Mini Thermal Receipt Printer printing light

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wong_bryan
 
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Mini Thermal Receipt Printer printing light

Post by wong_bryan »

Hi,

I recently bought the mini thermal receipt printer starter pack
https://www.adafruit.com/product/600

The first print on the left is the one that had came with the printer.
The middle print is after setting it up using the power supply from the starter pack.
The 3rd print on the right is after cleaning the thermal pad with IPA, adjusting the heattime, and using a power supply at 9V.

It seems to be a bit better however it's not as dark and the raspberry pi logo has streaks.
I've checked the BAUD RATE is correct along with the Flow ctrl on the printer settings.

Are there any other settings I may be missing?

Currently using this printer on a raspberry pi4.
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adafruit_support_carter
 
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Re: Mini Thermal Receipt Printer printing light

Post by adafruit_support_carter »

Most often, these issues end up being power related.

What's the current rating for the 9V supply used?

How are the power supplies being connected to the printer? What wires, adapters, etc. are being used?

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wong_bryan
 
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Re: Mini Thermal Receipt Printer printing light

Post by wong_bryan »

Thank you for the reply. My power supply has an output of 3-12V with a 5A max. It's being connected by power supply>Female DC Power adapter - 2.1mm jack to screw terminal block>jumper wires>thermal printer

I've attached an image of how it is connected.
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Re: Mini Thermal Receipt Printer printing light

Post by adafruit_support_carter »

Thanks. It's possible these wires are limiting the current flow:
wires.png
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Would you be willing to cut off the printer's power cable end connector so its wires could be stripped and directly inserted into the barrel connector adapter screw terminals?

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wong_bryan
 
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Re: Mini Thermal Receipt Printer printing light

Post by wong_bryan »

I can give that a try. Do you believe it's the size of the wire? I can also try a higher gauge wire.
I have these jumper wires
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1953?g ... bbEALw_wcB

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adafruit_support_carter
 
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Re: Mini Thermal Receipt Printer printing light

Post by adafruit_support_carter »

Yep, that's general idea. And a fairly common issue. The power supplies need to have the necessary capability, in terms of volts and amps. Yours seem fine. But it's also important that the wires be adequate to deliver that power. Those jumper wires are potentially limit the total current flow.

Also seems like this is likely happening based on the voltage readings in the test prints. Looks like the 9V is dipping down to 8.3V.

It's worth a try. And only an issue if you wanted to preserve the original connector.

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wong_bryan
 
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Re: Mini Thermal Receipt Printer printing light

Post by wong_bryan »

I changed it to the jumper wire. It seem to help a bit better. I printed a logo and there's some streaks and still a bit faint. Does it still appear to be a power issue?

If we believe it's still the wires, I can stripped the wires so they can plug directly into the adapter.

Thank you for all the help! Definitely progressing in the right direction.
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Re: Mini Thermal Receipt Printer printing light

Post by adafruit_support_carter »

If we believe it's still the wires, I can stripped the wires so they can plug directly into the adapter.
Please try that. Also, just use the built in test print for a comparison. That way we can use the test print that came with the printer as a reference.

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wong_bryan
 
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Re: Mini Thermal Receipt Printer printing light

Post by wong_bryan »

Hi,

I ended up using a different wire than original power cable and my power supply at 9V and the prints are now better.

Thank you for all your help!

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