................................................................... 24
6.55 <Clear> ............................................................................................................................................................ 24
6.56 <Close> ............................................................................................................................................................ 24
6.6
Note Handle Non Escrow Mode ........................................................................................................................ 25
6.7
Note Handle Escrow Mode................................................................................................................................ 27
6.71,1
6.71,2
6.71,3

<Return Note>................................................................................................................................................................ 27
<Route Note> ................................................................................................................................................................. 27
<Wait in Escrow> ........................................................................................................................................................... 27

6.8
<Demo> ............................................................................................................................................................... 28
6.9
<Macro> ............................................................................................................................................................... 29
7. Troubleshooting and support ................................................................................................................................... 30
7.1
Troubleshooting guide.......................................................................................................................................... 30
7.2
USB-RS232 converters ........................................................................................................................................ 30
7.3
Support................................................................................................................................................................. 31
7.4
Spares.................................................................................................................................................................. 31

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

8.

Appendix 1 (Data Grab Level) ................................................................................................................................... 32

8.1
Options................................................................................................................................................................. 32
8.11 Grab Accepts.................................................................................................................................................... 32
8.12 Grab Rejects .................................................................................................................................................... 32
8.2
Tools .................................................................................................................................................................... 33
8.21 Grab Last Note ................................................................................................................................................. 33
9. Appendix 1 (Engineering Level)................................................................................................................................ 34
9.1
Merge Firmware + Note Table.............................................................................................................................. 34

Figures
Figure 1: Power Connections ................................................................................................................................................. 6
Figure 2: Front USB port position........................................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 3: Frontier Run Levels............................................................................................................................................... 13

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Frontier User Manual

1.

TSP156.doc

Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Diary of Changes
Issue 1.0 ..................................................................................................................................March 2008
1st Issue
Issue 1.1 ............................................................................................................................. 28th April 2008
Corrected typing errors

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Frontier User Manual

2.

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Introduction
Frontier is a software package to support Money Controls Ardac Elite note acceptor (also called BNVs).
The Frontier software enables the Ardac Elite to be programmed with Note Tables, Firmware and
Macros. In addition access is available to change user definable options as well as full diagnostics
features can be performed.

3.

Kit Contents
The Frontier kit consists of the following items: 1 x Software installation CD.
1 x User Guide
1 x USB Comms cable A to B.

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Frontier User Manual

4.
4.1

TSP156.doc

Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Installation
Hardware installation
1. Connect power to the Elite via either the 2 way power connector (Ardac Elite for IGT) A or via
the 20 way connector (All other customers) B.
Please refer to the Ardac Elite Technical Manual TSP139 for more information.

Figure 1: Power Connections

2. Connect rectangular end A of the USB lead to a free USB communications port on the
computer and then connect the square end B of the USB cable to the corresponding socket on
the front of the Ardac Elite as shown below.

Figure 2: Front USB port position

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4.2

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Ardac Elite Driver Installation

1. Once the Ardac Elite has been connected to the PC, and powered up, then the drivers need to
be installed.
2. Follow the steps below to install the new Drivers
3. Select No, not this time and click on <Next>.

Select No
Click Next

4. You are first asked to install the Ardac Elite driver.

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4. <Browse> for the directory of the drivers, press <OK> then <Next>.

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

5. Ignore the following warning and <Continue Anyway>

6. Click on <Finish>

7. Repeat steps 1 to 5 for the installation of the

Ardac Elite USB Serial Port
Note:- The drivers are in the same location.
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4.3

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Software installation
Place the Frontier installation CD into your CD ROM drive. Open the CD directory and choose
setup.exe
The following on-screen instructions will be displayed.
Click on the buttons highlighted in Red.

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Frontier User Manual

4.4

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Setting up Frontier
Connect power to the Ardac Elite.
Ensure the LED on the front is flashing Green.
Connect the front USB port on the Ardac Elite to the PC.
Start Frontier by selecting it from the programs menu (Start\Programs\Money Controls\Frontier).
If the following screen appears, either the Ardac Elite is not connected or the incorrect com port has
been selected.

4.41

TO DETERMINE THE CORRECT COM PORT.

Goto Device Manager.
Open the branch Ports (COM & LPT)
Check if Ardac Elite USB Serial Port is present.
Note the Com Port number and change the screen above to the same.

