Pulses are registering; fuel is actively dispensing.
For the last ten years, the common advice for third-party integrators was: "Install a Gilbarco Pass-Through box or replace the dispensers." That advice is now outdated. Several factors have converged to create a environment for third-party pump controllers using the two-wire protocol.
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.
Extracts non-resettable electronic blend/grade totalizers for wetstock management and shift reconciliation. 5. Implementation Challenges for Third-Party Developers Pulses are registering; fuel is actively dispensing
: For developers, the protocol is not a black box. Companies like Petrol Solution SRL have developed the 2-Wire Protocol Pump Test Application , a software tool designed specifically for the 2-Wire Current Loop Protocol. This software allows technicians and integrators to send commands directly to the dispenser, diagnose issues, and test their own implementations without needing a full POS system attached. This open accessibility is a major driver of adoption.
For newer installations, Gilbarco has introduced high-speed communication technologies like the Invenco Link
Disclaimer: Gilbarco Veeder-Root is a registered trademark. This article is for informational purposes. Always consult with a certified fuel systems integrator and adhere to local electrical codes (NEC Article 514) before modifying dispenser wiring. For third-party integration, you generally need a converter
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
The master controller must provide the loop power supply (typically 12V to 24V DC regulated through a constant current circuit) to drive the 45mA loops. Software State Machine Implementation
Each fueling point is assigned a unique hex address (e.g., 1 through 16). For third-party pump controller manufacturers
The second class is the third-party pump controller, such as the MIDAX Elektra, which represents a radical departure from legacy loop architecture. It replaces the shared-loop topology with a star architecture, where each dispenser has a dedicated System on Chip (SoC). Data is aggregated and sent via a secured TLS 1.2 channel to the payment server. This eliminates the single point of failure inherent in shared loops. The Elektra also provides direct connectivity to most Dresser Wayne and Gilbarco dispensers, is EMV compliant, and supports two-way TLS authentication for secure transactions.
The "Two-Wire" interface is a proprietary serial communication protocol developed by Gilbarco (now part of Vontier/Dover Fueling Solutions). It allows a single Forecourt Controller to manage multiple dispensers (pumps) over a daisy-chain or multi-drop cabling infrastructure.
The is the global backbone of fuel retail automation, serving as the primary communication language between fuel dispensers and point-of-sale (POS) systems or site controllers . For third-party pump controller manufacturers, mastering this proprietary, current-loop interface is essential for building reliable, hardware-agnostic forecourt automation systems.