How to connect an Epson Parallel Printer
Overview
 A parallel connection is one of the most
common type of connection between the computer and a POS printer. The data cable connects the parallel port on the
computer to the parallel adapter card on the printer.
Required Components
Epson Printers Covered
Installing and Setting the
Connect-It Parallel Adapter
Install the Connect-It parallel adapter into the Epson TM series printer
The adapter can replace the existing adapter and
is held in place by 2 screws.
Attaching the Cable
Use a standard parallel printer cable to connect the printer. One end has a male
DB-25 connector, the other end has a male Centronics plug.
DB25 Female (computer connector)
Centronics (printer connector end)
Centronics (printer cable end)
|
Configuring the Computer
Verify the parallel port you are using by
locating and checking the port in the Device
Manager under the System applet in the Windows Control Panel.
Getting Initial Printer and
Connect-it Adapter Settings
Get the initial settings of the parallel adapter by running the printer's self test.
To do this hold down
the feed button while turning on the printer. The printer will print a list of
initial settings including interface type and buffer capacity. Verify that the
interface is "Parallel"
Installing the Device Drivers
for Windows
To obtain the latest Device
Drivers from Epson:
-
Download and Install Epson’s
drivers available from
www.epsonexpert.com
-
You WILL be REQUIRED to log in to access these
drivers.
-
If you do not have a log
in, you will be required to register for this service (this is free and
takes less than 10 minutes). This is a process controlled by Epson not
Beagle Hardware.
-
Click on TECHNICAL RESOURCES
-
Select the printer model under the menu
-
Click the download
drivers on the printer page
-
For
detailed installation instructions, click here.
Configuring the Printer in
Windows
First off, the parallel printer adapter may not be plug and play.
This depends on the Epson printer and the version of the interface you
are using.
After installing the printer drivers, the printer should be visible in the printers folder of the Windows Control
Panel.
Checking the Driver
Installation in Windows
If Windows does not recognize the
printer when it is attached and powered up,
you need to make a few changes in the printer settings in Windows to get it to work
with the parallel adapter. Specifically you need to configure the printer port you are
using to connect with the printer.
Open the printer in the Windows Printer Folder. Select the Ports Tab.
Select the parallel port in use (i.e. LPT1).
Finally turn off bidirectional support, if enabled
like above.
Configuration Utilities to Run
on the Computer
Epson Flash Utility
The Epson Flash Utility is normally
installed with the Epson printer drivers. It is used to upload bitmaps to Epson
printers, but has a simple communication test which will check for basic
connectivity between the computer and the printer. Pressing the "Comm. Test"
button on the Setup tab of the utility will give a go/no-go indication of basic
connectivity.
Running the TMNet configuration
utility on the Computer
The TMNet utility is not compatible with the parallel interface.
Testing the Printer
You should now be ready to test the printer by printing some text or by pressing
the "Print Test Page" button in the General Tab of the printer properties.
|
