Gilbarco Dispenser Twowire Protocol For Third Party Pump Controllers New Page

| Challenge | Description | Recommended Solution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Collision Detection | In multi-drop wiring, two pumps replying simultaneously can corrupt data. | Implement strict timing delays in the polling loop; verify Checksums on every received packet. | | Firmware Variations | Older pumps (V/R, Highline) vs. new pumps (Encore) may have slight firmware variances. | Design the software to auto-detect firmware versions or maintain a "Configuration Table" for specific pump models. | | Half-Duplex Limitations | The Two-Wire system cannot transmit and receive simultaneously. | Enforce a strict "Turnaround Delay" (e.g., 5ms) after sending a command before switching the UART to listen mode. | | Ground Loops | Electrical noise from pump motors interfering with data signals. | Hardware solution: Use Isolated Current Loop Converters. |


You might ask: Why not just use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to control the dispenser?

The answer is safety. UL and ATEX certification for hazardous locations (Class I, Division I) prohibit unlicensed radio transmitters inside dispenser cabinets. The two-wire loop is intrinsically safe (with proper barriers). The new trend is "Two-Wire-to-5G" gateways: a third-party pump controller located in a back office (or the cloud) sends HTTPS requests to a small gateway box, which then speaks two-wire to the dispensers.

This hybrid model combines the safety of copper with the convenience of modern APIs.


The adoption of the Gilbarco Two-Wire Protocol for third-party pump controllers offers a pragmatic solution for petroleum retailers seeking reliability without the overhead of proprietary networking. It bridges the gap between the hydraulic mechanics of the pump and the digital intelligence of the Point of Sale, ensuring accurate accounting and safe operation.

For integrators developing new PPC solutions, focusing on robust noise filtering and configurable pulse-ratio software settings is the key to successful deployment across the Gilbarco hardware family.


*Disclaimer: This document is for informational purposes

Gilbarco Two-Wire Protocol is a proprietary communication standard used to connect Gilbarco fuel dispensers to Point of Sale (POS) systems and site controllers. For third-party developers, implementing this protocol is essential for controlling fueling transactions, managing presets, and retrieving real-time data from forecourt equipment. Technical Overview The protocol operates as a multi-drop current loop

system, typically supporting up to 16 fueling positions on a single communication loop. It uses a master-slave architecture where the site controller (master) initiates all communication, and individual dispensers (slaves) respond only when addressed. Physical Layer

: Communication is achieved via a 20mA or 45mA current loop. Third-party controllers usually require a hardware interface or "D-Box" (Distribution Box) to convert standard serial signals (RS-232 or RS-485) into the specific current loop required by the dispenser. Data Parameters : Typical settings vary by dispenser model: Legacy (Highline-2, Euroline) : 4800 baud, 8 data bits, Even parity, 1 stop bit. Modern (Encore, SK700) : Often referred to as "Corporate baudrate" at , 8 data bits, Even parity, 1 stop bit. Data Format

: It utilizes an 11-bit data format for packet transmission. Core Commands and Operations

Third-party controllers must implement the logical interface to interact with the dispenser's internal software. Key functions include: Authorization

: Releasing the pump for a transaction after a user has been verified or a payment pre-authorized. Preset Management

: Sending specific volume or currency limits to the dispenser before fueling begins. Status Monitoring

: Constantly polling the dispenser to determine the current state (e.g., Idle, Nozzle Lifted, Fueling, Transaction Complete). Data Retrieval

: Fetching the final Price Per Unit (PPU), dispensed volume, and total money at the end of a transaction. Implementation for Third Parties

Because the protocol is proprietary, official documentation such as "PROTOCOL REPORT - Volume I (TWO-IS-S1.0-5)" is the standard reference for implementation.

Подключение ТРК Gilbarco - Сибнефтекарт

For implementing or troubleshooting a third-party pump controller using the Gilbarco Two-Wire (Current Loop) Protocol, you will need to reference specific technical manuals that detail the hardware electrical specifications and the logical command set. 1. Primary Protocol Documentation

The core of the Gilbarco Two-Wire system is a proprietary 30mA current loop protocol. For third-party development, the following documents are standard references:

Two-Wire Protocol Specification (TWO-IS-S1.0-5): This is the foundational logical interface manual. It defines the message format, including the 11-bit data frame and multi-drop addressing for up to 16 fueling positions.

