After a few problems getting the package updates to download on my RPi 4, I managed to get the printer Added to my computer and get the Zijiand ZJ-58 file downloaded and into my Print Settings.
I used this guide below
https://learn.adafruit.com/networked-th ... e-printer
using the code from the guide i can get the printer to print 'This is a test' from the terminal, However the bitmap image code provided does not print out properly, only Random Ascii characters as below
Printing a Test Page from the Print Setting GUI results in only one short line that's so faint i cant read it. Holding down the printer button as I attach the power (either attached to the Pi or not) Does not print a test page but only repeats this until i let the button go.
The self test that came from the factory looked although a little weak, still as though everything was fine but at no point have i been able to get it to produce a simialr test, even before i plugged it into the Pi and i was just powering it on it produced the above print only.
It is a Mini Thermal printer powered by the recommended female DC Power connector with a 5V adaptor- Having read previous topics on this forum about the printer and people changing power sources having some effect I also tried powering from the Ground & 5V pins on an Arduino plugged into a USB Plug, but ended up with even less printing happening.
I'm sorry i hope that all makes sense. I've tried to provide as much information that i can think of. If anyone has any advice I'd be very grateful but I'm a bit worried as I can't get the unit to work properly even without code that i may have a faulty unit.
Thank you very much for your time.
Mini Thermal Printer Problems
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Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
- tdubb13
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Mon Jul 19, 2021 2:55 pm
Re: Mini Thermal Printer Problems
Be sure to use the command line raspi-config
sudo raspi-config
got to interfaces and then go into the serial interface and make sure serial shell access is disabled. You only want the serial hardware enabled.
*If you use the gui raspi-config it enables both.
This will cause garbage in your prints.
I hope that helps.
sudo raspi-config
got to interfaces and then go into the serial interface and make sure serial shell access is disabled. You only want the serial hardware enabled.
*If you use the gui raspi-config it enables both.
This will cause garbage in your prints.
I hope that helps.
- GinGimlets
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Dec 21, 2021 2:52 pm
Re: Mini Thermal Printer Problems
Thank you very much! I think I might have done this when I first tried to get it running but I will double check and follow your advice and see what happens. Thanks for you help :)
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.