FAQ - Star Printers

Frequently Asked Questions:

Here are some common questions asked about Star Printers:

Q: How do I do a self test?

A: Turn the printer off, hold down the feed button and turn the printer back on. Release the feed button 2 seconds after printer is turned on.

Q: How do I clear the print buffer?

A: Hold down both the online and the feed button while turning the printer on.

Q: What kind of tests can I perform if the printer is not printing?

A: Make sure that the paper is fed through the mechanism and the top cover(s) is/are securely in place and then run a self test.

Q: Will my star printer work in windows?

A: Yes, go to the Drivers download Page for the correct driver.

NOTE: STAR MICRONICS DOES NOT HAVE OR MAKE DOS DRIVERS FOR ANY PRINTER.

Q: Where can I get a Programmer and a Users Manual for my Star POS printer?

A: Visit our Star Micronics download area.

Q: Why is my Star Receipt printer printing question marks when a print-job has begun?

A: Star receipt printers communicate via either serial or parallel ports. All serial printers use DIP switches to configure the various serial communication parameters. The serial communication parameters set on the printer must match those set on the computer in order for their communication to be successful. When the serial parameters on the printer do not match those on the computer the printer will illustrate this by printing questions marks whenever a print-job is initiated. The problem can be corrected by matching the serial parameters as set on the printer to those set on the computer to which it is connected. By default all Star serial printers are configured at 9600 BAUD, 8 Data-Bits, No Parity, and 1 Stop-Bit.

Q: How should a TSP400 / TUP400 product be set up for use within Windows 9x?

A: Three items must be taken into consideration when using a TSP400 / TUP400 series product within Windows 95. The printer must have at least version 2.6 firmware installed for it to be able to print out of Windows. The printer's firmware revision can be determined by reading the first line off of the printer's self-test. To generate a self-test on a TSP400 series product, simply hold down the feed key while turning the printer on. To generate a self-test on a TUP400 series product, hold down the resume key until the middle light on the printer's covered control board lights, then release the resume key. If the printer does not have at least firmware revision 2.6 installed contact technical support for instructions on how to obtain an update. Once it has been determined that the printer does have the correct firmware installed, the printer's memory switches must be configured properly. The printer must have switch 0 on, bank 0 turned on. Turning this switch on will put the printer into Line Mode, the mode of operation that Windows requires. Although the printer will function when used in Line Mode, it can be made to function more effectively through Windows by turning switch 1 on, bank 0 on as well. This will put the printer into Data-Pool Mode, a mode of operation specifically for use when printing out of Windows. The printer's memory switches can be manipulated using the memory switch utility available for download on this web site. With the printer's memory switches properly configured, the only item left to check or setup is the Windows printer driver. After downloading the file WIN95_OE.ZIP from this web site, install one of the three following drivers: When using a TSP412, install one of the drivers entitled TSP412. When using any other model TSP400 / TUP400 install the TSP442 driver. Each of the two drivers listed above can either be installed in a Receipt configuration or a Ticket configuration. The Receipt configuration should be utilized when variable page lengths are needed. The Ticket configuration should be utilized when a consistent page length is desired.

Q: How do I reset the memory switches on my TSP800 printer?

A: Power Off the printer.

1. Turn Dip Switch 1-4 OFF.
2. Press and hold feed switch.
3. Turn power on.
4. Power LED on.
5. Wait 5 seconds.
6. Error LED blink.
7. Wait 5 seconds.
8. Error LED on.
9. Release feed switch.
10. Press feed switch.
11. Release feed switch.
12. Error LED blink.
13. Power off.
14. Dip switch 1-4 on.

Verify reset by performing a self test.

Q: What is the difference between “REFLECTIVE” & “TRANSMISSIVE” Sensors, and what are they for?

A: The terms “Reflective and Transmissive” relate to the method of aligning the “Top of Form” on many Ticket or Label applications. If the application needs to print onto pre-printed stationery, or fixed size stationery (Typically Pre-printed Tickets or Labels), one of the most reliable methods of ensuring the correct alignment (Top of Form) is to print a “Black Mark” on the rear of the stationery that corresponds to the Ticket (or Label) length. In order to “Read” the Black Mark, the selected printer must be set to “Reflective”.

A second method is normally used for blank labels, where again it is important to be able to accurately locate the Top of Form (e.g. the start position of each label.). Selecting the “Transmissive” method means that the printer will be set to locate the Gap between the Labels.

Therefore, when the printer is set to “Reflective Mode”, the printer will locate the Top of Form by sensing a Black Mark, and when the printer is set to “Transmissive Mode”, the printer will locate the Top of Form by sensing the Gap between labels.