Two-Wire Driver Hardware Specification (TWO-HW-S1.0-S): Essential for understanding the line-level electrical requirements, such as voltage levels and current loop tolerances. 2. Physical Connection & Interface Converters

Since most modern third-party controllers use RS-232 or RS-485, you often need an interface converter.

Technotrade PTS Controller: This is a popular third-party universal controller. The PTS Controller Technical Guide details how to bridge third-party systems to Gilbarco dispensers.

Levtech 2-Wire Interface: For PC-based control, the Levtech Communication Interface provides a USB-to-Two-Wire converter and includes testing software for Windows.

Allied Electronics Controllers: The Allied Installation Guide for Gilbarco provides specific wiring pinouts for connecting third-party Aegis or NeXGen controllers to Gilbarco "D-Boxes". 3. Key Communication Parameters

When configuring your third-party controller, the standard baud rates and frame settings depend on the dispenser series:

Highline-111 / Encore / Eclipse: 5787 bit/sec (Corporate baud rate), 8 Data bits, Even Parity, 1 Stop bit.

Highline-2 / Euroline: 4800 bit/sec, 8 Data bits, Even Parity, 1 Stop bit. 4. Hardware Setup (The D-Box) Zao NPF - Twotp-Is-Is2.26-P PDF - Scribd | Challenge | Description | Recommended Solution |

Gilbarco Two-Wire Protocol is a proprietary current-loop serial communication standard used to interface Gilbarco fuel dispensers with Point-of-Sale (POS) systems or third-party pump controllers

. It is characterized by its efficiency, using a minimal number of characters to speed up communication across a single pair of wires. www.mchip.net Technical Specifications

The protocol operates with specific serial parameters depending on the dispenser model: Baud Rate Options 5787 bit/sec

: Known as the "Corporate baudrate," used by Highline-111, Euroline, Euro Dimension, and A.G. Walker models. 4800 bit/sec

: Used by Highline-2, Euroline, Euro Dimension, Doms DP-9000, and Australian models. Data Format : 8 Data bits, Even Parity, and 1 Stop bit. Physical Layer

: Uses a 12V current loop interface, often requiring specialized converters (like the

) to bridge to RS-232, RS-485, or USB for third-party controllers. Error Checking

: Employs parity checking and Longitudinal Redundancy Check (

) to ensure data integrity against electromagnetic disturbances. Implementation for Third-Party Controllers

To integrate a third-party controller, the system must handle both the physical signal conversion and the software logic:

PTS controller over fuel dispensers and ATG systems for petrol stations

The Gilbarco Two-Wire protocol is a proprietary serial communication standard designed for data exchange between Gilbarco dispensers and control systems (like POS or forecourt controllers) using a single pair of wires

. While the protocol itself dates back to the late 1980s, its continued use in modern units like the Gilbarco Encore 500

has led to a market for third-party interface tools that allow new management systems to bridge the gap. www.mchip.net Technical Communication Parameters

For third-party integration, the physical layer typically uses an optically isolated current loop, but the logic varies slightly by dispenser generation: Highline-2, Euroline, Euro Dimension : Operates at a baud rate of 4800 bit/sec Highline-III, Euroline, A.G. Walker : Uses the "Corporate baudrate" of 5787 bit/sec Common Data Format : 8 data bits, Even parity, 1 stop bit. : Multi-drop protocol supporting up to 16 fueling positions on a single communications loop. Third-Party Interface Solutions

Because the protocol is proprietary and uses a non-standard 11-bit data format, direct connection (e.g., via Arduino or standard RS-232) often results in data being ignored by the pump. Third-party controllers often use dedicated converters: Levtech 2-Wire Interface

: A USB-powered, optically isolated converter that provides a physical bridge between the dispenser and a POS. Note that this is not a protocol converter; the POS software must still implement the actual Gilbarco logic. PTS-U3 Controller : A specialized board modification from Technotrade

that supports multiple protocols, including Gilbarco 2-wire, allowing it to act as a unified hub for fuel dispensers and ATG systems. Allied Electronics Controllers

: Supports up to 16 fueling positions per channel (CH5/CH6) and connects via custom 2-wire cables to DB-9 or RJ45 ports. Protocol Logic & Testing

The protocol follows a master-slave architecture where the console (master) initiates all communication. Only the dispenser with the matching address responds, while others on the loop ignore the data. Testing Software : Specialized applications like the 2-Wire Protocol Pump Test Application Petrol Solution

allow technicians to test pumps directly from a laptop without a full POS system. Levtech Service & Production or a list of compatible POS systems for a particular Gilbarco dispenser model?

