Point of sale (POS) records require printers to provide receipts for customers. The most popular printer in the united states was the IBM 4610 series. Other manufacturers make POS printers as well. NCR and Epson make printers that can be used to replace the 4610 series of printers. These printers are attached to the registry via a serial cable.
Here we will discuss how to install a POS printer. But before that, be sure if your printer supports POS or not.
Contents
What is the POS printer?
How does POS work? And above all: what are they? A short paragraph, to understand the world of professional printer well.
Have you ever heard of POS printers? Don’t worry: unless you use them for work, it is unlikely that you came in contact with us. Yet they are a very present object in our daily life. Surely you have already seen one working while he was processing one of his sheets.
To give you an idea, they are those small printers that issue receipts, next to the checkout of shops, shops, or businesses. It differs from standard printers in its operation: they imprint writings, logos, and images through the overheating of chemicals or sensitive paper.
How to Check If the Printer Supports POS?
Check if the printer features mention ESC/POS mode operation. Some printers work in both modes. However, to activate the ESC/POS mode, it may be necessary to configure your printer.
If you cannot verify if the printer supports ESC/POS, follow the following procedure.
Click on POS> Start Point of Sale and issue a document (suggestion: previously activate the training mode). If the printer fails to print or prints strange characters, it probably supports ESC/POS.
How to Install a POS Printer?
POS printers can provide excellent quality for a relatively low price, but it is essential to know how to set them up properly. If you are printing to an office POS printer or a POS printer set up on your corporate network, it is essential to test your connection and make sure your printing is satisfactory. Things You Need
- Thermal Printer
- USB Cable or Parallel
- Computer
Depending on your printer model, you need to know which connection mode to use.
To date, there are three ways to connect a printer:
- Via Bluetooth connection
- Via an Ethernet connection (computer network by cable).
- Via a Wi-Fi connection.
Here’s the procedure discussed step by step:
- Power off the register either with the power switch or by unplugging the entry. Connecting the printer to a live registry can damage the printer.
- Look on the back of the register; several ports are numbered. Port 7 is dedicated to printers. This port is the most comprehensive port on the registry.
- Plug the cable into the printer, then into the register. The cable should lock in place. If not, check the end of the attached printer.
- Attach the power supply to the printer. Most POS printers use a 24-volt power supply, only use a power supply designed for your Epson.
- Connect the POS serial cable to the printer. Read the printer installation manual. It is essential to know which end of the cable is connected to the printer and which is connected to the terminal.
- Install the printer driver to the POS controller. It is the job of the controller to send the printer code to the terminal at startup.
- The printer has a set of DIP switches that set the transmission speed for printer communications. The transmission speed must be the same on both the register and the printer for it to function correctly. By default, the transmission speed must be 9,600 bps.
- Turn off the register and secure the printer serial cable in the register. When the registry is initialized, the printer driver must be installed, and the printer will be ready for use.
Why Is POS Printers Important?
POS printers are mainly used for professional purposes. The significant advantage is the speed: compared to others, POS impresses very quickly. There are two types: one with thermal transfer and one with direct thermal printing. The first uses chemicals (special inks), which are fixed on the paper with an overheated gas.
When they are spread on paper, it sublimates and leaves the color “fixed.” This technique allows a better print quality and with more colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and coverage. The downside is slightly higher costs and dilated timing. Several types of paper can be used, including adhesive paper, to create labels or barcodes applicable to products.
When purchasing a POS printer, it is essential to choose the correct printer that meets the buyer’s needs. If your ticket printer is second hand, it is crucial to find out as much information as possible before buying it. Also, check if all the information and manuals are provided or not. It will make the installation easier.