> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.verifone.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.verifone.com/hardware-products/hardware/petroleum-devices/c18/c18-hardware-installation-guide/installation.md).

# Installation

The Commander Site Controller and C18 workstation must be installed by a Verifone Authorized Service Contractor (VASC) and must be set up in the following order:

1. Commander Site Controller
2. C18 Workstation

***

## Configuring One or Two C18 Workstations

Installing one or two C18 workstations requires Ethernet cables to connect the C18 to the router to create an in-store LAN. The printers, customer display poles, and cash drawers use RS-232 cables to connect to the C18, and an additional Ethernet cable to connect the router to a corporate WAN/Intranet.

<figure><img src="/files/namyULFwqBLtF99wLuXk" alt=""><figcaption><p>Commander Site Controller Configuration with up to two C18 Workstations</p></figcaption></figure>

***

## Configuring More Than Two C18 Workstations

Installing more than two C18 workstations may require a network switch and a Router. The C18 workstations use Ethernet cables to connect to the network switch. Network switches are available in various sizes and usually support four or more workstations. The network switch connects to the router using an Ethernet cable.

<figure><img src="/files/lHppiYu1UFDkSMQXgBky" alt=""><figcaption><p>Commander Site Controller Configuration with more than two C18 Workstations</p></figcaption></figure>

***

## Choosing a Location

The C18 workstation is generally placed on an easily accessible countertop. Consider the following when deciding on a location.

* Allow adequate ventilation around the unit.
* All cables must easily reach their connecting devices.
* Make sure that there is sufficient clearance for both the drawer and the cashier.
* Make sure that power cords are not in the direct path of foot traffic.

In addition, the location must meet the following requirements:

* **Power**: 100-240V\~, 50/60 Hz 2.0 Amps
* **Temperature**:
  * **Operating**: 32 to 104° F (0 to 40° C)
  * **Non-operating**: -4 to 140° F (-20 to 60° C)
* **Humidity**: 15% to 95% relative humidity at 40° C (non-condensing)

Avoid locations with the following characteristics:

* Direct sunlight
* Moisture
* Excessive dust
* Electrical "noise" or devices that cause excessive voltage variations such as air conditioners, fans, or high-frequency security systems

{% hint style="danger" %}
To reduce the risk of fire, do not place the C18 near objects that produce excessive heat.

*Pour réduire le risque d'incendie, placer le C18 loin des objets produisant une chaleur excessive.*

*Para reducir el riesgo de incendio, no colocar el C18 cerca de objetos que puedan producir excesivo calor.*
{% endhint %}

***

## Diagnostic Panel

<figure><img src="/files/1qpUYABHxepQ0p35bo6j" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The Diagnostic Panel is located on the right side of the C18 and can be accessed by lifting the cover. From left to right, this panel contains the following:

* **COM Port LEDs (RX/TX)**: These LEDs will be used for future configurations.
* **Reset Button**: Reboots the C18 workstation without shutting down the power.
* **Console Port**: Used only by the Verifone Authorized Service Contractor (VASC).
* **Diagnostic Switch Panel**: Used to configure specific operating modes. Do not change settings unless instructed by the Verifone Technical Support Center.
* **Status Window**: Displays system operating codes.
* **Battery Health**: Displays a color indication of the estimated battery life.
  * **Blue**: The battery has over half of its estimated useful life left.
  * **White**: The battery has between 20% and 50% of its estimated useful life left.
  * **Blinking White**: The battery has less than 20% of its estimated useful life left. If blinking white, contact a Verifone Authorized Service Contractor to replace the battery during the next service call.
* **Battery Charge**: Displays a color indication of the battery charge state.
  * **Blue**: The battery has enough estimated power for one or more graceful shutdowns.
  * **White**: The battery has less than one graceful shutdown capacity left. If the color is white, do not install software or remove power to the unit until the LED turns blue again.

