How to protect a "Terminal" device during outdoor events

[KiwanisGuy]

Our club wants to purchase a "Terminal" POS device to use during an outdoor annual 3-day event that's beneath a tent.  Conditions can get a bit dusty, due to wind, and experience times of high humdity due to rain.  Is anyone using a "Terminal" outdoors and, if so, what's been your experience? Does anyone have a solution to prevent issues?  Would the internal TT printer function properly or would the thermal paper have an issue during times of high humidity?  Any thoughts and/or suggestion will be appreciated.  Thank you. 

[schaefferjosh · Accepted solution]

Hi @KiwanisGuy, we have used a terminal outside 90% of the summer here in Michigan for the last 2 years or so. We do not have an issue with humidity, dust, or pollen. We do have a screen protector on it just in case something drops on it. The only issue I recall was when it got EXTREMELY hot outside, it started to lose its internet connection. But that has only happened once, and we were under an extreme heat warning with a heat index of like 110. 

[schaefferjosh · Accepted solution]

Hi @KiwanisGuy, we have used a terminal outside 90% of the summer here in Michigan for the last 2 years or so. We do not have an issue with humidity, dust, or pollen. We do have a screen protector on it just in case something drops on it. The only issue I recall was when it got EXTREMELY hot outside, it started to lose its internet connection. But that has only happened once, and we were under an extreme heat warning with a heat index of like 110. 

[KiwanisGuy]

Josh, thank you for your reply.  Weather is similar in MI and WI, which is where I’m located.  So, I presume you’ve encountered raining days as well as some rapid and wild same day temperature swings while using the Terminal outside.  If so, during such conditions, please let me know if any other issues (i.e., printer not functioning) ever occurred.  In addition, what’s the longest number of hours in a day you've used the equipment when outside?  I ask this only because our event is 11-hours on one of the 3-days.  So, I’m interested to understand the duration of outdoor exposure your equipment experiences.  Thank you. 

[schaefferjosh · Accepted solution]

Oh absolutely! Spring and fall can have 40-degree swings, and it handles them like a champ. We just had our longest day total outside, and it will be a routine for us every Saturday of 11 hours total market time in outdoor spaces. The terminal itself is outside probably for a total of 13-14 hours. It may not be turned on outside of the 11 hours, but it still is outside, sitting on our booth. For it being that long, we never had a problem.

[KiwanisGuy]

Josh, thank you for getting back to me.  Your response is very helpful.  I greatly appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to confirm the reliability you’ve experienced with the Square Terminal in outdoor conditions.  Wishing you all the best. 

Bob B.