Money handling mechanism with peripheral port

A device for handling money, including:

• a money handling apparatus;
• an internal controller for controlling the money handling apparatus;
• a first port for removable connection to an external controller for communication with the internal controller;
• and
• a second port for removable connection to a further device for handling money for communication with the internal controller;
• wherein the internal controller is arranged to copy the content of signals between the first port and the second port.

A method of communication for a money handling apparatus, including:

• communicating with an external controller over a first port;
• and
• communicating with a further money handling apparatus over a second port;
• wherein the content of signals is copied between said first and second ports.

A device for handling money, including;

• a money handling apparatus;
• an internal controller for controlling the money handling apparatus;
• a first port for removable connection to an external controller for communication with the internal controller;
• and
• a second port for removable connection to a further device for handling money for communication with the internal controller;
• wherein the internal controller is arranged to convert between first units of value used for communications over said first port and second units of value used for communication over said second port.

A device for handling money, including:

• a money handling apparatus;
• an internal controller for controlling the money handling apparatus;
• a first port for removable connection to an external controller for communication with the internal controller;
• and
• a second port for removable connection to a further device for handling money for communication with the internal controller;
• wherein the internal controller is arranged to receive a code indicative of the type of the further device on the second port, and to output in response thereto on the first port an amended code representative to said external controller of a type different from that of the further device.

A method of communication for a money handling device. including:

• communicating with an external controller via a first port,
• communicating with a further money handling device via a second port,
• receiving a code indicative of the type of the further device on the second port, and
• outputting in response thereto on the first port an amended code representative to said external controller of a type different from that of the further device.

A device for handling money, including:

• a money handling apparatus;
• an internal controller for controlling the money handling apparatus;
• and
• a plurality of first ports each arranged for removable connection to an external controller for communication with the internal controller;
• wherein the internal controller is arranged to detect to which of said first ports the external controller is connected and to communicate with the external controller using a communications protocol selected according to the detected one of the first ports.