The PAX S80 countertop payment terminal has been discontinued, but its historical pricing and key features remain relevant for businesses considering refurbished units or alternatives like the PAX A80. Here’s a concise breakdown:

Pricing Overview (Before Discontinuation)

• New Units:
  • $299–$400(standalone terminal with Ethernet/dial-up connectivity).
  • $349–$450(bundled with external SP20 PIN pad for EMV tips).
• Refurbished/Free Offers:
  • $0–$50(with merchant account sign-ups, e.g., National Bankcard, Florida Payments).

Key Features

• Payment Methods: EMV chip, NFC (Apple Pay), magstripe, PIN debit.
• Connectivity: Ethernet, dial-up (no Wi-Fi).
• Security: PCI PTS 3.x/4.x, SRED encryption, DUKPT key management.
• Extras: Built-in thermal printer (25 lines/sec), tip adjustment for restaurants.

Current Alternatives

• PAX A80: Newer model priced at$365.98 (direct replacement with similar specs).
• Dejavoo Z11/First Data FD130: Comparable terminals at$189–$260.

(Sources: MerchantEquip, Processing Inc, eMerchant Authority)

Note: Availability is limited to refurbished units; verify compatibility with your processor before purchase.

The PAX S80 stands out among POS terminals with its robust security, flexible connectivity, and specialized features tailored for countertop use. Here’s how it compares to other popular terminals like the Dejavoo Z9, Clover Station, and Square Terminal:

1. Security & Certifications

Why it matters: The S80’s PCI PTS 4.x and triple-DES encryption make it ideal for high-risk industries (e.g., restaurants) needing fraud prevention.

2. Connectivity Options

Key difference: The S80’s dial-up support ensures reliability in areas with poor internet, unlike Wi-Fi-dependent terminals like Square.

3. Hardware & Usability

Best for: The S80’s ergonomic keypad suits high-volume environments (e.g., retail checkout lanes), while Clover/Square excel in touchscreen UI.

4. Pricing & Value

Note: The S80 is discontinued but remains cost-effective for refurbished units, while Clover/Square lock users into ecosystems.

5. Industry Fit

• PAX S80: Ideal forrestaurants, retail, and hospitality needing reliability and EMV compliance.
• Dejavoo Z9: Best formobile merchants (food trucks, delivery) with 3G/4G.
• Clover/Square: Suitssmall retail/cafés prioritizing touchscreen UX.

Bottom Line: The S80 balances security, offline resilience, and affordability but lacks modern touchscreens. For advanced features, consider the PAX A80 (successor).

(Sources: PAX Global manuals, CardMachineOutlet, TechRepublic, AVADA)

The PAX S80 employs a multi-layered security framework to ensure secure transactions, combining hardware-level protections, encryption standards, and compliance certifications. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its security mechanisms:

1. Hardware Security & Certifications

• PCI PTS 3.x/4.x Approved: Tamper-resistant design with anti-skimming and anti-tampering features (e.g., self-destruct mechanisms for physical breaches).
• EMV Level 1 & 2 Certified: Validates secure processing of chip cards and contactless payments (NFC).

2. Encryption & Key Management

• DUKPT (Derived Unique Key Per Transaction): Generates a unique key for each transaction to prevent replay attacks.
• Triple DES (3DES) & AES: Encrypts sensitive data (PINs, card numbers) during transmission and storage.
• Secure Key Storage: Keys are stored in ciphertext, protected by hardware-based encryption (CPU battery-backed area).

3. Transaction Security Features

• Offline PIN Encryption: Supports both plaintext and enciphered PIN verification (ANSI X9.24).
• Tokenization: Replaces cardholder data with tokens for storage/transmission.
• End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): Secures data from the card reader to the payment processor.

4. Authentication & Verification

• Address Verification (AVS) & CVV/CID Checks: Validates billing details to reduce fraud.
• TLS 1.2 for Communication: Ensures secure data transmission over Ethernet/Wi-Fi.

5. Physical Protections

• Built-in Anti-Tamper Mechanisms: Alerts and locks down if tampered with.
• Secure Boot & Firmware Authentication: Uses RSA-2048 signatures to verify firmware integrity.

Use Case Examples

• Restaurants: Post-authorization tip adjustments with EMV chip-and-signature, avoiding pre-authorization risks.
• Retail: Offline “store-and-forward” mode securely queues transactions during connectivity drops.

Why It Matters: The S80’s PCI/EMV compliance and DUKPT/AES encryption make it a robust choice for high-risk industries, balancing security with usability.

