Hi there. The last portion was just me thinking more than anything else. I
was just saying that I've seen on the Fedora website by RMS if I'm not wrong
that the linux kernel was in violation with the GPLv2 license since it had
non-free firmwares and drivers. Nothing more.
Our businnes (my mother's business to be more specific) has a lot of issues
to the the portuguese economy crisis (let's say it is because of what the
politics are telling us... but this is not the place to discuss this), and
this is one of the reasons I've asked you a few month ago how was the
American economy for new entreprises since here it is hard to start anything,
we have to pay more than we would receive in 6 months of work just to start
an enterprise... so... yeah.
As for the rest. I am working on this myself, I have already learned a lot
from this little piece of technology. I will try to make a driver for this
(since I need it myself). Or at least I will try to make it work under
Gnu/Linux x64 bits.
But one thing is true. Those problems that I was faccing weren't from the
drivers, but from the connection. Even on Windows (my testing machine to see
where did the problem come from) I've noticed the same result until I changed
it from Raster Mode (fast mode for design printing on a thermal printer) into
Line Mode (slower mode but works anywhere). This is because of the
connection, my version uses a Parallel interface connected by a Parallel to
Seria cable, and then a Serial to Usb adapter. The Serial/Parallel port
doesn't allow the Raster Mode to send the information needed very fast. But I
actually managed to drop the time to print from 2 minutes to 30 seconds on a
simple receipt with only the header, the bottom and 1 item by changing the
Baud Rate from 9600bps to 19200bps (long story short it works on Windows and
I know where the problem is so I know where to touch when I will configure my
Gnu/Linux machine).
The situation is no the best but it works for now and I am working on a
Gnu/Linux version from the original drivers (I just won't be able to test the
raster because 1 - I can't, and 2 - I don't have the source code... I have to
ask them [Star Micronics]).
So this is my final opinion for anyone searching a Thermal Printer :
- You can go for Star Microinics without any problem and for any model ! (The
newest models have better support which is normal). Just remember to choose a
USB or Ethernet device and not a Parallel or Serial device.. Otherwise you
will face problems.
I wanted to say the same about the Epson printers since there is an
entreprise here in Portugal called (if my memory is good) LinuxTek, that
sells only items working under Ubuntu (why not UbuntuTek then..) and they
only sell Epson Thermal Printer (150€ each). But since I'm not sure if they
all work or even if the drivers are free then I wouldn't recommend it. And
the Star Micronics thermal printers are in my opinion the best ! More than
100 receipts in 1 minute with logo, color, and high quality ? What could I
ask more than that :D
AND (this is the little plus) everything is personallised. I have access to 2
boards. The bottom board just by removing 1 screw that gives me access to 2
DIP Switches with 8 and 4 switches in order to change the settings direcly in
the machine (everything is described in the Programming Manual of each
printer). And each interface (that can be removed just by removing 2 screws
and unplugging everything) have their own DIP Switch in order to control them
individually (like mine where I could increase the speed of the connection
terminal). I'm pretty sure this is the most Open entreprise out there :D
What a long text... I hope I helped answering everything. I personally would
love to buy 2 more of those (but newer models) to have in my home and in my
office just to do some hacking, some private message, drawing and more over
the internet could be a very good idea just to pass the time :D
