Printer compatibility for BB2

[Merlin]

I have a GEN2 RS232 printer in my BB2, but it hasn't worked. I don't see a RS232 option when I configure devices so I am thinking it is the wrong printer type. Last time I bought a printer it was the wrong one so I figured I would ask this time before buying anything. 


Is it indeed the wrong printer type for the BB2? If it is, what printer should I look for? Netplex GEN2? EPIC?

[idesign]

In the setup select netplex.  The BB uses a RS-232 printer but protocal is netplex

[Merlin]

In the setup select netplex.  The BB uses a RS-232 printer but protocal is netplex

I set it as netplex and when I attempt to print a test ticket event history shows "Printer com error"

[idesign]

What are the DIP switches set at?  Also, can you print a self test ticket to show what the printer is configured as and post it here?

[Merlin]

What are the DIP switches set at?  Also, can you print a self test ticket to show what the printer is configured as and post it here?

Hmm.. think I found the problem. It's not even printing a self test ticket. It does feed the paper though, so it's not the button.

[Merlin]

What are the DIP switches set at?  Also, can you print a self test ticket to show what the printer is configured as and post it here?

It's printing tickets now (I had paper in the wrong way). I took a picture of the receipt & dip switch positions.

[idesign]

Printing tickets as in working with the machine?  I'm guessing the answer is no.  If no, try it with dip switch 2 in the ON position.  You may have to reboot to make it take effect.

[Merlin]

Printing tickets as in working with the machine?  I'm guessing the answer is no.  If no, try it with dip switch 2 in the ON position.  You may have to reboot to make it take effect.

You are correct, I was able to get it to print its self test ticket but not a play voucher. Dipswitch 2 toggle had no effect.

[idesign]

Did this printer work before or is this a new install?

BTW, the self test indicates that it is set up correctly.

[Merlin]

Did this printer work before or is this a new install?

BTW, the self test indicates that it is set up correctly.

It has never worked. When I got the machine the previous owner said it didnt work, but he hadn't tried much to get it working.

[idesign]

So unless you have another printer you can switch it with I would be suspect of the cable from the printer to the backplane.  If you remove it you can check continuity with an ohm meter.

[Merlin]

So unless you have another printer you can switch it with I would be suspect of the cable from the printer to the backplane.  If you remove it you can check continuity with an ohm meter.

Thanks for your help. I dismissed the cables early on thinking "nah the cables are probably fine", lol. It turns out that there is some sort of circuit board and the cable is an adapter with a p/n "A-012938-03-00" marked on it. I googled it, and I get limited information, suggesting its for a BB1. Found a ended listing on eBay (item 111507419296) but no other active sources.


Interestingly enough I looked on my BB1 and I do not have this type of cable. Printer doesn't work on there either (that was my next project).

[idesign]

That device in the middle of the cable in not needed. Its function is to prevent duplicate tickets from being printed so it's a casino item not needed for home use.  Try the cable from your BB1.

[Merlin]

That device in the middle of the cable in not needed. Its function is to prevent duplicate tickets from being printed so it's a casino item not needed for home use.  Try the cable from your BB1.

I took the cable from my BB1 and verified continuity - still getting printer com error.    Should I buy another printer and test that? I had an EPIC 850 lying around that I have never used, and that didn't work either. Although its possible that the printer itself isn't functional.

[idesign]

Just curious, but is this the same BB2 machine that you are having other problems with?  I think in an earlier message you were looking for a BB2 or BB3 CPU, and just reported that the cabinet light got fried.

As for the printer, I would try another one.

[Merlin]

Just curious, but is this the same BB2 machine that you are having other problems with?  I think in an earlier message you were looking for a BB2 or BB3 CPU, and just reported that the cabinet light got fried.

As for the printer, I would try another one.

Yeah - same machine. Cabinet light was my fault, and I don't think thats related. The CPU freezes periodically. I reboot the machine and it works. It's all very suspicious but I would like to think they're not related.

[Merlin]

In the setup select netplex.  The BB uses a RS-232 printer but protocal is netplex

I got a new RS232 GEN2 printer today - installed it, but I still get printer comm error. I was googling some GEN2 diagnostic procedures and it mentioned the Williams machines have a RS232 printer but with the Netplex firmware installed? Do I need to flash the printer to Netplex?


Attached is the self test ticket from the new printer.

[idesign]

Compare that to your original and you will see that the model number is wrong to begin with.  Also, some other differences, and yes, the printer should have WMS firmware.

[Merlin]

Compare that to your original and you will see that the model number is wrong to begin with.  Also, some other differences, and yes, the printer should have WMS firmware.

Is there some where I can lookup what the correct model number is? I noticed the baud is different - but again, I do not know what is correct. I am getting super frustrated , maybe I am just not reading the right information. 

[idesign]

The model number you want is a PSA-66-001N.  Most of the ones you see are for IGT so make sure you ask for one that came out of a WMS machine.

Looking at your WTB, the photo of that printer has a cable for an IGT machine, so don't buy one with that cable, it won't work even if you switch cables.