Summary: Seeking a hands-on hardware technician for a prototype integration project, focusing on serial communication, macOS configuration, and peripheral setup. Highlights: 1. Hands-on hardware integration and serial communication expertise 2. Work with macOS for system configuration and log review 3. Build and configure a simple Arduino-based LED indicator board We are running a prototype hardware integration project and need a hands-on technician — not a software developer. All software, dashboards, and application logic are already built and running on a Mac Mini. Your job is to physically connect a set of peripheral hardware devices, tap into an RS-232 serial data stream on existing operating equipment, and work within macOS to confirm the system is receiving data, reviewing logs, and validating the end-to-end setup. If you have done low-voltage wiring, serial communications, Arduino builds, or kiosk / access control installations — and you are comfortable navigating a Mac — keep reading. If you are a pure software person who has never held a soldering iron, this is not the right fit. What You Will Do RS-232 Serial Tap / Bridge The core task is connecting a passive RS-232 monitoring interface to an existing serial data line on operating equipment. You will: • Install an RS-232 tap (Y-splitter / serial bridge) to passively read data from the existing RS-232 bus without interrupting it • Route the tapped serial signal through a serial-to-Ethernet adapter (hardware provided) — Cat5/6 run terminates at the Mac Mini • Confirm baud rate, TX/RX/GND pinout, and verify data is flowing cleanly into the Mac • Run the new monitoring system fully parallel to the existing equipment — observe-only, zero interference Mac Mini Configuration & Log Review Our pre-built dashboard and monitoring software is already installed on the Mac Mini. You will work within macOS to bring the hardware online and confirm it is functioning: • Configure the serial-to-Ethernet adapter within macOS — assign IP, set port, confirm the Mac recognizes the device • Navigate macOS System Settings to configure network interfaces, USB peripherals, and connected hardware • Use the Console app and terminal logs to verify incoming serial data and confirm devices are communicating • Review application logs to confirm the dashboard is receiving and processing data correctly • Configure iPad in Supervised / Guided Access (kiosk) mode via Apple Configurator or Settings — lock to a single web URL • Confirm iOS device appears correctly on the local network and communicates with the Mac Mini • Troubleshoot any macOS permission, port assignment, or device recognition issues Peripheral Hardware Connection Connect and configure a set of standard low-voltage peripherals — all hardware is provided: • Thermal receipt printer (USB) • Credit card reader / payment terminal (USB or Bluetooth) • USB camera for visual monitoring (mount and aim) • iPad in a kiosk-style stand • Run and dress cables cleanly — USB, serial, Cat5/6, power Arduino Prototype Indicator Board Build and configure a simple Arduino-based LED indicator board to visually confirm state changes captured by the serial tap: • Wire a basic relay/LED board: red LED = idle/inactive state, green LED = triggered/active state • Upload pre-written firmware to the Arduino (we provide the .ino file — you click Upload in Arduino IDE) • Confirm the indicator board responds correctly to triggers received via the serial monitoring system • Breadboard-level prototype work — no finished enclosure required Testing & Validation • Run both systems side-by-side and confirm the monitoring system mirrors live activity on the existing equipment in real time • Verify all peripheral devices function end-to-end: card reader, printer, camera, indicator board • Troubleshoot serial communication issues using a multimeter (check pinout, baud rate, cable continuity) • Review macOS logs and dashboard output together to confirm data integrity • Document test results and confirm readiness for production phase What You Will NOT Do • Write software — all code and dashboards are already complete • Design or plan the system architecture — a detailed spec document guides every connection • Work remotely — this is 100% hands-on, on-site work • Modify or interfere with the existing equipment in any way — tap and monitor only What You Need Must Have □ Experience with RS-232 serial connections: DB9 connectors, TX/RX/GND pinout, troubleshooting with a multimeter □ Comfortable with Arduino or Raspberry Pi: able to wire relay boards, wire inputs/outputs, and upload pre-written firmware □ Basic electronics and low-voltage wiring: relay boards, reading wiring diagrams, continuity testing □ Comfortable working within macOS: navigating System Settings, configuring network devices, reviewing Console / terminal logs □ Basic IT / networking knowledge: understands how a serial-to-Ethernet adapter bridges a serial device onto a LAN, IP assignment, port configuration □ Able to configure an iOS device (iPad) in kiosk / Guided Access mode □ Able to mount and install hardware in a commercial environment: cameras, stands, printers, cable runs □ Own basic tools: multimeter, wire strippers, screwdrivers, crimper □ Reliable local transportation — must work on-site in Austin □ Able to follow a detailed written specification without improvising Big Bonus □ Experience with passive RS-232 serial taps or data monitoring on industrial or commercial equipment □ Low-voltage or access control background: card readers, door controllers, IP cameras □ Kiosk or payment terminal installation experience (Square, Stripe, Nayax, or similar) □ Familiarity with Apple Configurator for iOS device enrollment and supervised mode □ Any background in vending, kiosk, or commercial equipment integration What We Provide • A detailed technical specification document covering every connection, cable, pinout, and configuration step • All hardware, pre-purchased and staged: Mac Mini, iPad, card reader, camera, receipt printer, Arduino, cables, serial-to-Ethernet adapters • Pre-written Arduino firmware — you upload it, we wrote it • Pre-built software and dashboards already running on the Mac Mini • On-site access to the operating equipment for installation and live testing • An AI assistant available on demand to answer technical questions and generate configuration details What Success Looks Like The serial tap is in place. The Mac Mini dashboard is receiving live data from the existing equipment in real time, without disrupting it. macOS logs confirm clean data flow. The indicator board lights green when a trigger event is detected and red when idle. All peripheral devices are connected and confirmed functional. The prototype runs cleanly alongside the existing system for the full test period. How to Apply Reply with the following: • Your experience with RS-232 or serial connections — what equipment did you wire, and in what context? • Your experience working within macOS — configuring hardware, reviewing logs, managing connected devices • Photos of hardware you have installed or built (relay boards, kiosk mounts, cameras, access control, anything physical) • Your hourly rate • Your availability to start Bonus points if you have worked with serial data monitoring on industrial, commercial, or access control equipment, or have experience configuring Apple devices in a managed / kiosk environment. 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