Gilbarco Two Wire Pump Protocol - TOAZ - INFO | PDF - Scribd

The Gilbarco Two-Wire protocol is a proprietary communication standard used to interface fuel dispensers with control consoles or point-of-sale (POS) systems. For third-party developers, mastering this protocol requires understanding its physical current-loop layer, the specific baud rates associated with different dispenser models, and the logical "master-slave" polling structure. 1. Physical Layer: The Current Loop

Unlike standard RS-232 or RS-485, the Gilbarco 2-wire system typically operates on a current loop interface. Wiring: It utilizes unshielded twisted pair (UTP) wires.

Multi-drop Configuration: The protocol supports up to 16 fueling positions (pumps) on a single communications loop.

Hardware Interface: Third-party controllers often require an interface converter (e.g., RS-232/RS-485 to Two-Wire) to bridge the gap between standard PC signals and the dispenser's current loop. 2. Communication Parameters

The baud rate is model-dependent, which is a common stumbling block for new implementations:

Legacy Models: Units like Highline-111 and the Advantage series often use a "Corporate" baud rate of 5787 bps. You might ask: Why not just use Bluetooth

Modern/International Models: Newer or specific international versions (e.g., SK700) may operate at 4800 bps. Common Settings: Data Bits: 8 Parity: Even Stop Bits: 1 3. Logical Protocol and Commands

The system follows a strict Master-Slave architecture where the master (the controller) initiates all communication.

Addressing: Each pump is assigned a unique ID (typically 1–16). The master polls each address; only the addressed unit responds.

Command Codes: Controllers use specific "Special Function Commands" (SFC) to manage the pump. For instance:

SFC 010: Used for "Extended Status" to retrieve detailed grade and pump information.

Authorization: Commands to authorize a pump once a preset is entered or a handle is lifted.

Data Handling: The protocol can handle volume totals in 6-digit formats, often requiring flags to be set if the pump delivers data with specific decimal placements. 4. Implementation for Third-Party Controllers

To successfully integrate a third-party controller, the following components are typically required:

Installation Guide For Wayne-Gilbarco Dispensers - Allied Electronics

Gilbarco Dispenser Two-Wire Protocol for Third-Party Pump Controllers: A New Era in Fueling Technology

The fueling industry has undergone significant transformations over the years, driven by advances in technology and the need for greater efficiency, convenience, and reliability. One of the key players in this industry is Gilbarco, a leading provider of fueling solutions and technologies. Recently, Gilbarco has introduced a new two-wire protocol for third-party pump controllers, revolutionizing the way fuel dispensers communicate with pump controllers. In this article, we will explore the Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol, its benefits, and the impact it will have on the fueling industry.

What is the Gilbarco Dispenser Two-Wire Protocol?

The Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol is a communication protocol that enables fuel dispensers to communicate with third-party pump controllers using a simple, two-wire connection. This protocol is designed to provide a reliable and efficient way for dispensers and pump controllers to exchange data, allowing for seamless integration and control.

How Does it Work?

The two-wire protocol uses a master-slave communication architecture, where the dispenser acts as the master and the pump controller acts as the slave. The dispenser sends commands to the pump controller, which responds with status updates and data. The protocol uses a simple, ASCII-based command structure, making it easy to implement and integrate with existing systems.

