Postage meter with keyboard keys used for changing operating constants

Abstract

In a postage meter having structures for printing postage, for displaying numerical values and for entering data, and a computer, electrically connected to the printing, displaying and data entering structures, wherein the computer is programmed (a) for causing the postage meter to enter a service mode of operation in response to data entered from the data entering structure, and (b) for processing data for controlling the operation of the respective printing, displaying and data entering structures, and wherein the data entering structure includes a keyboard having a first plurality of depressable keys, and the computer includes memory for storing a first amount corresponding to a constant value for controlling operation of the postage meter; there is provided apparatus and a method for changing the first amount to a new first amount when the postage meter is in the service mode of operation. The method includes the steps of sequentially depressing a second plurality of keys of the keyboard for entering a second amount into the computer, sequentially depressing a third plurality of keys of the keyboard for entering a combination into the computer, and automatically processing the second amount and said combination for replacing the first amount with the second amount.