2 FAULTY Star PRINTERS | Let's Try and FIX Them!

These Star Thermal POS Receipt Printers are from my pub, and neither of them work properly. One of them stopped working around 5 years ago with a "cutter error", and it's replacement also stopped working last week!
I desperately need at least one of them to work, so let's try and repair them!
Hope you enjoy!
Steve
PS. I'm not an expert in repairs at all. I do this for fun, and it may not be the best or safest way to go about repairing broken stuff. I'm pretty good at melting plastic though. Please don't copy me - I'm an idiot.
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[@StezStixFix]

Stupid Printers.

[@draconis112]

The bane of many IT Persons existence.

[@oldguy9051]

Stupid Printers... in a Karaoke-Bar?

[@MagralhoPT]

aha!

[@bufordmaddogtannen]

Nice one. Any way to make the PCBs liquid proof?

[@oldguy9051]

@@bufordmaddogtannen The automotive industry among others use so-called "conformal coating" on PCBs and components.

[@midinotes]

So Steve has a pub, he's a rapper (and assume musician), and an electronics engineer.... we need to applaud this chap! 🎉😊

[@TheDavalad]

As the Technical Director of Star Europe, I applaud your repair of these. If you want to do a more comprehensive self-test, you can power the printer on with feed held to also test the print head and show settings. We also have technical manuals available for all our products, if you find a trickier problem in the future. I too would suggest a conformal coating of the boards if they cannot be relocated to a dry area.

[@James27Simko]

So, lots of words, no information other than "we know our products are known to fault but if you pay us money, we can slow down the process"

[@Olivil]

I don't agree with your comment. Conformal coating can be applied DIY. I doubt Star would conformal coat a PCB if you sent it to them.

[@ThtOtherJess]

Worked for a POS company for two years that exclusively used star micronics thermals and those manuals saved my life more than once. Give your technical writing team a raise! ❤️

[@jgdovin1]

@@James27Simko he literally gave an extra self test step and links to free technical manuals. Never happy?

[@James27Simko]

@@jgdovin1 he did what most marketing directors do. Nothing. He let other people provide information and then relay it back to people like we are all stupid and can't listen to the guy in the video that we are here to see.

[@PyroX792]

It always amazes me how a single component worth less than a penny could turn an otherwise functioning piece of kit into e-waste. Great job!

[@MagralhoPT]

not under Steve and Dave's watch!

[@fadetonoir6152]

A 0 Ohm resistor essentially acts as a fuse, so it probably died protecting another component from damage. So yes, it stopped the printer from working, but it probably made it easier to fix than it could have been otherwise. But still way too many people would just throw something like that out so it's a good job we have people like Stez who will actually check these things!

[@spiders-tours]

Annoyingly also these are typically to keep production costs down where you'd normally use a jumper. So in fact, in this case, it could have just been a track nothing more nothing less.

[@DTGuitarTech]

Is it ironic that you have cleaned all that up with IPA. Which is a concentrated version of the actual thing that helped to cause the problem?

[@armin0815]

As long as he's not using Indian pale ale for cleaning... 😂

[@DTGuitarTech]

@@armin0815 🤣

[@Factory051]

Bar owner. Wasn't expecting that.

[@DeathMetalDerf]

It's the sugars in the beer and mixed drinks that's dissolved by the IPA. Ethanol is one of my favorite solvents.

[@fadetonoir6152]

Alcohol - the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems!

[@justweirdfun978]

What I like most about your videos is that you show that you can save a lot of electronic devices with little effort. Unfortunately, more and more companies are resorting to making something impossible to repair.

[@VideoNarstee]

During my EPos Field engineer days I used to find these sorts of printers located under a beer tap, or under hot plate lamps of all places - the sites were usually completely bemused as to why they then stopped working 🙂

[@AcheForWake]

Working in the EPOS industry it’s good to see a few thermal printers getting some love. I’ve forwarded your video to Star UK - I’m sure they will be happy to see your hand work… keeping two of their products out of e-waste

[@ThtOtherJess]

The technical director for SM Europe commented so I think your message got passed along! 👍🏼

[@AcheForWake]

@@ThtOtherJess oh yes. Just read through and see Dave added some helpful comments. Not surprised Star are amazing

[@wherami]

Amazing. Had no idea you just learned to repair recently. You certainly appear more like someone who has been doing this for many years

[@Chief1063]

Freaking awesome man. Your journey in this tech repair world is inspiring.