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Frontier User Manual

4.5

TSP156.doc

Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Registering Frontier
Connect power to the Ardac Elite.
Ensure the LED on the front is flashing Green.
Connect the front USB port on the Ardac Elite to the PC.
Start Frontier by selecting it from the programs menu (Start\Programs\Money Controls\Frontier). The
following screen will be displayed.

Money Controls Technical

Services will supply a new
number which should be
entered here, press <OK> to
continue.

When the screen above is displayed, contact Money Controls Technical Services on the number
shown, or at technical.uk@moneycontrols.com quoting the Current Key and the Lock Code.
If the following screen appears, then the Elite is Not Connected or the Com Port has not been
correctly set see section 4.41.

Once the registration is complete, the following screen will be displayed.

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Frontier User Manual

5.

TSP156.doc

Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Run levels
Frontier has three different run levels, which allow the various features to be used. Below is a
spreadsheet which shows which features the run levels allow. The run level is decided when the product
is registered.

Figure 3: Frontier Run Levels

Information
Note Program
Firmware
Diagnostics
Note Handle
Demo
Macro
Exit
History Show
Hide
Clear
Options Use Escrow
Use Stacker
Grab Accept
Grab Rejects
Flight Recorder
Tools
Audit Data
Merge Firmware +
Note Table
Reset
Grab Last Note
Comms
Setup
Register
About

Customer
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x

x
x
x
x

Data
grab
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x

Engineer
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Page
See Section 6.2
See Section 6.3
See Section 6.4
See Section 6.5
See Section 6.6
See Section 6.8
See Section 6.9
See Section 6.11,1
See Section 6.11,2
See Section 6.11,3
See Section 6.12,1 & 6.7
See Section 6.12,2
See Section 8.11
See Section 8.12
See Section 6.13,1
See Section 6.13,2

See Section 9.1

x
x
x
x
x

See Section 6.13,3

See Section 8.21
See Section 6.14,1
See Section 6.14,2
See Section 6.15

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Frontier User Manual

6.

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Using the software

This manual will show each feature step by step, starting with the general features which do not depend
on the access level, then showing the features which the higher run levels allow.
To skip directly to the desired feature/run level, use the links on the contents page Figure 3: Frontier
Run Levels.

6.1

General Features (Customer Level)

Some of the more obvious features do not require screenshots.
Exit This exits the program.
Tools / Reset This resets the Ardac Elite.
Setup / Register This returns to the registration screen See section 4.5.

6.11

HISTORY

6.11,1 Show
This shows a log of events with times.

Select the History

Show menu OR
Double Click the
black bar to show
the History.

6.11,2 Hide
This hides the History screen.
6.11,3 Clear
This will clear the History screen.

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Frontier User Manual

6.12

TSP156.doc

Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

OPTIONS

6.12,1 Use Escrow

To confirm the operation of Escrow Mode check [Use Escrow], otherwise leave un-checked.
See section 6.7 for further details.
6.12,2 Use Stacker
check if a stacker is fitted. uncheck if operating without a stacker.

6.13

TOOLS

6.13,1 Flight Recorder

Flight Recorder is data stored in the Ardac Elite which contains data as to why a note has
rejected and which note it could possibly have been. This data can then be used by Money
Controls to improve the acceptance of the Ardac Elite.
It may be required that this data is sent via e-mail to Money Controls.

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

6.13,2 Audit Data

This is more data stored by the Ardac Elite as to reasons for rejection, i.e. DIP Switch Inhibit,
Host Reject, Host Inhibit, Validation etc etc.
Money Controls and the operators, can then use the information to calculate acceptance rates
based on validation rejects only.
The information below shows that 1 Coupon was accepted, 4 notes from location 01 (5) and
3 notes from location 02 (10). See Information screen section 6.2
<Clear History>
This will Delete the Audit Data from the Ardac Elites memory

6.13,3 Reset
This will send a ccTalk Reset command to the Ardac Elite and a soft reset will be performed.

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6.14

TSP156.doc

Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

SETUP

6.14,1 Comms
Various communication parameters can be setup here.

Shown are the default

settings.
The only item which may
need to be changed is the
Communication Port.
See section 4.41 for
further information.

6.14,2 Register
After the 12 month license period expires, or before, the software can be re-registered by
following the information on the screen below.
When the screen below is displayed, contact Money Controls Technical Services on the
number shown, or at technical.uk@moneycontrols.com quoting the Current Key and the
Lock Code.

