On Fri, 13 Aug 2004 18:28:47 +0000 (UTC), David Jackman
wrote:

Paul Corfield wrote in
:


The validators at the other doors apparently only work with Freedom
Passes and another software change is needed to make them work with
Pre-Pay.


What! I can't even see the point in having a version of the software that
only works with freedom passes (there being nowhere that a freedom pass is
valid that a zone 1-6 travelcard isn't). Don't all on bus Oyster
validators run the same version of the software?

Am I missing something?

I'm only recounting what I have heard - it may be wrong.

If you think about it the Freedom Card just needs to be read and
validated - a simple check and therefore the software is relatively
simple.

Pre-Pay is much more complex in that links back the ETM need to be
maintained, the card values need to be interrogated and various other
checks made. If you think about capping as well it gets more complex
again. I believe part of the issue is ensuring proper communication
between all the readers on a bendy bus and the ETM.

I would imagine that yes all the *remote* readers use one version while
the ETM mounted reader has different software - it has to as it can
process pre-pay now.
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!