As long as computers still have parallel printer connections, parallel receipt printers will be a smart choice for business owners. Receipt printers come in a wide variety of interfaces, but parallel interfaces are a great choice for receipt printers.
Using the standard parallel printer connection for your receipt printer gives you the option to utilize the serial and USB connections for other peripheral devices that will not work on a parallel interface. For the most part, scanners, cash drawers and pole displays will not work with a parallel interface. By using the parallel interface for the receipt printer you then open up the serial and USB ports for other devices.
Parallel printer connections are newer technology than serial interfaces. In the 1990's a group of printer manufacturers banded together to create the parallel interfaces. They did so because of the superior speed and reliability of the parallel interface compared to the then standard serial connection.
To check to see if your computer does have a parallel connection look at the bank of connections generally found in the back of your computer. A parallel connection is a wide 25-pin female connector. For verification look for the parallel connector label above or below the connector.
Parallel printer signals are not good for long distances. Generally, parallel connections are only for cable runs of 10 meters or less. That makes them difficult to use as remote printers since those runs require distances of 100' - 300' feet from the connection point. Since receipt printers are always located next to the point of sale terminal, long distance cable runs are not an issue.
Another reason that parallel cables are not good for long runs is the thickness of the cable and the cost. The connectors at each end of a parallel cable are very wide and impossible to run through conduit without cutting off the ends. These cables are also a big benefit because of their fast data transfer and reliable signal.
These same connectors are perfect for receipt printers because they lock into place. This helps greatly with receipt printers as it keeps the printer cable securely in place and difficult to accidentally come loose. These are very important factors with regard to a point of sale receipt printer.
USB cables do not lock into place and can come loose with repeated movement of the printer. Unless you screw in a serial cable you will have the same problem with cables coming loose. It is the unique and easy locking parallel cable connector that makes a parallel receipt printer the perfect choice.
By utilizing an otherwise ignored communication interface, freeing up other interfaces to be used for other devices and by having a locking connector parallel receipt printers are truly the perfect receipt printer for point of sale systems.
As always, check with your point of sale software vendor to make sure that they support parallel receipt printers. Not all point of sale software uses parallel printers. Be sure to consult your owner's manual or your software provider for more details.
Nathan Lewis has earned a solid reputation helping small to medium sized businesses expand their reach through niche market websites such as My POS Printer. New receipt printers from Epson Receipt Printers and Star Micronics Receipt Printers
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By Nathan Lewis
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