"receive buffer full" on remote Epson printer for Micros 3700 1

[halfday]

Anyone know how to clear a full buffer for Micros 3700 using Epson remote printer? Our kitchen printer will only print intermittently and printer self-test says "receive buffer full".

 

[pmegan]

I had the same problem a couple of years ago.
There's a bank of dip switches on the bottom of the printer. They're under a metal plate with a screw. One of them toggles the the buffer size between 4k and 40k, and sometimes the printers ship with it set to 4k. I don't remember which one it is but the printer manual has a diagram that's easy to follow.

Pat

 

[halfday]

Thanks for the response. I opened up the back and the dip switches are set correctly according to the manual diagram, and also are set the same as the rest of our remote printers. The printer has been in use for a long time so I don't know where this problem suddenly came from.

 

[TobeThor]

I believe that if you perform a "Self-test" it clears the print buffer on an Epson Ptr. Just hold down the Paper Feed button when you power on the printer, that prints out the current printer settings, pressing the paper Feed a 2nd time will initialize a print test pattern. After that completes, the ptr lights should appear normal and the print buffer is cleared. You can use the printed printer settings to compare it to other "like" ptr's rather than examine each ptr's Dip Switch settings.

Self Test multiple ptr's and compare the print outs as the message you had "receive buffer full" may be the default and not necessarily indicative of an existing problem.

Intermittent print can also be caused by having multiple remote ptr's assigned with the same ID #. IE: You have two remote ptr's whose Dip switch settings (Micros IDN Interface-not the Epson Dip Switches) are set identically thereby creating two #1 ptr's. Printing will toggle back & forth between ptr's casuing delays and print buffer full errors.

You mentioned you had multiple "like" ptr's. Swap/exchange the problem ptr around to another location to see if the problem follows the ptr or if the problem remains at the original location. Ihis could further indicate if you have a ptr problem or a possible wiring problem

Also examine the connections for damage or corrission. It is common for remote ptr connections to become soiled and/or wet from liquid or steam. Moisture damage can take months to appear. Visually examine each connector, look at each plug as well as the connector box, if you see bent pins or green corrosion on the connectors, replace asap.

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS disconnect and reconnect all connections when trouble shooting intermitent connection issues with printers.
Good Luck!

 

[halfday]

Thank you for all of your suggestions. It turns out that all of the printers do say receive buffer full when performing a self-test. After trading out printer locations, I have found that the trouble follows the printer (regardless of which cables are attached or printer id it is), so I think I may just have a damaged printer. It will only complete a portion of the self-test before the error light blinks and it stops printing altogether.

 

[TobeThor]

Good work. One last possible fix. Turn printer off. Open the printer lid, remove the ribbon, then remove the flat metal plate that covers the print head, it's held into place by a small black knob, turn that knob counter clockwise and lift the plate off. The plate may also may be missing if anyone has removed it in the past. Look at the print head, you'll notice it glides back and forth on a round metal shaft. Often over time, that metal shaft becomes dry and the print head labors when it's moving causing it to stop. Dip the tip of your finger into some cooking oil (very small amount) or use mechanics grease and lube that shaft. Lube both sides and turn the printer on w/o paper & ribbon. Watch the print head cycle to be sure nothing is obstructing it. Replace paper & ribbon and perform a few self tests. This is a good practice for any Epson impact printer you have. If this has no effect then the printer is no good. I would suggest buying a new one and keeping the old one around just for the cabinet..... what... you've never melted a printer cabinet before!

 

[halfday]

Thank you! That solved the problem!!