Customer-Facing Pole Displays

Two-line text or a graphic screen

Classic pole displays show two lines of 20 characters, on vacuum fluorescent displays with a bright blue-green glow or on backlit LCD. They show item names and totals, and they are readable at an angle. Graphic models use screens of about 6.6 to 8.4 inches and can show pictures and offers. A text display needs your POS software to drive it with the right command set, while a graphic one often works like a second monitor, so check what your software supports.

PoweredUSB, serial and the pole itself

Serial displays need a free port and a power supply. Plain USB models draw 5 V from the computer. PoweredUSB uses a larger connector that carries data and 12 or 24 V, so it only fits a terminal with that port. Check the pole as well: height, base weight and whether the display tilts and turns. Brackets are rated for a load, and some are sold separately, so confirm the bracket suits your display and the counter.

Questions about Customer-Facing Pole Displays

What is PoweredUSB?

It is a larger USB connector that supplies power as well as data, commonly 12 or 24 V, so devices such as printers and displays need no extra adapter. It only works with terminals that have the matching port.

VFD or LCD pole display?

A vacuum fluorescent display is bright and easy to read from an angle. A backlit LCD uses less power and some models can also show graphics. Pick by the lighting at your counter and what your software supports.

How should I position a customer display?

Set it so the customer can read it without leaning, with the screen angled slightly toward them, and keep the line of sight between customer and cashier clear. Adjustable poles and tilting heads make this easier.