Testing Your Receipt Printer
The receipt printer test performs up to three diagnostic steps: connectivity, ESC/POS status query, and a full test page print.
How to Run the Test
- Open Program → Machine Configuration
- Go to the Payments & Accounts tab → Hardware Configuration section
- Make sure your receipt printer type and connection are configured
- Click the Test Print button
Step 1: Connectivity Check
The first step verifies that AccuArk can reach the printer:
| Connection Type | What Is Checked |
|---|---|
| Network / IP | TCP connection to the configured IP address and port (default port 9100) within a 3-second timeout |
| Serial / COM | The configured COM port exists on the system and can be opened at 9600 baud |
| USB | The configured Windows printer name is found in the list of installed printers and is valid |
If this step fails, the remaining steps are skipped.
Step 2: ESC/POS Status Query
For thermal printers connected via network or serial, AccuArk sends the DLE EOT status commands (0x10 0x04) to query the printer's internal state. The response bytes are parsed for:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Online / Offline | Whether the printer is ready to receive data |
| Cover Open | The printer's paper cover is not closed properly |
| Feed Button Pressed | Someone is pressing the paper feed button |
| Paper Feed Error | A mechanical paper feed problem |
| Auto-Cutter Error | The paper cutter is jammed or malfunctioning |
| Unrecoverable Error | A serious hardware error requiring service |
| Paper Near End | Paper roll is running low — replace soon |
| Paper Out | No paper — must be replaced immediately |
Note: This step is skipped for USB printers (they use Windows drivers, not direct ESC/POS commands). If your thermal printer does not support DLE EOT status queries, the step shows as passed (non-critical).
Step 3: Print Test Page
The final step prints a formatted test page to verify the printer produces correct output:
What the Test Page Contains
- Store name — centered, bold
- "PRINTER TEST PAGE" header
- Machine name and date — identifies which machine and when
- Paper width — shows the configured characters per line
- Alignment tests — left-aligned, centered, and right-aligned text
- Font tests — normal weight and bold weight text
- Character set — all printable ASCII characters to verify font support
- Barcode test — a CODE 128 barcode with value "TEST-12345"
- Footer — "Test Complete" confirmation
For thermal printers (network or serial), the test page is sent as raw ESC/POS commands. For USB printers, it is rendered through the Windows print driver.
Interpreting the Results
After the test completes, a detailed results dialog appears:
- All three steps green (PASS) — your printer is fully operational
- Step 1 fails — AccuArk cannot reach the printer at all. Check cables, IP address, COM port, or printer power.
- Step 2 fails — connectivity is fine but the printer reports an error (paper out, cover open, cutter jam). Address the reported issue.
- Step 3 fails — connectivity and status are fine but the print command failed. Check for driver issues (USB) or data transmission errors (network/serial).
Also Available: Machine Printer Test
In addition to the hardware panel test, there is a separate Test Printer button on the receipt configuration section of the General tab. This button prints a sample receipt using the machine's configured print destination (Default Printer or POS Printer) and receipt formatting settings (font size, characters per line, barcode type). Use this to verify the receipt layout and barcode printing after adjusting receipt settings.