TD Terminal Printer: Troubleshooting Slow Printing Speed... | terminalfaults.org

Technical Background:

Printing speed is governed by the printer's processor, firmware, print head voltage, and data transmission rate (baud rate) from the terminal. Slow printing can indicate insufficient voltage to the print head, firmware errors, or degraded communication signals. Thermal print heads are susceptible to residue buildup, affecting heat transfer and print speed. Static discharge (ESD) can also interfere with electronic components.

Symptoms:

Observed slow printing speed on the TD terminal printer during transaction processing. Print quality may also be degraded.

Possible Causes:

Low voltage supply to the printer motor or print head.
Degraded or damaged printer cable affecting data transmission.
Print head contamination with thermal paper residue.
Outdated printer firmware causing performance issues.
Faulty printer motor impeding print speed.
Excessive cable strain on the printer connection.

Solution:

1

Inspect the printer cable for damage (fraying, kinks) and ensure secure connection to both the terminal and printer.
2

Clean the print head with a specialized thermal print head cleaning pen or isopropyl alcohol (99%) on a lint-free swab. Allow to dry completely before use. Safe Handling: Unplug the printer before cleaning.
3

Check the terminal's power supply voltage with a multimeter to ensure it meets the printer's voltage requirements. Consult the printer's specifications for acceptable voltage range.
4

Update the printer firmware to the latest version, if available from the manufacturer's website or through the terminal's management software. Refer to TD's documentation.
5

Perform a test print to evaluate the printing speed and quality after each step.
6

If possible, test with a known good printer cable to rule out cable issues.
7

Verify terminal printer configuration settings through the terminal management interface (e.g., print density, print speed). Check for incorrect settings.

Safety Warning:

Potential electrical shock hazard. Always unplug the printer from the power source before performing any cleaning or maintenance. Avoid touching the print head immediately after printing as it may be hot. Do not use excessive force when cleaning the print head. Safe Handling: Unplugging the printer before cleaning or inspection.

Prevention:

Regularly clean the print head (at least monthly) to prevent residue buildup. Avoid cable strain by ensuring proper cable routing and management. Schedule firmware updates as recommended by the manufacturer. Protect the terminal and printer from electrostatic discharge (ESD), especially in dry environments. Consider using anti-static mats.

Expert Tip:

Try printing a diagnostic report from the terminal (if available) to check for error codes or hardware failures related to the printer. Sometimes, a simple terminal reboot can resolve temporary communication issues between the terminal and printer.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What type of thermal paper is being used? Using incorrect or low-quality paper can affect print quality and speed.

Verify compatibility between the thermal paper and the printer specifications.

•Is the printer shared across multiple terminals? High print volume can contribute to slower performance.

Assess printer usage patterns and consider dedicated printers for high-volume terminals.

•When was the last time the printer firmware was updated?

Check the firmware version and update if necessary. Refer to TD documentation.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•What type of thermal paper is being used? Using incorrect or low-quality paper can affect print quality and speed.

•Is the printer shared across multiple terminals? High print volume can contribute to slower performance.

•When was the last time the printer firmware was updated?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: