Getting started

PAX A80: setup, rear ports and Ethernet connection

Set up a PAX A80 countertop terminal: what is in the box, what each rear port does (POWER, PINPAD, RS232, LAN, PHONE), how to connect Ethernet and confirm it is online, and why the A80 must stay on mains power.

Applies to
PAX A80, A80s · Ethernet + Wi-Fi, optional 4G
Last reviewed
Oct 26, 2026 by Abdul Rashid

Ask Allstar AI about this guide

Exact messages this covers

  • Check LAN Cable
  • Connect Error
  • DHCP Error

Check first

  • Is the A80 going to use Ethernet (LAN) or Wi-Fi? (The A80 supports both; it has no dial modem on the A80s.)
  • Does the network use DHCP or static IP addresses?
  • Will an external PIN pad be attached, or will the A80 run standalone?

Setting up a PAX A80 countertop terminal: power, ports, Ethernet and the first online check.

Before you start

  • Box: terminal, quick setup guide, paper roll, power cable, power supply.
  • The A80 must be on mains power to download or transact. The battery, where fitted, is backup only. For a portable terminal PAX recommends the A920.
  • Use a real Ethernet cable (8 conductors). A phone cable has 4 and will give Check LAN Cable.

Steps

  1. Fit the SAM card if supplied (cover on the underside), then connect the power supply to the POWER port and the outlet. Expected: powered.
  2. Ethernet cable into the LAN port and the router or switch. RS232 is serial, PINPAD is for an external PIN pad, PHONE is for a phone line where dial is supported. Expected: link light on the switch port.
  3. Load a 58 mm x 50 mm thermal roll and tear at 45 degrees against the cutter. Expected: paper tail showing.
  4. Hold ON/OFF for about two seconds until the backlight comes on. Expected: boots.
  5. DHCP networks need nothing more. For static: Android Settings > the network > Advanced options > IP settings: Static, then enter IP, gateway, subnet mask, DNS. Expected: the terminal has an address.
  6. Ping test: Function > Ping > www.google.com > Enter. Expected: Successful. On Check LAN Cable, reseat, confirm cable type, try another port, replace the cable.
  7. If the app is not pre-loaded, open the PAXSTORE Client so the unit registers and takes its push. Expected: application downloads.

If that did not work

Connect Error during a PAXSTORE download with a passing ping usually means port 9080 is blocked by a firewall; the network administrator must open it. PIN pad and POS integration settings depend on the payment application and processor; Allstar or the ISO changes them, not the merchant.

Sources

Stop and contact support if

  • Connect Error when downloading from PAXSTORE after the ping passes: a firewall may be blocking port 9080. Hand to the network administrator; contact Allstar with the serial number if it persists.
  • Any 'Ped Tampered' or 'Terminal Be Attacked' message: stop, contact Allstar support for RMA.
  • External PIN pad or POS integration settings (Comm type, PinPad Type, ExtCardReader) live in the payment application parameters and depend on the app and processor. Do not change them; contact Allstar or your ISO.

Contact Allstar support (sales@allstarterminals.com, 888-403-7066) with the model (A80 or A80s), serial number, payment application, processor and the exact message on screen.

Contact support about this

Notes

  • The A80 quick setup guide names the ports (POWER, PINPAD, RS232, LAN, PHONE) but shows them only in an image, lists no USB port, and carries no version or date (only a part number).
  • A80 versus A80s: PAX says the A80 runs Android 6 or 7 and the A80s Android 10; the A80s has no dial connection and adds 5G. The pax.us product page lists PCI 6 for the current A80 data sheet. Check the label on the unit.
  • PAX's connection table lists the A80 as LAN and Wi-Fi only (no dial, no cellular); the product page says 4G is optional. Treat cellular on an A80 as VERIFY-BY the unit's data sheet.
  • The ping test path is inside PAX's BroadPOS-style payment applications; other apps may differ.

Sources

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