6.15

ABOUT
The about screen shows the version number of Frontier, along with the time and date of creation.
To access this screen, choose About menu from the main screen.

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6.2

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

<Information>
This shows various information about the BNV.

The above shows BV information. The most useful items being Software Version, Currency
Revision and the actual notes programmed. Shown is the Euro tables EU-001 (type 1) / 014
(Revision of tables) which accept 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros and the firmware version
is AEN (Netplex) F1 (type 1) V7.04.

6.3

<Note Program>
This button allows the user to program Note Tables separately from the Firmware.
NOTE:- This CANNOT be used on a NETPLEX Ardac Elite. It can only be used on ID003
and ccTalk.
The tables are stored in .TAB files and will be located in C:\Program Files\Money Controls\
Common\Notes
Simply highlight the file and click <Open> or click / double click on the .TAB file required.

Once programming is complete, the Ardac Elite will reset.

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6.4

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

<Firmware>
This button allows the user to program Firmware separately from the Note Tables.
This button is also used to program Netplex Combined Firmware and Note Tables.
The Firmware is stored in .Bin files and will be located in C:\Program Files\Money Controls\
Common\Firmware.
Simply highlight the file and click <Open> or click / double click on the .bin file required.
Firmware descriptions:
XE024 = Netplex Combined Core and Tables - firmware
AE3. = ID003 firmware
AEC.= ccTalk firmware

Note:- Firmware can only be updated or rolled back, It CANNOT be used to

change from one protocol to another.
Should this be attempted, the following message will appear.

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6.5

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

<Diagnostics>

6.51

TOOLS

6.51,1 Reset
This will send a ccTalk Reset command to the Ardac Elite and a soft reset will be performed.
6.51,2 Self Test
This will cause the Ardac Elite to perform a self test. Any issue that is found will be displayed
in the view pane as shown below.

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6.51,3 Eeprom - Save

This will save an encrypted file of the contents of the Ardac Elite memory, which can be used
by Money Controls to diagnose any problems which may be occurring.

The location of the maps directory is shown below.

The filename will be saved as Ardac6 + Serial number .map e.g. Ardac6_15977.map
Click on <Save> and send to technical.uk@moneycontrols.com.

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6.52

TSP156.doc

VIEW

6.52,1 Read Optos

Shows the A/D Voltage values of the various internal optics
Shown below are nominal values.

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6.52,2 Read Inputs

Shows actual A/D values of the various internal optics.
Also DIP switch positions and stacker conditions
Shown below are nominal values.

6.52,3 Opto States

Shows the condition of the various internal optics clear or blocked.
The Barcode receivers should always = black bar unless faulty.
Shown below are quiescent values.

6.53

MOTOR CONTROL
This tests if the Transport motor is functioning correctly.
<Forward> starts the motor to accept notes.
<Stop> stops the motor
<Reverse> starts the motor so notes are rejected
The motors will continue in the same direction until
<Stop> is clicked.
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6.54

TSP156.doc

STACKER CYCLE <CYCLE>

Click this button to cycle the stacker once.

The following message may appear this is not a fault.

6.55

<CLEAR>
Clears the contents of the Diagnostics window.

6.56

<CLOSE>
Closes the Diagnostics screen.

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Frontier User Manual

6.6

TSP156.doc

Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Note Handle Non Escrow Mode

This test allows the user to perform acceptance tests of true notes and or fraud notes.
Click on <Note Handle>.
The following screen will be seen.

Click <No>
Frontier will then read the note IDs and the following screen will be displayed.

When a note is accepted, the value will be displayed in the window as shown below and the
Accepted counter will be incremented.

Should a note be rejected, the reason for rejection will be displayed in the window as shown below
and the Rejected counter will increment.

Click <Abort> to cancel the test.

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

If only specific notes are required for acceptance testing, then specific notes can be enabled or
disabled as follows.
When the screen below appears, click <Yes>.

The following screen will be displayed.

Check a note to accept, uncheck to reject.
In the following example, only the English 5, 20 and 50 will accept.
Click <OK>

Now when a note is rejected, the following 2 screens will be shown.

Followed by:-

Note:- the Rejected counter will still increment.

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6.7

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Note Handle Escrow Mode

Ensure the Escrow menu is checked.

Click on <Note Handle>.

Now the following screen will be seen.

By default the note will stay in Escrow for around 10 seconds and then return.
6.71,1 <Return Note>
Click to immediately return the note from Escrow.
6.71,2 <Route Note>
Click to immediately accept the note.
6.71,3 <Wait in Escrow>
When clicked, the note will remain in Escrow for approx another 10 secs unless <Return
Note> or <Route Note> is clicked.

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6.8

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

<Demo>
The Demo button allows users to see the scanning techniques used by Ardac Elite.
Click <Demo> the following screen will be displayed.

Enter a note. The note will be displayed whether it is accepted or rejected.

Click on the image text See above.
By clicking on the Red Green Blue RGB buttons below, 3 of the wavelengths can be seen plus the
combination of all 3 as shown below.

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6.9

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

<Macro>
Click on the <Macro> button.
The macros should be stored in the path as shown below. If not, <Browse> to their location.
Highlight the required macro and click <OK> or double click on the required macro.

Click on the required answer.

When finished, the status will be displayed.

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7.
7.1

TSP156.doc

Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Troubleshooting and support

Troubleshooting guide
The most common problem is no communication. This is caused by either no power to the Elite, no
USB (FRONT) connection or the wrong comm. port setting.
Should any of the following screens be seen then this is an indication of the problem stated above.
See section 4.41 for further details of how to find the correct comm. port.

Press <Cancel> <No> and select the correct

Comm. port ensuring the other parameters
shown are also the same.

If the Enter Security Code screen reappears, then either the comm.. port is
still incorrect, there is no power or
there is no USB connection to the
Front of the Ardac Elite.

7.2

USB-RS232 converters
Any questions regarding USB-RS232 converters with Frontier should be directed towards your local
Money Controls Technical Services dept (see Support).

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7.3

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Support
For support using this software, please contact your local Money Controls Technical Services office.
Money Controls UK - Technical Services
Tel: +44 (0) 161 955 0124
E-mail: technical.uk@moneycontrols.com
Website: http://www.moneycontrols.com/support/technical_support.asp

7.4

Spares
For price and availability please contact your local Money Controls Customer Services Dept:
Money Controls UK Customer Services
Tel: +44 (0) 161 955 0176
E-mail: orders@moneycontrols.com
Website: http://www.moneycontrols.com/support/customer_support.asp

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Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Appendix 1 (Data Grab Level)

From the Data Grab Level of Frontier, further options are available to the user.
Under the Menu Bar - Options, Grab Accepts and Grab Rejects will be shown.

8.1

Options

8.11

GRAB ACCEPTS
When checked, this mode will download data from note which have been accepted.
Hence, this should be used for Fraud data grabbing.

8.12

GRAB REJECTS
When checked, this mode will download data from note which have been rejected.
Hence, this should be used for True Note data grabbing in poor acceptance conditions.

Complete the above form (the same form is used for BOTH grab accepts and grab rejects) with
the Country, Value, Issue, Orientation and if the note is a fraud, check the fraud check box and
enter a brief description of the fraud including the serial number of the note.
Then click <OK>.
The data will be stored in C:\Program Files\Money Controls\Frontier\Data Grabs.

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8.2
8.21

TSP156.doc

Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Tools
GRAB LAST NOTE
After accepting a note during <Note Handle>, the data can be grabbed from the last note
accepted.
After the note required has been accepted, close the Note Handling screen and select [Grab Last
Note].

The
following screen will
appear.
Complete the form below with the Country, Value, Issue, Orientation and if the note is a fraud,
check the fraud check box and enter a brief description of the fraud including the serial number
of the note.
Then click <OK>.
The data will be stored in C:\Program Files\Money Controls\Frontier\Data Grabs.

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9.
9.1

TSP156.doc

Issue 1.1 Apr 2008

Appendix 1 (Engineering Level)

Merge Firmware + Note Table
The Engineering level allows the firmware and Tables to be combined.
Select [Merge Firmware + Note Table].

Click <Select FW> and locate the firmware file.

Click <Select NT> and locate the note tables.
Select the protocol for how the tables are to be combined ID003 in the example below.
Click <Save>.

Select the directory to save to and click <Save>.

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This manual is intended only to assist the reader in the use of this product and therefore
Money Controls shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising form the use
of any information or particulars in, or any incorrect use of the product. Money Controls
reserve the right to change product specifications on any item without prior notice

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