what printer should I buy?

[hendrikbgr]

From the aliexpress listing I can see different version. One RS232 and the other TTL. Which one is best suited for this project?

[Pharkie]

The video (3:41) https://youtu.be/JOlX4iSBhp8?si=t_RVX10jVnhqzZFW&t=221 says "TTL+USB" (5-9V), which on the AliExpress listing is variant "Color: Black TU 5-9V", I would say.

[rGnng]

I just build this one, you need:

• a ESP8266 or ESP32 dev board, preferably no pin header preinstalled.
• a thermal printer with a installation port size of 78mm x 53mm, with TTL pinout.

Mine printer model number is EM5822, there's some minor difference from Scribe creator's one, for example the LED light behavior. Otherwise they should be fully compatible.

[Jolanthan]

@rGnng can you share a full picture of the wiring. I am very new to this and want to try it out. However I am having trouble understanding everything.
What I am struggling with the most is how to get power to the printer and to the board. From my understanding there is a USB C port on the board and mini usb on the printer. But they are not to be used right?
Is the board and the printer connected to the power supply in parallel ?

[rGnng]

@Jolanthan Sure, wiring is pretty straight forward.

there is a USB C port on the board and mini usb on the printer. But they are not to be used right?

You can send power to the board and printer using the USB ports on the devices, however, it is not recommended due to the size limitations of the case design.

Is the board and the printer connected to the power supply in parallel?

Yes.

[Jolanthan]

Amazing!
That seems easy enough 😄 don't know what I was stressing about...

[Pharkie]

Thanks for a helpful photo, @rGnng . I have the Cashino CSN-A4L. I can't get it to power on yet with the included USB cables. Should that work, and does the single button on the front mean "turn on"? I've connected to power supplies with 2.4A or 10A available. I've tried two different printers with two different cables.

In the manual,, it says you can provide power via the serial port (VH on pin 1, GND on pin 5):

On the device, contradicting the manual, Pin 1 of the 5-pin serial port is labelled (NC = "Not connected"?).

In your photo you, provide power separately, via the (2 pin on yours 3 pin on mine) POWER block. You just use the serial for TX/RX/Busy.

On the video, they also show providing power via the 3-pin POWER block (not USB or Serial).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjdTxLaAMBE

Just trying to figure out how best to power this thing...

Update: couldn't power the printer via USB cable, but got it working fine from my bench power supply with via the 3-pin power connector (only 2 pins used). Hold down the front (only) button, while switching on, to print a self test. Red and black wires are the right way around on that power connector. The 5-pin serial uses red for Ground as the video says. I've ordered a white USB-A cable, will cut off the end, and wire the 5V/GND to both the printer and the MCU.

[rGnng]

does the single button on the front mean "turn on"?

No it doesn't. these kind of thermal printer often be used in embedded equipments, like fire alarm control panel etc. They will be turned on immediately when power is applied.

A single tap of front button will feed paper 1 line, long press will print current printer settings / self test.

You can't shut printer off.