Diagnostic report for a card terminal experiencing a receipt printer jam. Includes troubleshooting, prevention, and safety measures. No disassembly.
Verify the paper is the correct type and size for the printer.
Check both ends of the cable for a firm connection.
Establish a regular cleaning schedule to prevent dust and debris buildup.
Receipt printers typically utilize thermal print heads and a motor-driven paper feed mechanism. Paper jams can occur due to obstructions, improper paper loading, or mechanical failure within the printer module. Signal attenuation from damaged or loose interface cables between the terminal and printer can also cause intermittent failures. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can disrupt the printer's controller logic.
Regularly clean the exterior of the terminal with a dry, lint-free cloth. Ensure the paper roll is loaded correctly and is of the recommended type. Avoid placing the terminal near sources of static electricity, especially during dry winter months. Implement cable strain relief measures to prevent damage to the interface cable.
Many card terminals have a diagnostic menu accessible via a specific key combination during startup. Consult the manufacturer's documentation for the correct key combination for accessing the diagnostic menu and performing printer diagnostics. A partially depleted power supply can cause intermittent printer failures. Use a calibrated voltmeter to check the voltage supplied to the printer module if possible via external test points - do not open the device.