{% hint style="info" %}
For either Battery Charge color, the LED will be blinking if the battery is charging and solid if it is not charging.
{% endhint %}

* **Power LED**: Displays Green when powered on.
* **System Heartbeat LED**: Pulses on and off to indicate that the C18 is operating normally.

### Battery Pack Instructions

{% hint style="warning" %}
Dispose of the battery pack in accordance with all national, state, and local laws and regulations as regionally required. Some batteries may be recycled and may be accepted for disposal at local recycling centers.

CAUTION: There is a risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect type.

*Éliminez la batterie conformément à toutes les lois et réglementations nationales, provinciales/régionales, et locales, selon les besoins régionaux. Quelques batteries peuvent être recyclées et peuvent être acceptées pour élimination dans les centres de recyclage locaux.*

*ATTENTION: Il existe un risque d'explosion si la batterie est remplacée par un modèle incompatible.*

*Deseche la batería de acuerdo con todas las leyes y regulaciones nacionales, estatales y locales según se requiera regionalmente. Algunas baterías pueden reciclarse y pueden aceptarse para su eliminación en los centros locales de reciclaje.*

*PRECAUCIÓN: Existe riesgo de explosión si la batería se reemplaza por un tipo incorrecto.*
{% endhint %}

***

## C18 Rear Panel

<figure><img src="/files/xfDocJQVX5cUBRC2h3nN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The rear panel of the C18 workstation has the following connections:

* Printer Power
* DC Power
* 2 Cash Drawer Ports (Solenoid)
* 1 Display Port
* 6 USB Ports
* 1 Ethernet Port
* 6 Serial Ports
  * COM1 - not assigned
  * COM2 - not assigned
  * COM3 - not assigned
  * COM4 - Printer
  * COM5 - not assigned
  * COM6 - not assigned
* 1 Line Out Audio Jack
* 1 Microphone Audio Jack

***

## C18 Workstation Installation

Use the following steps to install the C18 workstation.

{% hint style="info" %}
See "C18 Rear Panel" for port locations.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Connect the printer cable

Connect one end of a shielded RS-232 cable to a null modem adapter and connect the adapter to the serial port on the Thermal Receipt Printer.

Plug the other end of the RS-232 cable into COM4 on the C18 workstation.

Plug the printer power cable into the printer with the flat side facing up.

{% hint style="info" %}
The connector slides down to lock or unlock the cable.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect the printer power cable

Connect the other end of the printer power cable to the Printer Power port on the C18. The connector locks into place.

{% hint style="danger" %}
To remove the printer power cable, slide the plastic outer covering of the connector downward. DO NOT pull the cable to remove it. The connector slides down to lock or unlock the cable.

*Pour retirer le câble d'alimentation de l'imprimante, faire glisser vers le bas le couvercle en plastique du connecteur. NE PAS tirer sur le câble.*

*Para quitar el cable de alimentación de la impresora, deslice hacia abajo la cubierta del conector de plástico. NO tire del cable.*
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
The printer port is not Limited Power Source (LPS) according to UL 60950-1, clause 2.5. The printer connected to this port shall comply to clause 4.7 of UL 60950-1 and all fire enclosure requirements. Contact Verifone with questions.

*Le port de l'imprimante n'est pas une source à puissance limitée (LPS) conformément à la disposition 2.5 de la norme UL 60950-1. L'imprimante branchée sur ce port doit être conforme à la disposition 4.7 de la norme UL 60950-1 et à toutes les exigences de protection contre l'incendie. Contactez Verifone avec des questions.*

*El puerto de impresora no es una fuente de alimentación limitada (LPS) de conformidad con el apartado 2.5 de la norma UL 60950-1. La impresora conectada a este puerto debe cumplir con la regla 4.7 de la norma UL 60950-1 y todos los requisitos de protección contra incendios. Verifone contacto con preguntas.*
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect the Ethernet cable

Connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the C18 workstation.

