The mounting systems shown on this page have been assembled as pre-configured packages to simplify the selection of all of the necessary components needed to support your KDS equipment. All of the individual components are also available separately.
These pre-configured mounting system packages are only a small sample of the many options we have available. Contact the PQS sales team if you need a custom mounting system designed specifically for your application.
Currently we do not offer pre-configured packages for Counter Top, Under Counter, Ceiling or Pole mounting as more than 90% of all KDS screens are are supported by shelf edge mounts.
However, we do have an excellent selection of individual components for Counter Top, Under Counter, Ceiling or Pole mounting. These individual components are available on our website.
Please visit our website www.practicalqualitysystems.com and/or contact the PQS sales team if you need a custom mounting system designed specifically for your application
Kitchen Display Systems
An easy to understand tutorial
Understanding KDS Equipment
Monitors
Monitors are screens that display video images and are typically used in KDS applications in sizes from 15” to 23”. Monitors require connection of two separate external cables:
1. One cable to connect the video output of a display controller.
2. One cable to connect the screen to a power outlet.
Monitors have either a 75mm or 100mm VESA mounting pattern located near the center of the back of the screen.
Touchscreens previously relied on a 9 pin, RS232 serial connection to transmit pointing information to the display controller, newer models use USB connectivity. Touchscreens have either a 75mm or 100mm VESA mounting pattern located near the center of the back of the screen.
Custom enclosures are available that house and protect touchscreens, display controllers and all associated power supplies and cabling in a single rugged package.
Touch Computers
Also known as Touch terminals, POS terminals or "All in One" screens.
Touch computers are the most modern of KDS solutions bundling the screen, pointing device, speaker and computer all together all a single, clean package that is the same basic size as a monitor.
These devices have a "full operating system or OS" which allows them to run more sophisticated programs.
Typically, they also have a full set of input and output ports. Some of these ports are proprietary and allow connection of peripheral POS equipment such as printers, cash drawers, pole displays, etc. These ports are often grouped together in a "connector pocket" section which is located on the lower back of the screen.
Touch Computers require connection of only two separate external cables:
1. One cable to connect the touch computer to a data outlet.
2. One cable to connect the touch computer to a power outlet.
Some types of tablet computers have similar "full OS functionality" but have a smaller screen size, rugged design and lack proprietary ports.
Display Controllers
A Display Controller is a small computer about the size of two paperback books that usually comes with the KDS software pre-loaded.
Many peripheral functions have been omitted from the design of this minicomputer to reduce the physical size of the unit, to reduce power needs and to increase system dependability.
These "minicomputers" are most often sold directly by the larger KDS software companies and they carry warranties with the proviso that are only valid IF the software is running on their own proprietary display controller.
Display controllers require connection of four separate external cables:
1. One cable to connect the video output to either a monitor or touchscreen.
2. One cable to connect the pointing input from a bump bar keypad or a touchscreen.
3. One cable to connect the display controller to a data outlet.
4. One cable to connect the display controller to a power outlet (with a power adapter).
All of these external cables need to be secured behind the screen and can be the source of service issues as they are most often fully exposed to the kitchen environment.
Display controllers previously relied on a 9 pin, RS232 serial connection to receive the pointing information from bump bars or touchscreens, newer models use USB connectivity. Many display controllers still use VGA output signals to supply video to monitors or touchscreens. Newer models use HDMI video connectivity.
Display controllers are most often attached to the rear of either a touchscreen or a monitor with either a mounting plate or a back of screen enclosure.
There are also special assemblies that are designed to house the touchscreen, display controller, all associated cabling, power supplies, and even power and data outlets in a single protective enclosure.
Bump Bars
A bump bar is a simple type of rugged, miniature, specialized, keyboard and pointing device that is remotely mounted from the KDS screen.
Bump bars are connected to a display controller either with a special cable or via a wireless signal.
The keyboard on the bump bar is used to navigate the screen with a series of pointing directional commands to move the cursor across the display. Bump bars often have dedicated "Hot keys" which are pre-programmed for special functions. They also include a small integral speaker which is used to annunciate brief audio prompts - such as when a new order appears on the screen.
Wired bump bars require the connecting cable be routed across the various surfaces of kitchen between the bump bar and the controller. The wire can be difficult to install and will accumulate debris residue.
Wired bump bars previously required proprietary connectors. Newer models now offer USB connectivity.
Wireless bump bars are a new trend that can offer some advantages. They do, however, have internal batteries that must be changed at regular intervals.
The Rise of POS and KDS Tablets
Today there are fewer tablets being used in KDS applications than other screen options. This is primarily due to their small screen size and lack of durability. KDS tablets are primarily used in smaller kitchens. Their main appeal being that they offer most of the functionality of a full sized touch computer at a lower cost.
However, task built, rugged, handheld, POS tablets are the latest restaurant technology to be implemented into restaurant POS
systems. These POS tablets reduce user training, order delivery time, order inaccuracies and improve the customer experience.
Tablets most often use wireless network connectivity because they lack network connectors, although they can be connected to a wired network via a USB dongle.
Power is supplied via a cable with a power adapter connected to an adjacent power outlet.
If POS and KDS software is fully integrated it can leverage the power of mobile POS by sending notifications directly to each server’s handheld tablet wherever they are to indicate when their food orders are ready for pickup at the kitchen. This function has potential to net even more time savings in the quest for improved speed of service.
"The current trend is that more and more operators are implementing handheld POS tablets into their restaurant models every day"
Touchscreen monitors
Touchscreen monitors are screens that display video images and are typically used in KDS applications in sizes from 15” to 23”. These monitors have an invisible sensing technology that underlies the entire screen which reacts to users touch/pointing inputs similar to the utility of a mouse connected to a desk top computer. Touchscreens require connection of three separate external cables:
1. One cable to connect the video output from a display controller to the screen.
2. One cable to connect the pointing output from the touchscreen to the display controller.
3. One cable to connect the screen to a power outlet.
Although once considered to be a fad by some; rugged mobile tablet technology has recently matured to the point where it is demonstrating that POS tablets can deliver huge benefits and that they are here to stay.
Custom enclosures are available that house and protect tablets, power supplies, cabling and even power and data outlets in a single rugged package.