[@marcinkossowski6579]

Hello Steve. Just wanted to let you know that I've been a viewer for quite some time. Accidentally stumbled upon you and have been hooked ever since. You actually motivated me into giving repairs a try. I've always been interested in electronics but took a different path in life and became a developer. But I always had electronics lingering in the back of my mind and your channel was a trigger for me. I've recently bought a microscope, hot air station, soldering station and a bunch of other stuff that I'm too lazy to write down (and maybe it's not that interesting to read :D ). Anyway, I've managed to fix one broken playstation 2 that I bought from the swedish verison of ebay and I recently got a second one that I'll get to soon. It was amazingly fun to fix the first one and I love my new hobby. Much love from a polack in sweden :)

[@cbabrunal]

Man, You're legit becoming better at rapping each time, no joke. 👌

[@damienkearns9922]

You are a therapy - you always give a laugh or two while teaching 😄🤣

[@Adanos_ger]

It’s really, really awesome seeing your progress diagnosing and fixing devices. Really gets me wanting to upgrade my gear (missing a microscope and a decent hot air station). Keep it up, really enjoying your content 👍

[@warpath6666]

After watching this channel, I've sank about $1000 into new gear. Worth every penny knowing that I have the gear and know how to fix a lot of broken shyte 😄👍

[@mikester1290]

Same here, finding out what to buy though...

[@goku445]

@@warpath6666 Do you buy broken stuff to repair?

[@warpath6666]

@@goku445 I do.

[@wanjockey]

very cool to see something new. Thanks Steve.

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks WanJockey! 👍

[@twotone3070]

Hmm, you didn't know if you had a Zero Ohm resistor ... a piece of wire? I love you videos and you do make me smile.

[@ArreglandoCosas]

Nice one Steve! I use similar printers at work too haha. Always nice to have a working spare one

[@RichHarrisThatBaldGuy]

As usual, I love your creative music as you thank your patrons on Patreon. Love watching you suss out what the hell's going on with the various gadgetry you come upon, too.

[@nubbinthemonkey]

I'm happy that your creativity and smarts have found an outlet on this channel. I'm grateful to be able to share in the awesomeness of you... guy... whoever you are.

[@Greg_Watchorn]

Oooh great fix Steve - love these ones where you tackle something you would never have been able to do before. Quick question- you once fixed another thing from your work - a beer tap light - is it still working?

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks Greg! Yeah, the beer tap light is still going strong! 😁

[@alanjones8592]

I love these kind vids,your videos stands out above the rest because you bring humour to the show👍

[@shann90]

Love watching these videos. We live in a throw away society with electrical equipment and just shows how easy something can be repaired. My daughter dropped her phone in the sink last week and her phone wouldnt turn on. Through videos like this its gave me the confidence to take the phone apart and fix it. Ive managed to get the phone working but screens not coming on all the sounds work alarm still goes off and connecting the charger produces a sound so hopefully its just down to the screen that needs replacing which on ebay is 30 quid. Most people would of just gone out and bought an new one. Wheres the best place to buy a bottle of ipa really could do with a bottle.

[@retroradar_de]

Always love your reaction when a repair succeeds. Keep going!

[@rciancia]

Well done.. I shall now call you "The Artist formally known as PRINTS" Purple Rain my friend !!! Excellent job !

[@StezStixFix]

🤣🤣 thanks Ron, love it!

[@ulrichs.3228]

Wow, Star... that's a brand name I've not heard since the mid-90s when people wanted to have 9pin dot matrix printers for their C64s. Nice to hear they're still around. And nice repair job!

[@mrpetit2]

I assume you mean mid 80's 🙂 In the mid 90's inkjet was already mainstream tech and the c64 an attic dweller 😁

[@chessoc7799]

They were big in the days of atari STs and amigas I'm amazed they still make dot matrix printers I will have to get one one day. :)

[@weniard]

Very good Steve! There is nothing more Satisfying than fixing something :)

[@sparky150875]

Loving the videos Steve. Great to watch and funny too. Keep it up. I know this is old but been binging all your old content.

