1. Introduction and Overview
The 3nStar RPT006 Series is a high-performance 80mm direct thermal receipt printer designed for various point-of-sale environments, including retail, hospitality, and restaurants. This model, RPT006S, features USB, Ethernet, and Serial connectivity options. It offers fast and reliable printing at speeds up to 260mm/s with a resolution of 8 dots/mm. The printer is built for durability, featuring an auto-cutter rated for 1.5 million cuts and a print head rated for 150km. It supports Windows, Linux, and OPOS systems, and is compatible with major 1D/2D barcodes.
Figure 1: Front view of the 3nStar RPT006 thermal receipt printer, showing the control panel and paper output slot.
2. Package Contents
Please verify that all items are present in the package:
- 3nStar RPT006 Thermal Receipt Printer
- Power Cord
- AC Adapter
- USB Cable
- USB Type-C to Type-A Adapter
- Sample Roll of Thermal Paper
- USB Drive (containing Drivers, Manuals, and Tutorials)
3. Setup
3.1 Physical Connections
- Power Connection: Connect the AC adapter to the printer's power port and then plug the power cord into a suitable electrical outlet. Ensure the printer's power switch (located at the bottom rear) is in the OFF position before connecting.
- Interface Connection:
- USB: Connect the provided USB cable from the printer's USB port to an available USB port on your computer or POS terminal.
- Ethernet (LAN): Connect a standard Ethernet cable from the printer's LAN port to your network router or switch.
- Serial: Connect a serial cable (not included) from the printer's serial port to the serial port on your computer or POS terminal.
Figure 2: Angled view of the 3nStar RPT006 printer, illustrating the various connectivity ports at the rear.
3.2 Paper Loading
The RPT006 printer utilizes an easy drop-in paper loading mechanism for 80mm thermal paper rolls.
- Open the printer's top cover by pressing the cover-open button or latch.
- Insert the thermal paper roll into the paper compartment with the printing side facing towards the front of the printer. Ensure the roll is seated correctly.
- Pull a small amount of paper out past the cutter blade.
- Close the top cover firmly until it latches securely. The printer will automatically feed the paper to the correct starting position.
Figure 3: The 3nStar RPT006 printer with its top cover open, revealing the thermal paper roll compartment for easy drop-in loading.
3.3 Driver Installation
The included USB drive contains the necessary drivers for Windows and Linux operating systems, along with detailed installation guides and tutorials. Insert the USB drive into your computer and follow the instructions provided in the documentation for your specific operating system.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Powering On/Off
Locate the power switch at the bottom rear of the printer. Flip the switch to the 'ON' position to power on the printer. The 'POWER' indicator light on the control panel will illuminate. To power off, flip the switch to the 'OFF' position.
4.2 Control Panel Indicators
The printer's control panel features several indicator lights and a button:
- FEED Button: Press this button to manually feed paper. Holding it down will continuously feed paper.
- PAPER Indicator: Illuminates when paper is present. Flashes or turns off when paper is low or out.
- ERROR Indicator: Illuminates or flashes to indicate an error condition (e.g., paper jam, print head overheating, cover open). Refer to the troubleshooting section for details.
- POWER Indicator: Illuminates when the printer is powered on.
4.3 Printing
Once the printer is connected, drivers are installed, and paper is loaded, you can initiate printing from your POS software or application. The printer will automatically receive print commands and produce receipts.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning the Print Head
Regular cleaning of the thermal print head ensures optimal print quality and extends the printer's lifespan. It is recommended to clean the print head after every few paper roll changes or if print quality degrades.
- Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord.
- Open the top cover.
- Using a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol (do not use water or other solvents), gently wipe the thermal elements of the print head. Allow the alcohol to evaporate completely before closing the cover and reconnecting power.
5.2 Auto-Cutter Maintenance
The RPT006 features a durable auto-cutter rated for 1.5 million cuts. No specific user maintenance is typically required for the auto-cutter. If paper jams occur frequently at the cutter, refer to the troubleshooting section.
6. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your 3nStar RPT006 printer.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Printer does not power on | Power cord not connected; Power switch off; Faulty power adapter | Ensure power cord is securely connected; Turn power switch ON; Test with a known good power adapter if available. |
| No paper feed / PAPER indicator off | Paper roll empty or incorrectly loaded | Replace paper roll; Re-load paper correctly as per Section 3.2. |
| ERROR indicator on/flashing | Paper jam; Print head overheating; Cover open | Open cover, clear any jammed paper, close cover; Allow printer to cool down; Ensure cover is securely closed. |
| No printing / Garbled print | Incorrect driver installation; Wrong interface selected; Cable disconnected; Print head dirty | Verify driver installation (refer to USB drive); Check printer settings in your software; Ensure USB/Ethernet/Serial cable is securely connected; Clean print head (Section 5.1). |
| Poor print quality | Dirty print head; Low quality thermal paper; Print head wear | Clean print head (Section 5.1); Use recommended thermal paper; If issue persists after cleaning and paper change, contact support. |
For more detailed troubleshooting steps and advanced diagnostics, please refer to the comprehensive manual and tutorials provided on the included USB drive.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Name | RPT006 |
| Printing Technology | Direct Thermal |
| Print Speed (Monochrome) | Up to 260 mm/s |
| Print Resolution | 203 DPI (8 dots/mm) |
| Paper Width | 80 mm |
| Interface Options | USB, Ethernet, Serial |
| Auto-Cutter Life | 1.5 Million Cuts |
| Print Head Life | 150 km |
| Compatible OS | Windows, Linux, OPOS |
| Barcode Support | 1D/2D (QR Code, PDF417, Code128, etc.) |
| Power Consumption | 50 Watts (On-mode) |
| Product Dimensions | 7.28"D x 3.35"W x 3.35"H (approx.) |
| Item Weight | 3.89 pounds |
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the documentation provided on the included USB drive or visit the official 3nStar website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.
