Overview
The Paytronix Controller is an application on the BOH server used for many integrations (mainly Aloha, Micros/Simphony, and POSi) which is needed for transactions. It relays information between FOH terminals and the PXS (via the BOH server). It is designed to be easy to install and requires little maintenance for continuous function. The most current installation guide can be found here. The default downloads are conventionally named as Version-<version.release date>-PXC (as in Version-22.0.20220506-PXC) with the installer program following the same convention.
Preparation
PXC deployment is designed to be merchant-serviced with assistance of their IT services. There is one installation pack found at the main software download page, as well as packaged with the Aloha/Micros/Simphony/Posi download packs. The user program and PXC version should match. If you do not find a PXC installation pack for the version of user program used, you should upgrade both the PXC and user program together.
Before installation, merchants should ensure they:
Are logged in to BOH servers on administrative accounts
Disable malware software (Landesk/Norton/McAffee) or whitelist PX software
Know MID/store codes
If you do not have access to PXS (pxsweb.com), contact the merchant corporate office for either access or this information (necessary for installation)
Deployment
Installation starts from the main software download page. It is recommended to use the most recent release of the PXC.
Download the latest PXC from the main PX software download page
Extract downloaded PXC into either the C:\Downloads or C:\PXInstall
Run the controller-installer program from the unzipped folder Graphical user interface, text, application
Select C:\Paytronix\ as the location for installation
Enter MID/store code for the location (provided by the merchant) and Production/Test servers (live stores will be Production)
Finish installation with a confirmation of “InstallShield Wizard Completed”
Testing
It may take up to 5 minutes to see an established connection if installation was successful. There are two main ways to verify successful PXC-PXS connection.
In Services (Start > Services), the Paytronix Controller service will show Running under Status. You will need to start the Daemon Service first.
In the Controller log, you will see the Protocol Status change to 3 (Up). You will also see the loadmap update with the number of wallets in use as LoadMap contents: wallets=___(found at C:\Paytronix\logs\pxcontroller.log)
In C:\Paytronix, there will be folders and files which populate
Blocks to Success
There are a few potential blocks to success. Paytronix largely does not have power to troubleshoot unsuccessful installations; PX troubleshooting largely starts after successful installation.
It is possible you will receive a “Windows protected your PC” popup; click “More Info” > “Run Anyway”
If a previous version of the PXC was installed, it will need to be removed. Through the Wizard you may be prompted to uninstall older Controller software. This process will complete, and you will need to restart installation (the Wizard closes after confirmation)
The Controller installer may be blocked by Windows security software. This will present as clicking the installer, and “nothing happens.” Right-click on the controller-installer application > Properties > General > check “unblock” > OK. Begin installation
Verifying Connectivity
Wait at least 1 minute after starting the PXC service before verifying connectivity.
Verify that the PXC for the new installation on your server is connecting successfully to the Paytronix server. Choose the link based on whether you are using the Production or Test server:
Production server URL - https://www.pxsweb.com/merchant/storestatus.srv
Test server URL - https://www.train.paytronix.com/merchant/storestatus.sr
You can also check connectivity via the Paytronix site. From the menu on the left, select Customer Service, then select Connectivity Status. This screen will show you the connectivity of all stores successfully running the PXC service.
How to read the Connectivity Status page:
If this was a new installation of the very first store, and the back-office server can't connect via the PXC, the Connectivity Status page will be blank
If this was a new installation, and other stores have successfully connected, you will see a list of connected stores; the new store will be missing from the list
If you installed an upgrade, and the back-office server can't connect via the PXC, you will see a green status bar next to the store you upgraded, but you'll see an older version number. Make sure to check for a green bar and the version when verifying the connectivity of an upgraded PXC install. Before assuming the upgrade was unsuccessful, wait a couple minutes, refresh the page, and re-check the status bar color and version number.
Troubleshooting
If you have any difficulty installing, upgrading, starting, or verifying the PXC, please take a look at our Troubleshooting Paytronix Controller (PXC) Installation & Upgrade article.