Thermal Printer Fails Self Test

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Zigian
 
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Joined: Sat Jan 21, 2023 9:08 am

Thermal Printer Fails Self Test

Post by Zigian »

Hi,

I purchased the Tiny Thermal Printer and the recommended 5V 2A power supply. Unfortunately, the printer will not pass its self test. The printer will print the first line of the test, begin to print then next line and then seemingly reset, printing the first line once again. It will repeat this cycle without end if I hold down the paper advance button. (see photo)

I suspect the printer requires additional power. I confirmed that the 5V supply is putting out 5V. I also tried a 7V 0.5A supply (which I know isn't enough), and the printer will print even less of the test. I'd prefer to use a 5V supply for my project.

Thank you!
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adafruit_support_mike
 
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Re: Thermal Printer Fails Self Test

Post by adafruit_support_mike »

Try a higher-voltage supply capable of delivering at least 2A.

Thermal printers need a lot of power to heat the printing elements. They prefer 9V, but can usually work down to 5V.

Also try a 5V supply that can deliver more than 2A. The lower the voltage gets, the more current they need.

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