TSP143III Receipt Printer Reset Diagnosis - Solar Faults | terminalfaults.org

Technical Background:

Receipt printers require stable voltage and consistent data transmission. Resets may be triggered by voltage dips, electromagnetic interference (EMI), or corrupted data streams. The TSP143III uses a specific baud rate for communication. Data containing expiry dates may trigger a buffer overflow or cause the printer to draw more power due to complex character processing, exacerbating existing power issues or triggering internal error handling leading to a reset.

Symptoms:

The Star Micronics TSP143III receipt printer resets unexpectedly specifically when printing receipts containing expiry date information.

Possible Causes:

Power supply voltage fluctuation or insufficient amperage delivery, particularly during peak printing activity.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from nearby electronic devices affecting the printer's internal circuits.
Spurious data in the expiry date string causing a parsing error within the printer firmware.
Loose or damaged power or data cables resulting in intermittent connectivity.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) events, especially in dry environments, impacting the printer's operation.
Overheating of the printer's internal components due to prolonged operation without adequate ventilation.

Solution:

1

Verify the printer's power supply meets the specified voltage and amperage requirements. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage output under load (while printing).
2

Inspect the power and data cables for any signs of damage (fraying, kinks, exposed wires). Replace if necessary.
3

Ensure the printer is plugged directly into a wall outlet and not a power strip or UPS, to eliminate potential power delivery bottlenecks.
4

Relocate the printer away from potential sources of EMI, such as other electronic devices or high-voltage equipment.
5

Update the printer's firmware to the latest version available from Star Micronics to address potential software bugs.
6

If the printer is connected via USB, try a different USB port or cable to rule out connectivity issues.
7

Clean the exterior of the printer with a dry, static-free cloth to remove dust and potential contaminants.

Safety Warning:

To prevent electric shock, always unplug the printer from the power outlet before performing any maintenance. Avoid using liquids near the printer. Static discharge can damage electronic components; ground yourself before touching the printer, especially in dry environments. Ensure proper Safe Handling (unplugging) is observed; LOTO is not applicable in this retail-store environment.

Prevention:

Regularly inspect and clean the printer's exterior. Ensure adequate ventilation around the printer to prevent overheating. Use surge protectors to protect against power surges. Ensure cables are properly connected and free from strain.

Expert Tip:

Try printing a test receipt with a generic expiry date format (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY) to determine if a specific format is triggering the reset. Some expiry dates can include non-standard Unicode characters. If so, adjust software to send simple ASCII dates or upgrade firmware. If the printer is near an electrical panel or heavy machinery, an external ferrite choke on the power cable may help filter out EMI.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the voltage output of the power supply under load?

Measure the voltage while the printer is actively printing. It should match the power supply specifications (e.g., 24V).

•Is the printer's firmware up to date?

Check the Star Micronics website for the latest firmware version and update the printer if necessary.

•What other electronic devices are located near the printer?

Identify any potential sources of EMI, such as cash drawers, computers, or wireless devices. Relocate the printer if possible.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the voltage output of the power supply under load?

•Is the printer's firmware up to date?

•What other electronic devices are located near the printer?

Related questions

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Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

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