USB is simplest for a printer sitting next to the till. A serial port is still useful with older software. Ethernet becomes necessary as soon as the printer is shared between stations or installed in the kitchen: it then has its own network address, independent of the till.
Procedure
Choose the interface from the location
Use USB for a printer at the counter, next to its station, and Ethernet for a printer that is shared, remote or in the kitchen. Keep serial for cases where the client’s software requires it.
Print the self-test before cabling
The self-test procedure is in the manufacturer’s documentation, usually holding the feed button while powering up. The ticket it prints confirms the mechanism and shows the current interface configuration.
On USB, install the driver before the cable
The operating system assigns a port on first connection. Installing the manufacturer’s driver before plugging the printer in prevents a generic driver from claiming the port under a different name.
On serial, align the port settings
Baud rate, parity and flow control must match on both sides. The applicable values are those printed on the self-test and documented by the manufacturer. Do not guess them, they vary from model to model.
On Ethernet, reserve the address on the router
A network printer must keep the same address. Reserve it on the router using the hardware address printed on the self-test: the reservation stays valid even after the printer is reset.
Check these before calling support
- The self-test prints correctly with the printer disconnected from the station.
- The interface mode shown on the self-test matches the cable that is plugged in.
Useful terms
- ESC/POS
ESC/POS is the command set created by Epson that most receipt printers understand.
- Direct thermal printing
Direct thermal printing is a process that darkens heat-sensitive paper through contact with a heated head.
- Kitchen printer
A kitchen printer is a unit that prints order tickets in the hot line.
Hardware involved
- MG80 (Printers)