> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stardeck.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set up printers and cash drawers

> Connect receipt hardware to an Edge machine, choose its print settings, and send a test receipt.

After the Edge machine is online, connect and configure each printer before granting it to an app.
USB printers normally appear in the dashboard automatically.

## Connect a printer

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect and power on the printer">
    Load paper, turn the printer on, and connect it to the Edge machine.

    For a USB receipt printer, connect the USB data cable directly to the Edge machine. A USB cable
    that only supplies power will not work.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Edge machine">
    Go to **Settings → Edge Devices**, then expand the machine.

    The printer should appear automatically. Its status dot is green when it is physically
    connected.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name and configure it">
    Give the printer a location-based name, such as **Front Counter Printer**. Choose
    **ESC/POS receipt printer** as its driver, then select the paper width and text encoding.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save and test">
    Select **Save**, then **Test Receipt**.

    The test receipt includes English, Thai, and a QR code. Use it to confirm paper width,
    alignment, and text encoding.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Network printers must first be added to the Edge machine's network-printer configuration. If a
  network printer does not appear, contact [Stardeck support](mailto:support@stardeck.ai) with its
  IP address and port.
</Note>

## Choose the paper width

| Setting    | Typical printer                            | Characters per line |
| ---------- | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------- |
| **80mm**   | Standard counter receipt printer           | 48                  |
| **58mm**   | Compact receipt printer                    | 32                  |
| **Custom** | A printer with a different character width | 16–64               |

If text wraps too early or prints beyond the paper edge, correct this setting and send another
test.

## Choose the text encoding

| Setting                               | Use it when                                                               |
| ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Latin (UTF-8)**                     | The receipt contains only Latin text and symbols supported by the printer |
| **Thai (TIS-620 text mode)**          | The printer has a compatible Thai code page                               |
| **Image (Thai + Latin, any printer)** | You need reliable mixed Thai and Latin output                             |

Raster or image mode is the safest choice for mixed Thai and English. It can print more slowly
than the printer's built-in text mode.

If Thai text is garbled in TIS-620 mode, try code page 21, then 20 or 26. Printer firmware differs,
so keep the first test receipt that prints correctly as a reference.

## Connect a cash drawer

Most receipt-printer cash drawers connect to the printer's drawer port, not directly to the Edge
machine.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect the drawer to the printer">
    Turn the printer off, connect the drawer cable to its cash-drawer port, then turn the printer
    back on.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable the drawer">
    In the printer's settings, turn on **Cash drawer attached**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the drawer pin">
    Start with **Pin 2**. If the drawer does not open, save **Pin 5** and test again.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test it">
    Save the printer settings, then select **Drawer**. The drawer should open once.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  A cash-drawer connector may look like a telephone connector, but it can carry power. Use the cable
  supplied for the drawer and printer.
</Warning>

## Understand printer status

* **Green dot:** the Edge machine currently detects the printer.
* **Gray dot:** the printer is disconnected, powered off, or unreachable.
* **Unassigned:** the printer was found but does not have a driver yet.
* **Test unavailable:** the machine is offline, the printer is disconnected, or no driver is saved.

After the hardware test works, [grant the Edge machine to an app](/stardeck-edge/connect-to-an-app).