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Epson TM T88IV serial won't print in XP

Hi,

I would like to find a way to print to a serial Epson TM T88IV POS printer from Windows (PDF files) instead of replacing it by a USB device.

The cable was missing, so it was replaced by a standard D9 - DB25 cable.

The DIP switches are set to factory settings as in the manual but when installing the printer using the EPSON Advanced driver (APD_412E) tool, it doesn't work.

The computer is a light HP workstation, XP Pro, male DB9 connector 'integrated' ..

I am taking any suggestion !

Rob Hutchinson

If the DIP switches are set to factory. Then you need to match up the actual Windows port settings to match the setting on the device.

The four you need to pay attention are the data bits, stop bits and parity( 8-N-1 or E-7-1 as examples)

So this means that the manual defaults look( trying to remember from like 15 years ago) like they say you need 8-E-0 which is not the most common settings for a serial port. The speed default being 38400. (If these Windows settings don't work, then try setting the DIP switches to a more common setting like 8-N-1 then make sure the Windows port settings match.)

So now you need to adjust the Windows port settings for the port you plan on using.

Go into the Device Manager then find the COM port you're using, the go to the properties.
From the "Port Settings" tab, you should be able to set this four setting mentioned:

Bits per second = 38400
Data bits = 8
Parity = Even
Stop bits = 0

Rob Hutchinson

here's the manual too( or one for a model close to that one):

TMT88V-TRG-RevB.pdf

Alexandre Romain

ASKER

Thanks for your answer.

DIP Switches are set to factory which correspond to

9600 bits
Data bits 8
DTR/DSR
Parity none
Stop bits 1

COM PORT 1 is configured the same way as the Printer installed with Epson Advanced Print Driver but it still not printing ...

Boring machine lol

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Don Thomson

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Don Thomson

Sorry hit submit to quickly
But the above is for a standard serial cable - NO A SERIAL PRINTER CABLE

http://pinouts.ru/SerialPortsCables/SerPrinter9to25_pinout.shtml

This shows the difference

You need to buy a Serial Printer Cable - The PC and the Printer are both DTE devices

SOLUTION

Rob Hutchinson

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Rob Hutchinson

Also shows a USB port from this page too:

PortPic.bmp

Don Thomson

If the TM88 has a USB port and you have an available USB 2.0 port available - it would probably be cheaper to connect it that way. If not then just get a Serial PRINTER cable

Alexandre Romain

ASKER

Thanks for all this info.

The printer is only equipped with a RS-232 PORT, no USB, no Ethernet.

I will have a test with a 'hand made' serial cable based on the info you sent me, if it doesn't work, I will buy a USB printer. Lost enough time on this.

I already give you the points.