Diagnosing and preventing static electricity resets on the Star Micronics TSP143III receipt printer in retail environments. Safe handling procedures included.
Measure the relative humidity using a hygrometer.
Inspect the cables for shielding; replace if unshielded.
Verify the power outlet is grounded and the printer is connected correctly.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can induce voltage spikes in electronic circuits. The TSP143III's internal power supply and logic circuits are susceptible to these spikes, leading to a system reset if the voltage exceeds tolerance levels. Baud rate is unaffected, but data transmission is interrupted during the reset. Signal attenuation is not directly relevant, but cable integrity is.
High voltage is present inside the printer power supply. Do not attempt to open the printer casing. PCI-PTS regulations forbid opening card terminal devices. Opening the housing will activate tamper-evident features, voiding the warranty and rendering the printer unusable. Use Safe Handling procedures (unplugging) before cleaning or moving the device. Avoid spraying liquids directly onto the printer.
Regularly clean the printer exterior with an anti-static wipe. Ensure all cables are securely connected and free from strain. Maintain adequate humidity levels in the environment, especially during dry seasons. Implement routine checks of the grounding system.
A USB isolator can be used to break the electrical connection between the printer and the host system, preventing ESD from propagating through the data cable. Additionally, consider using a ferrite choke on the power and USB cables to further suppress EMI/ESD.