There are a couple of common reasons why a POS receipt printer would start printing strange or wierd characters that make the receipt unreabable.
1. Problem caused by a Windows update
Windows updates can cause issues with COM ports that will affect any printers directly connected to the POS terminal.
To fix a receipt printer COM port issue caused by a Windows update:
Power the printer off using the switch on the side of the printer.
On the printer, hold down the FEED button whilst powering the printer back on.
This should reset the printer and print out a docket with all the printer settings.
If this does not fix the issue then shutdown the TouchPoint POS software and then reload it.
If this still does not fix the issue then shutdown and restart the POS terminal.
2.Problem caused by a BAUD rate mis match:
If the probem occurs when you have just replaced or added a new printer connected to a COM port (eg COM 1, COM 2 etc) then is most likely due to a BAUD rate mis match.
The Baud rate setting for the appropriate COM (Serial) port in the TouchPoint POS software which must match the BAUD rate setting of the Printer.
Common printer BAUD rates are 9600, 19200, 115200.
To fix a receipt printer COM port issue caused by a BAUD rate mis match:
Power the printer off using the switch on the side of the printer.
On the printer, hold down the FEED button whilst powering the printer back on.
This should reset the printer and print out a docket with all the printer settings.
Make a note of the printer BAUD rate.
Check the printer cable connecting the printer to the POS terminal - you need to know which COM port number it is physically connected to.
You now need to check the TouchPoint I/O Parameter settings.
You will need access to PROGRAMMING mode on the TouchPoint POS software:
Select PROGRAMMING (Settings) Mode.
Select option 3. PROGRAM.
Select option 2. System Programming.
Select option 13. I/O Parameter.
Check the BAUD rate for the appropraite COM (Serial) port matches that set on the printer.
If is does NOT then change the BAUD rate to match the printer.
