Troubleshooting faded receipts on a TD terminal. Focus on thermal printer head cleaning, paper quality, and power supply issues. Includes safe handling procedures.
This could indicate a loose connection or physical damage.
Intermittent issues may point to power supply problems or overheating.
Using incorrect or low-quality paper is a common cause of faded receipts.
Thermal printers use a print head containing resistive elements that heat special thermal paper. The heat causes a chemical reaction, creating the image. Fading can be caused by insufficient heat transfer due to contamination, low voltage to the print head, or degraded thermal paper. Baud rate is irrelevant. ESD can cause the terminal to reboot, but it is not the root cause of faded print issues. Signal attenuation from external sources is not a likely cause.
Receipts are printed with significantly reduced contrast, appearing faded or illegible. Text and graphics are difficult to read. Issue is consistent across multiple receipt prints.
Unplug the terminal from the power outlet before cleaning. Use isopropyl alcohol in a well-ventilated area. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Ensure the terminal is completely dry before reconnecting to power. Do not attempt to open the terminal casing. This device contains tamper-evident mechanisms; opening it will void the warranty and may render the device unusable.
Regularly clean the thermal print head (monthly) to prevent buildup of contaminants. Use only approved thermal paper. Ensure adequate ventilation around the terminal to prevent overheating. Avoid placing the terminal in direct sunlight or humid environments. Ensure power cables are free from strain.
Some terminals have a diagnostic print function. Consult the terminal's user manual (usually accessible online from the manufacturer's website or TD's support site) for instructions on how to initiate a diagnostic print. This can often provide information about the printer's status and any error codes. Check for firmware updates from TD. Sometimes, print density settings can be adjusted in the terminal’s configuration menu.