Hardware Requirements

iPad

• Apple tablet that operates as the EPOS terminal
• The iPad can also operate as your Main Device or “the brain” of your system when operating 2-5 iPads. When operating as the main device the iPad can also be used as a terminal, but it is strongly advised that it is kept stationary in a stand in a secure place. No other apps should be used on your main device iPad.

• TouchBistro is compatible with all iPad models, with the exception of the first generation iPad, iPad 2, and the iPad 3rd and 4th generations. However, we strongly suggest always purchasing the latest iPad models for the best experience and longevity of support.

Recommended models when iPad is acting as your Main Device: iPad 6th or 7th generation
Recommended models for POS terminal iPads: iPad 9.7” (2018), iPad Mini 5 (2019), iPad Air (2019)
Not Supported: First generation iPad, iPad 2, iPad Mini 1, iPad 3rd / 4th Generation

Apple Mac Mini Computer

• Acts as the server or “the brain” of the system and is required for users with 6 or more connected iPads
• Stores all of your restaurant’s TouchBistro data
• Syncs all iPads, so changes on one iPad are made to all the others
• iPad solutions with 6 or more iPads require either a Mac Mini or an iMac Computer

• Required for set-ups using 6-15 iPads
• Requires monitor, keyboard, and mouse to operate

Model: 3.6GHz quad-core 8th-generation Intel Core i3 processor 8GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory PCI-E-based SSD Storage (128GB Minimum)

Note: TouchBistro requires a Mac computer with a PCIe-based Flash Storage drive.

Note: TouchBistro is not suitable for use on Mac computers with ATA drives or Fusion drives, regardless of storage capacity.

Apple TV

• Apple TV is a digital media player that can receive and stream data (ie. video) to a television or display screen.
• Allows you to display your TouchBistro Digital Menu Board on a television

Model: Apple TV 4K 32GB

AmpliFi HD Mesh Router

• The AmpliFi™ HD (High Density) Mesh Router provides a secure, local wireless coverage
• Enables the EPOS iPads and printers to communicate with each other wirelessly

• Creates a separate Wi-Fi network for your TouchBistro EPOS
• Can be used as a stand-alone router or with other AmpliFi™ for additional wireless coverage

AmpliFi MeshPoint HD

• AmpliFi™ MeshPoint HD (High Density) pairs with the AmpliFi™ Router to expand the coverage of an AmpliFi™ network
• Features an adjustable super antenna

• Add as needed to eliminate dead spots in your venue

Impact Printer

• The recommended printer for printing kitchen tickets (Impact printers are designed to work in high heat environments)
• Makes noise to alert kitchen staff of new ticket
• Prints to 2-ply paper to create double copies of your kitchen tickets
• Wired to the router via Ethernet cable

• Impact paper required
• TouchBistro is not compatible with USB or parallel printers

Star Micronics Impact – SP 700 series

Thermal Printer

• Prints receipts/chits from the iPad wirelessly
• Wired to the router via Ethernet cable

• Thermal paper required
• TouchBistro is not compatible with USB (type A/B/C/), serial, and/or parallel printers

Star Micronics: TSP100III series (143IIIL), TSP100 series (113L/143L), TSP650 II. Note: TSP100ECO Thermal Printers are not supported.

Wireless and USB Thermal Printers

• For simple setups like a food truck, a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB printer might do the trick.
• A good solution for iPads with cellular connectivity. Print directly to the printer via Bluetooth or through an Apple Lighting Cable. No router required.

• Thermal paper required

Star Micronics: TSP143IIIU, TSP143IIIBI, TSP650IIBI. Note: The TSP143U should not be confused with the TSP143IIIU. The TSP143U does not support a Lightning cable.

Multiple Connectivity Thermal Printers

• Next generation thermal printer that lets you connect via Ethernet or Apple Lighting Cable.
• Grows with your business, allowing you to connect future peripherals right through the printer.

• Thermal paper required
• Model with Bluetooth connectivity is supported but not sold through TouchBistro

Star Micronics: mC-Print3

Ethernet Thermal Printers

• Silent Ethernet printer for printing receipts in the front of house
• Prints receipts from the iPad wirelessly
• Wired to the router via Ethernet cable

• Thermal paper required
• TouchBistro is not compatible with USB (type A/B/C/), serial, and/or parallel printers

Star Micronics: TSP100III series (143IIIL), TSP100 series (113L/143L), TSP650 II.
Note: TSP100ECO Thermal Printers are not supported.
Epson: TM-T88VI (Models T88V and lower not supported).

Cash Drawer

• Traditional printer-driven cash drawer
• Opens at cash-out or on demand wirelessly from the terminal
• Connected to printer via RJ12 cable

• Must be a printer-driven model which uses an RJ12 connection
• Can be used with solo or multi-iPad configuration

Model: MMF Val-u-Line Series, Star printer driven cash drawers (e.g., CD3, CB2002, SMD2), APG models VBS320-BL1915-CC, VP320-BL1616, VP320-BL1416

Cash Drawer Cable

• Connects cash drawer to the receipt printer

Model: RJ12 cable (looks like a phone jack cable), APG cash drawer cable

Ethernet Switch

• Allows you to connect more Ethernet devices (like printers and EMV pin pads) to the AmpliFI router
• Can be purchased at almost any electronics/computer store

• Switches can be used to simplify your wiring from the Amplifi router into a different area of the venue; beneficial when there are multiple printers in one area and the Amplifi router is further away

Ethernet Cable (CAT5)

• A network cable used to connect devices within a local area network, for the purposes of file sharing, data transfer and Internet
• Connects your printers, EMV PIN pads, Mac Mini (server), and additional Airports to your main Amplifi router

• Need an additional CAT5 Ethernet cable for each printer you have

Keyboard

• Traditional keyboard that allows for control and updating of the Mac Mini

• Must be USB keyboard
• Only required for multi-iPad setups
• Required to receive remote support from TouchBistro

Mouse

• Traditional computer mouse that allows for scrolling and navigating on computer display

• Must be USB mouse
• Only required for multi-iPad setups
• Required to receive remote support from TouchBistro

Monitor

• Display screen allowing you to perform updates, restore backups, etc. on your Mac Mini

• Must be HDMI compatible
• Only required for multi-iPad setups
• Required to receive remote support from TouchBistro

Barcode Scanner

• Wireless Bluetooth UPC barcode scanner for use with TouchBistro

• Scanning barcodes with the mobile scanner can be done from the register, at a table, or in an order screen
• Full online tutorial documentation for easy training

Models: OS-certified Socket S740, S700 (US & UK), CHS 7Ci, CHS 7Qi

iPad Stands

• Case, stand, or enclosure for your iPad
• Additional protection for your iPad from breakage, spillage, and general wear and tear
• Safely secures your terminal (iPad) to a counter to prevent theft

• Stand can be landscape or portrait
• For merchant processing integration, stands must be compatible with mobile swipers

iPad Hand Straps

• Portable, hand-held cases that allow servers to securely bring an iPad to the table

• For merchant processing integration, straps must be compatible with mobile swipers