Testing Your Cash Drawer
The cash drawer test verifies connectivity and then physically fires the drawer to confirm it opens.
How to Run the Test
- Open Program → Machine Configuration
- Go to the Payments & Accounts tab → Hardware Configuration section
- Make sure your cash drawer type is configured (Via Receipt Printer, Direct Serial, or Direct USB)
- Click the Test Drawer button
Step 1: Connectivity Check
The connectivity check depends on how your drawer is connected:
| Drawer Type | What Is Checked |
|---|---|
| Via Receipt Printer | Verifies the receipt printer is configured (the drawer relies on the printer's connection) |
| Direct Serial | The configured COM port exists and can be opened at the configured baud rate |
| Direct USB | The drawer is detected at the operating system level |
Step 2: Fire Drawer
If connectivity passes, AccuArk sends the actual drawer kick command to physically open the drawer. The default kick command is 1B 70 00 19 FA (ESC p), which is the standard ESC/POS cash drawer pulse command.
| Drawer Type | How the Kick Works |
|---|---|
| Via Receipt Printer | Sends the kick command through the receipt printer's connection (network, serial, or USB) |
| Direct Serial | Opens the COM port and writes the kick command bytes directly |
| Direct USB | Uses the OPOS (OLE for Point of Sale) interface to trigger the drawer |
What to expect: If the test passes, you should physically hear and see the cash drawer pop open.
Custom Kick Commands
If your cash drawer uses a non-standard kick command, you can configure it in the hardware settings:
- Kick Command field — enter the hex bytes separated by spaces (e.g.,
1B 70 00 19 FA) - Some drawers use different pulse widths or pin assignments
- Common alternatives:
1B 70 01 19 FA(pin 5 instead of pin 2)
Interpreting the Results
- Both steps green (PASS) — the drawer is connected and responding to kick commands
- Step 1 fails — AccuArk cannot communicate with the drawer. Check cables, COM port, or printer configuration.
- Step 1 passes, Step 2 fails — the connection is fine but the kick command did not work. Try a different kick command hex value or check that the drawer is properly connected to the printer's DK port.