Pin no

Signal name

Direction

Function

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN

Strobe pulse for data read. Usually HIGH;

 

 

 

STROBE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

goes LOW to trigger data read.

 

 

2-9

DATA 1~8

IN

Parallel data lines for eight-bit data. HIGH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

is “1”; LOW is “0”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUT

Printer outputs this pulse for approxi-

 

 

 

ACK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mately 9μs to indicate that data read is

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PARALLEL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

completed. Printer becomes ready to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

receive new data at the moment the ACK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pulse ends.

 

 

11

 

BUSY

OUT

DC-level signal indicating printer’s cur-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

rent status. LOW indicates that printer is

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ready to receive the next data; HIGH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

indicates that printer is unable to receive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

PAPER OUT

OUT

DC-level signal indicating whether printer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

has paper. The signal stays LOW while paper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

is present; it goes HIGH to indicate that paper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

has run out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

 

SELECTED

OUT

DC-level signal; stays HIGH while printer is

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

online.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14-15

N/C

 

Not used

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16

 

SIGNAL GND

 

Signal ground

 

 

17

 

CHASSIS GND

 

Printer-frame ground

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18

 

+5V

 

Outputs +5V (Max. 50mA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19-30

TWISTED

 

Return pins for various signals. Each pin is

 

 

 

 

PAIR RETURN

 

connected to the corresponding signal line by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

twisted pair line.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31

 

RESET

IN

LOW level causes printer to reset its control

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

circuitry and return to its initial state.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

 

 

OUT

Goes LOW to indicate that printer is unable to

 

 

 

ERROR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

print.

 

 

33

 

EXT GND

 

Ground terminal for external connection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34-35

N/C

 

Not used

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

36

 

Fixed “HIGH” at printer side

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– 15 –

Page 19
Image 19
Star Micronics RS232 manual Goes LOW to trigger data read, Is 1 LOW is, Printer outputs this pulse for approxi, Pulse ends

RS232 specifications

Star Micronics RS232 is a versatile and widely used connectivity standard that enables seamless communication between peripheral devices and computers, particularly in point-of-sale (POS) environments. This technology is renowned for its robustness and reliability, making it a preferred choice for businesses in various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and healthcare.

One of the main features of Star Micronics RS232 is its ability to facilitate serial communication, allowing devices to exchange data one bit at a time over a single communication line. This enables simple and effective connections between devices like printers, cash registers, and barcode scanners. The standard typically operates at data rates ranging from 300 to 115200 bits per second, accommodating various application needs.

The RS232 interface is characterized by its 9-pin (DB9) or 25-pin (DB25) connectors, with the DB9 being the more commonly used in modern applications. It provides a straightforward plug-and-play experience, allowing devices to be easily connected and configured without extensive technical knowledge. This simplicity is particularly beneficial for retail staff who may not possess in-depth IT expertise.

Another significant aspect of RS232 technology is its point-to-point architecture. This means each connected device operates independently, enhancing overall system performance. Moreover, RS232 supports long-distance communication, with the ability to transmit data over cable lengths of up to 50 feet (15 meters), which is advantageous in larger retail settings.

In terms of compatibility, Star Micronics RS232 devices are designed to work seamlessly with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This widespread compatibility ensures that businesses can continue to leverage their existing infrastructure without the need for costly upgrades.

Additionally, Star Micronics has incorporated advanced technologies into their RS232 products, such as built-in error checking and data control features. These enhancements help minimize data transmission errors and ensure that the information exchanged between devices remains accurate and reliable.

In summary, Star Micronics RS232 offers a robust set of features, including simple connectivity, point-to-point architecture, and compatibility with various systems. Its proven performance and reliability make it a trusted choice for businesses looking to enhance their operational efficiency and streamline their processes. As POS technology continues to evolve, the Star Micronics RS232 standard remains a foundational component for effective device communication.