Abstract: A value metering system embodying the present invention includes a storage component for storing a unique value metering system identification to enable identification of the value metering system from a plurality of other value metering systems. A communications component receives broadcast communications messages and processes the broadcast communications messages to determine if a received broadcast communications message is intended for the value metering system. A Controller component controls the operation of the value metering system. The controller component is coupled to the communications component and is responsive to specific received broadcast communications messages determined by the communications component to be intended for the value metering system.

Abstract: In a mailing system including a postage value determining system processor which communicates along parallel channels and peripheral subsystem processors adapted to communicate with a system processor along a serial data bus, an interface is provided between the system processor and the serial bus. The interface includes a first and a second communications processor. The first processor is programmed to communicate with the system processor and with the second communications processor. The second communications processor is programmed to communicate with the first processor and with peripheral subsystem processors through the serial bus. Data and control signals are transmitted between the communications processors through an interprocessor channel. The interprocessor channel includes lines connected to reference voltage levels for providing appropriate signal levels for recognition by the communications processors which operate on different voltage signal levels.