Understand Counter Mode

Why Counter Mode is Necessary:

• The Q3/Q2Premium terminal utilizes a soft battery.

• Continuous charging, especially when the battery is already fully charged, can lead to battery bulging.

• To mitigate this risk, software adjustments are made to the charging mechanism.

• Counter Mode is essential when the charger is constantly connected to the terminal.

• In Counter Mode, the battery recharges at 15% (rather than the usual 95%) to avoid long-term full charge. The recharge capacity can be set by parameter file.

• In Counter Mode, charging terminates at 88% capacity, whereas in non-counter mode, charging continues until it reaches 100%. The terminate capacity can not be changed.

How to Activate Counter Mode:

There is the auto-counter mode algorithm in the Q3 terminal.

Manual Activation in Terminal Settings:

• Navigate to Settings > Administrator Login.

• Go to Setting > Battery.

• Toggle Counter Mode on or off as needed.

Activation via APK Installation:

• Install the specific APK to automatically set the terminal to Counter Mode.

• This APK disables the auto-counter mode algorithm, allowing for unconditional Counter Mode activation.

• No app icon is displayed on the launcher desktop.

• Two versions of the APK are available: one to turn on Counter Mode, and another to turn it off (both updated as of 8/28/2023).

  • APK to turn on Counter Mode(updated 8/28/2023)

  • APK to turn off Counter Mode(updated 8/28/2023)

Activation via TMS (Terminal Management System):

• Add a new parameter file in WizarView. Follow steps in the WizarView application to upload and commit the parameter file.

  • Access Application Settings:

    • Navigate to the 'Applications' section, and then select 'Application' from the submenu.

  • Add New Parameter File:

    • Click the '+' icon located at the bottom left of the toolbox. This will open an edit window.

    • In the edit window, fill in the required fields, including the name of the parameter file.

    • Ensure to select 'param' as the type.

    • Enter the package name, which should be 'com.wizarpos.system.settings', and then the name of your parameter file.

    • After entering all the details, click the 'Commit' button to save this entry.

  • Locate the New Parameter File:

    • Now, click the 'Search' button in the 'Applications > Application' page.

    • From the displayed list, select the parameter file you just added.

  • Configure the Parameter File:

    • Click the configuration (config) icon located at the right bottom of the toolbox.

    • In the popup window, click the 'Upload' button.

  • Upload the Parameter File:

    • Choose the appropriate parameter file from your device.

    • Once selected, click the 'Commit' button to upload the file to the system.

• This allows the configuration of the terminal remotely via file push, similar to application updates.

• Parameter files are available to turn on or off Counter Mode.

  • Sample paramter file to turn on Counter Mode
  • Sample parameter file to turn off Counter Mode

Activation through API (Application Programming Interface):

• Add the required permission, '<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.CLOUDPOS_SET_BATTERY_COUNTER_MODE" />' in 'AndroidManifest.xml'.

• Utilize the AIDL file in the package 'com.wizarpos.wizarviewagentassistant.aidl'.
• A code sample can be provided for this purpose.

public void systemExtApiService_setBatteryCounterMode(Context context, boolean enable) {
    ServiceConnection systemExtConn = new ServiceConnection() {
        @Override
        public void onServiceConnected(ComponentName name, IBinder service) {
            ISystemExtApi systemExtApiService = ISystemExtApi.Stub.asInterface(service);
            Logger.debug("startAgentService = " + systemExtApiService);
            try {
                systemExtApiService.setBatteryCounterMode(enable);
            } catch (RemoteException e) {
                e.printStackTrace();
            }
        }

        @Override
        public void onServiceDisconnected(ComponentName name) {
        }
    };
    ComponentName comp = new ComponentName("com.wizarpos.wizarviewagentassistant","com.wizarpos.wizarviewagentassistant.SystemExtApiService");
    Intent intent = new Intent();
    intent.setComponent(comp);
    context.bindService(intent, systemExtConn, Context.BIND_AUTO_CREATE);
    context.startService(intent);
}

By using Counter Mode in the appropriate situations, the lifespan and health of the terminal's battery can be significantly enhanced.