Gilbarco Dispenser Twowire Protocol For Third Party Pump Controllers New — Free

Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Interface Specifications & Integration Guide for Gilbarco Dispensers Audience: System Integrators, POS Developers, Forecourt Controller Engineers

A convenience store wants to offer "Fill up + Car Wash." A third-party loyalty controller can send a two-wire preset to the Gilbarco dispenser for $30 of fuel, then trigger the wash. New two-wire converters support this interleaved command structure seamlessly.

Some newer Gilbarco dispensers (e.g., Encore 700S with FlexPay) may disable the two-wire port by default unless specifically enabled in the dispenser configuration menu.
Solution: Obtain Gilbarco’s “Two-Wire Interface Enable” procedure (requires service password).

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

Connecting third-party pump controllers to Gilbarco dispensers requires an interface capable of managing the proprietary Gilbarco Two-Wire (Current Loop) protocol. This protocol is a multi-drop, serial standard designed to support up to 16 fueling positions on a single communication loop. Core Protocol Specifications Signaling: Uses a 45mA current loop.

Addressing: A master-slave architecture where only the master (controller) initiates communication; each dispenser responds only when addressed.

Data Format: Typically an 11-bit format (standard serial parameters: 5787 or 4800 baud, 8 data bits, Even parity, 1 stop bit). Hardware Requirements

For third-party integration, you generally need a converter to bridge the dispenser's current loop with the controller's serial (RS-232/USB) or TCP/IP interface. Converters & Interfaces:

RS-232 to Two-Wire Converter: Converts standard serial data to the 45mA loop required by Gilbarco dispensers.

Distribution Box (D-Box): Used to "fan-out" communication to multiple dispensers and may include modern components like the BRCM2 for adding high-speed TCP/IP signals over the same wire pair.

Third-Party Solutions: Commercial interfaces from vendors like Levtech or Technotrade provide plug-and-play conversion for POS and OPT systems. RS-232 to Two-Wire Converter Box Kit Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Interface Specifications &

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 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 convenience store wants to offer "Fill up + Car Wash

: 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

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.

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.

Here are the key features of the Gilbarco Two-Wire Protocol (often referred to as G-Site or TLS-2 over serial) when used with third-party pump controllers for new installations:

⚠️ Note for new development: Gilbarco is moving toward 2-wire Ethernet (GEM-Bus, FlexPay IV) and Wi-Fi (GVR). For new third-party controllers, confirm the dispenser model supports Classic Two-Wire or requires a protocol converter (e.g., Gilbarco GVR-DC).