(Sources: PCI Security Standards Council, eMerchant Authority, CardFellow, PAX manuals)

The PAX S80 handles transaction security through multiple layers of hardware protections, encryption standards, and compliance certifications to safeguard sensitive payment data. Here’s how it ensures secure transactions:

1. Hardware & Compliance

• PCI PTS 3.x/4.x Certified: Tamper-resistant design with anti-skimming and physical breach detection (e.g., self-destructs if opened).
• EMV Level 1 & 2: Validates chip card transactions to prevent counterfeit fraud.

2. Encryption & Data Protection

• DUKPT: Generates unique keys per transaction to block replay attacks.
• 3DES & AES: Encrypts cardholder data during transmission and storage.
• Secure Key Injection: Keys are stored in hardware-protected memory (RSA-2048 for firmware integrity).

3. Transaction Verification

• Offline PIN Encryption: Supports ANSI X9.24 standards for secure PIN entry.
• Address Verification (AVS) & CVV/CID Checks: Confirms cardholder identity.

4. Physical Security

• Anti-Tamper Mechanisms: Alerts and locks down if physically compromised.
• Secure Boot: Ensures only authenticated firmware runs on the device.

5. Connectivity Safeguards

• TLS 1.2: Secures data over Ethernet/dial-up connections.
• Tokenization: Replaces card numbers with tokens for storage.

Use Cases:

• Restaurants: Post-authorization tip adjustments with EMV chip-and-signature.
• Retail: Offline “store-and-forward” mode securely queues transactions during network outages.

Why It Matters: The S80’s blend of PCI/EMV compliance, DUKPT, and end-to-end encryptionmakes it a trusted choice for high-risk industries.

(Sources: PCI Security Standards Council, PAX Global manuals, eMerchant Authority)

The PAX S80 offers multiple communication options to suit various business environments, ensuring reliable transaction processing even in areas with limited connectivity. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Wired Connections

• Ethernet (IP): High-speed internet via RJ45 port for stable, real-time transactions.
• Dial-Up (PSTN): Uses phone lines (V.92 modem, up to 56kbps) as a backup in low-coverage areas.
• USB (OTG): Connects to peripherals like PIN pads or POS systems.

2. Wireless Options

• 3G (WCDMA): Optional module for cellular connectivity (requires SIM card).
• Wi-Fi: Available on select models (not all variants support it; verify with the manufacturer).
• GPRS: Fallback option for basic data transmission where 3G/Wi-Fi is unavailable.

3. Peripheral Ports

• RS232 Serial Port: Legacy integration with older POS systems.
• PINPad Port: Connects external EMV PIN pads (e.g., SP20/SP30) for debit/EBT transactions.

4. Key Features Supporting Connectivity

• Auto-Switching: Prioritizes Ethernet/Wi-Fi but falls back to dial-up/3G if primary connections fail.
• Offline Mode: Limited “store-and-forward” capability (queues transactions for later submission).

Compatibility Notes

• No Built-in Wi-Fi on Base Models: Some retailers offer Wi-Fi-enabled variants (check product codes likeS80M0L36403EA).
• 3G/GPRS Modules: Sold separately; confirm carrier compatibility (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile bands).

Ideal For:

• Retail/Restaurants: Ethernet for stability.
• Mobile Vendors: 3G/Wi-Fi for flexibility.
• Rural Businesses: Dial-up as a failsafe.

(Sources: PAX Global manuals, eMerchant Authority, Processing Inc)

The PAX S80’s built-in thermal printer is designed for reliability in high-volume environments, but its specs differ from standalone POS printers like Epson’s TM series. Here’s a detailed comparison:

PAX S80 Printer vs. Popular POS Printers

Key Takeaways

1. Speed & Volume:
   • The S80’s30 lines/sec outperforms basic mobile printers (e.g., Star Micronics) but lags behind high-speed models like the Epson TM-T88V (11.8 inches/sec).
2. Flexibility:
   • No modular options: Unlike Epson/Star printers, the S80’s printer is fixed and lacks Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
3. Paper Compatibility:
   • Uses58mm BPA-free rolls (narrower than standard 80mm POS paper), limiting receipt customization.
4. Trade-offs:
   • Pros: Space-saving, no external setup, optimized for EMV terminals.
   • Cons: Not replaceable; slower than dedicated POS printers.

Best For: Businesses needing a compact, all-in-one terminal rather than high-volume receipt printing. For heavy printing, pair with an Epson TM-T88V.

(Sources: eMerchant Authority specs, Epson/Paystri documentation)