Benefits of the Gilbarco Dispenser Two-Wire Protocol

The Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol offers several benefits to fueling station operators, including:

Impact on the Fueling Industry

The Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol is poised to have a significant impact on the fueling industry, enabling fueling stations to:

Third-Party Pump Controllers and the Gilbarco Dispenser Two-Wire Protocol

The Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol is designed to work with a wide range of third-party pump controllers, including:

Implementation and Support

Gilbarco provides comprehensive support and resources to help fueling stations implement the two-wire protocol, including:

Conclusion

The Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol is a significant innovation in fueling technology, enabling seamless communication between fuel dispensers and third-party pump controllers. With its simplicity, reliability, and security features, the protocol is poised to revolutionize the fueling industry, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing the customer experience. As the fueling industry continues to evolve, the Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol will play a critical role in shaping the future of fueling technology.

Gilbarco Dispenser Two-Wire Protocol for Third-Party Pump Controllers

Introduction

The Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol is a communication standard used for integrating third-party pump controllers with Gilbarco dispensers. This protocol enables seamless communication between the pump controller and the dispenser, allowing for efficient and accurate fueling operations. In this write-up, we will explore the details of the Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol and its significance for third-party pump controllers. The adoption of the Gilbarco Two-Wire Protocol for

Protocol Overview

The Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol is a master-slave protocol that uses a two-wire serial communication link between the pump controller (master) and the dispenser (slave). The protocol is based on a simple, asynchronous serial communication standard, with a single master device (pump controller) and multiple slave devices (dispensers).

Key Features

Here are the key features of the Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol:

Message Structure

The message structure for the Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol consists of the following elements:

Commands and Responses

The Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol supports various commands and responses, including:

Benefits and Applications

The Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol offers several benefits for third-party pump controllers, including:

Conclusion

The Gilbarco dispenser two-wire protocol is a widely used communication standard for integrating third-party pump controllers with Gilbarco dispensers. Its simplicity, flexibility, and interoperability make it an ideal solution for fueling operations. By understanding the protocol's details, developers and integrators can design and implement efficient and accurate fueling systems that meet the needs of their customers.

The Gilbarco Two-Wire protocol is a proprietary serial communication standard based on a 45mA current loop

. It is primarily designed to facilitate data exchange between fuel dispensers and control systems (like POS terminals or forecourt controllers) over a single pair of wires. Physical Layer Specifications

The protocol uses a multi-drop configuration supporting up to 16 fueling positions (pumps) per communications channel. Baud Rates

: Depending on the dispenser model, the protocol typically uses: 5787 bit/sec

: Known as the "corporate baud rate," used for models like Highline-111, Euroline, and Euro Dimension. 4800 bit/sec : Used for older models like Highline-2 and Euroline. Data Format : 8 data bits, Even parity , and 1 stop bit. Logical Interface

: It is a master-slave protocol where only the master (the console or controller) is permitted to initiate communication. Third-Party Integration Solutions

Since the protocol is proprietary, third-party pump controllers often require specialized hardware interfaces to convert the current loop signal into standard serial (RS-232/RS-485) or USB formats. 4-20mA Comunications - All About Circuits Forum


The two-wire protocol returns pulses as a frequency. The new converters output these as standard quadrature encoder pulses or Modbus registers. Your third-party pump controller can now read real-time flow data with sub-penny accuracy.


The most common failure point for third-party developers is the Authorize/Deauthorize handshake.

Historically, a third-party controller had to mimic Gilbarco’s "polling" (asking each dispenser 10x per second). The new converters handle this polling internally. Your controller simply sends a command string:

*04P12000L

Breakdown: Start (*), Address (04), Preset (P), 2000 (cents), Stop (L).

The converter then translates this into the two-wire current loop pulse train. Within 50ms, the Gilbarco dispenser activates the relay for that hose.

For new third-party pump controllers needing basic compatibility with Gilbarco dispensers, the Two-Wire Protocol remains a viable, simple, and deterministic interface. However, it is strongly recommended to evaluate whether the dispenser fleet supports Gilbarco’s current Ethernet/IDT (Intelligent Dispenser Terminal) protocol, which offers richer data and better diagnostics.

If you must implement Two-Wire on a new controller, strictly adhere to the 1200 baud, 20mA current loop, and daisy-chain topology described above.


For specific dispenser models and firmware versions supporting Two-Wire, consult Gilbarco Application Note AN-007 or contact your Gilbarco distributor.