{% hint style="info" %}
Serial RS-232 cables and Ethernet cables do not have the same pinouts and are NOT interchangeable.
{% endhint %}

Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the router (one to two C18 workstations) or to the network switch (more than two C18 workstations).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect the customer display pole

Plug the cable from the customer display pole into COM3 on the C18. The customer display pole height can be adjusted.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect the cash drawer

Plug the cable that extends from the bottom of the cash drawer into the cash drawer port 1. (For two cash drawers, use cash drawer port 1 and port 2.)

{% hint style="info" %}
The opening in the key hole on the cash drawer must be facing downward to close.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect the power brick

Plug the cable from the power brick into the DC Power port on the C18.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect AC power

Plug the AC Power Cord into the other end of the power brick. Plug the power brick into an electrical outlet.

{% hint style="info" %}
To prevent loss of data and to ensure that the battery pack is fully charged, the C18 should be powered up for at least two hours prior to initial application download.

During operation, avoid blocking the base of the C18 with any objects, as they can block proper airflow to the unit.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## Cable Cover

Attach or remove the Cable Cover from the C18 using the following steps.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Remove the Cable Cover

Lift up the corners of the Cable Cover to remove it.

<figure><img src="/files/Tqbam528Y469eLL44q6l" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Attach the Cable Cover

Push down on the corners of the Cable Cover to attach it.

<figure><img src="/files/gFmeHbsVuArkigWudQzT" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## Keyboard

{% hint style="info" %}
The Keyboard feature is application dependent and may not be included with your unit.
{% endhint %}

Install the Keyboard Plate (P/N MET182-101-01-A) and Keyboard (PCA182-020-01-A) onto the C18 using the following steps.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Attach the Keyboard Plate

Attach the Keyboard Plate to the C18 Base using two screws.

<figure><img src="/files/tmo7Zgc1SD5nH1a068mg" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Remove the RJ9 port covering

Remove the Mylar covering or rubber plug from the RJ9 Port on the front of the C18 base.

<figure><img src="/files/vFWjIPOR3n0JCIS3VDuj" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect the RJ9 cable

Connect the RJ9 Cable to the RJ9 Port on the Keyboard and to the RJ9 on the C18 base.

<figure><img src="/files/uYgfm5ZZ7F0ycWSONPbz" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Install the Keyboard

The Keyboard attaches to the Keyboard Plate using a magnetic connection.

<figure><img src="/files/pCHRChQRR4DCOoT4gfuU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## Biometric Reader Holder

{% hint style="info" %}
The Biometric Reader and Holder feature is application dependent and may not be included with your unit.
{% endhint %}

Install the Bio Reader Plate and Bio Reader Holder either to the Keyboard or to the base of the C18 using the following steps.

### Keyboard Attachment

Install the Bio Reader Plate and Bio Reader to the Keyboard using the following steps.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Attach the Bio Reader Plate

Attach the Bio Reader Plate to the Bio Reader Holder using two screws.

<figure><img src="/files/SCGLYqEJYFyJQyLIue7b" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Attach the Bio Reader Holder to the Keyboard

Attach the Bio Reader Plate with Bio Reader Holder to the Keyboard using two screws.

<figure><img src="/files/3HMjgffwJEV7vb3TTnyA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/mSM0bz3KhokR7AWsszeJ" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### C18 Base Attachment

Install the Bio Reader Plate and Bio Reader Holder to the C18 base using the following steps.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Attach the Bio Reader Plate

Attach the Bio Reader Plate to the Bio Reader Holder using two screws.

<figure><img src="/files/tg8OQKBFMflnp5qpr1pd" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Attach the Bio Reader Holder to the C18 Base

Attach the Bio Reader Plate with Bio Reader Holder to the C18 base using two screws.

<figure><img src="/files/Ih3Ch8NpyzdmhcjVlUXK" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/2fBulk3a6U1xUgivsbIR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.verifone.com/hardware-products/hardware/petroleum-devices/c18/c18-hardware-installation-guide/installation.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.