Mini Thermal Receipt Printer Issues

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juliandl
 
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Mini Thermal Receipt Printer Issues

Post by juliandl »

Hi,

I piggybacked my issue on another post, but just realized that I should have created a unique post for my issue. I am reposting my post here for clarity:

I received my printer two and a half weeks ago and just started my project. The printer is not printing the test.

I ordered the “Mini Thermal Receipt Printer Starter Pack” shown here:
https://www.adafruit.com/product/600

And have been following this guide:
https://learn.adafruit.com/mini-thermal ... first-test

When I turn on the power, the green led flashes. When I press the button, the paper rolls out for about 10mm, then stops. No text is printed on the paper.

The paper is loaded correctly and the paper is not binding at all and I am using the power supply provided in the kit.

The problem seems the same as the post by username “ryantan” on Sat May 14, 2016 10:54 am. (viewtopic.php?f=22&t=54162&start=30)

However, my printer did come with a test print already rolled up inside the printer, which makes me confused as to if the printer has worked before.

I attached a photo of my circuit, and of the test print that was rolled up inside the printer.
Thanks for your help,

J

Here is ryantan's post for reference.
ryantan wrote:Hi, just received my printer yesterday, but it's not printing the test. I am using the following products:

https://www.adafruit.com/products/276
https://www.adafruit.com/products/368
https://www.adafruit.com/product/597

And following this guide:

https://learn.adafruit.com/mini-thermal ... first-test

When i turn on the power, the green led flashes. When I press the button, the paper rolls out for about 10mm, then stops, no printing.

I have attached a photo of the front of the printer, is the black stains normal?
Attachments
The printer is attached to the adapter which is attached to the provided power supply, which is directly plugged in to the wall.
The printer is attached to the adapter which is attached to the provided power supply, which is directly plugged in to the wall.
IMG_1316.jpg (98.84 KiB) Viewed 574 times
This is the print test that was rolled up inside the printer
This is the print test that was rolled up inside the printer
IMG_1317.jpg (156.55 KiB) Viewed 574 times

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jbjw
 
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Re: Mini Thermal Receipt Printer Issues

Post by jbjw »

I had similar issues (self-test was beginning but restarting sporadically in the middle of the test). Increasing either the voltage or amperage of the power supply, even just by a little bit, fixed the issues for me. It worked fine with 6V 1.5A, 5V 4A, 9V 1A, and a bunch of other supplies. I'm not sure why the product page claims a 5V 2A supply is sufficient.

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adafruit_support_carter
 
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Re: Mini Thermal Receipt Printer Issues

Post by adafruit_support_carter »

When I turn on the power, the green led flashes. When I press the button, the paper rolls out for about 10mm, then stops. No text is printed on the paper.
It sounds like maybe you just aren't doing the self test sequence correctly. You need to hold the button while power is being applied to get the test print. Otherwise, the button just acts a paper feed.
Hold down the button on the top of the printer (or on the control board) while plugging in the power.

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juliandl
 
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Re: Mini Thermal Receipt Printer Issues

Post by juliandl »

Thank you! I misunderstood the instructions

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adafruit_support_carter
 
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Re: Mini Thermal Receipt Printer Issues

Post by adafruit_support_carter »

Woot! Glad it was that simple. Is it all working OK now?

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xhxhxh555
 
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Re: Mini Thermal Receipt Printer Issues

Post by xhxhxh555 »

juliandl wrote:Thank you! I misunderstood the instructions
Hi, I have a similar problems with you. But I can't fix it? What do you do?
I press button long time but printer no printing test. I press button then the paper rolls out for about 10mm and stops.
I check paper is right. I increase voltage from 5 to 9 V, current supplies is 3A but no working?

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adafruit_support_carter
 
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Re: Mini Thermal Receipt Printer Issues

Post by adafruit_support_carter »

@xhxhxh555 Please start a new thread for your issue.

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