[@johnathansmith1003]

Your videos are so good man, keep up the GREAT work!

[@StuartHicks01]

Top job, great fixes.

[@CH1CK3NNU66375]

Love your videos. Always a fun watch.

[@MrRustynutts]

Awesome work, love it!!!

[@Whitepalace24]

Wait Wait Wait…Steve owns a bar? WHERE IS STEVE’S BAR??

[@BuyitFixit]

*FANTASTIC* Job Steve, you now have two working printers! NIIIIICE :)

[@chris-pike]

Another good fix there Steve theres no end to your talent 👍

[@Impractically]

The joy of seeing you realize it´s a fix, congratulations!

[@markg3506]

Nice job Steve!

[@tsbeech]

Get in there! Great video Steve.

[@247hinkey]

great job! loving the videos!

[@MrFixiit]

Great job steve.

[@therealjammit]

Most printers have a built in self test. Hold down the paper feed while you turn it on and it should try to do a character print test until you power it off again.

[@Firecul]

Yip and can also change config options on some like that also.

[@goku445]

Would have been great to really see a test print.

[@lTinyl]

Double fix! awesome!

[@RHoonte]

Nice of you to let the LED blink in sync with the music at 5:23 🙂

[@byte3490]

Danke! Gute Videos 🤝

[@timermech]

I have had to work on our Star printers from our Kitchen. It was always a build up of contaminants keeping it from working properly. From cutter issues to print head movement causing to not function. As you stated, if the printer doesn't function, neither does the cash drawer. Glad to see you fixing the printer instead of trashing it. Those printers aren't cheap.

[@TisboreArt]

Good job buddy!!

[@Othraerir]

Fantastic!

[@VenomDDD]

Excellent.

[@tudorviorel5438]

Good job man

[@leeslatter120]

Joined the might StezStix club mate, love your content. I refurb and spin consoles for the past few years and love your content pal. Keep it coming! Love the variety rather then Game Boy after Game Boy etc...!

[@kyorin6526]

You followed up fantastic, with amaze-balls... 😁

[@RetroJack]

Somehow, I have no difficulty imagining you as a pub landlord - cheers! 🍻

[@bladesofseven]

New Steve lore: Man owns a bar. Multi-talented, AND entertaining.

[@SixtyDoesStuff]

Well done! The game consoles and toys are fun, but it's nice to see a piece of actually used and needed equipment get repaired!

[@TheSaxon25]

i love your show so much - your music is tops

[@mikeenglish6734]

Thanks!

[@CanuckJim]

Fantastic job - and few quid you won't have to spend if the current one goes down. GET IN!!!

[@jonathanlittle8393]

Nice job 👏

[@psi23k]

I even swore at it 😂😂😂 that's always my first go at trouble shooting too.

[@MikesArcadeMonitorRepair]

Great job!

[@letttttttssssss_gooooooo]

Good stuff!

[@simonlunt353]

It’s great when you fix the problem well done Steve see you soon bye 😊

[@sweetcheeks287]

Nice work Steve 👍

[@frankmeyer9984]

Congrats on fixing BOTH printers 👍 I think the zero Ohm resistor is replacing the (more expensive) fuse which would be mounted at the soldering joints directly above it. Surely the corrosion was a massive problem in both printers, but I think in the first printer a overcurrent "tripped" the "fuse". Maybe the mechanism of the cutting motor was blocked, or there was some "liquid" producing a short circuit somehow. Glad you could fix this little printer so easy 💪👍🖖

[@UnCoolDad]

So satisfying.😊

[@bohanasro6439]

The king of nice flow

[@SONNYemc]

I have a Toshiba laptop I bought in 2010 but never thought of repairing it, I think I totally forgot about it, now with the knowledge I have built up during the last year I guess I can give it a shot

[@rster536821]

good job

[@rogernichols8150]

Great job Dave 😂🤣😂🤣 and you did a ok job mate 😂🤣😂 so enjoy your videos please keep them coming and here to help get your videos out to everyone to enjoy cheers

[@4to6months]

Ideally, would be great to get some kind of super hydrophobic coating for the boards! Definitely if they are going straight behind the bar at the pub again 😅

[@nicolasbrenta357]

19:07 Thats an understatement, you are a great technician.

[@nilomyki]

Fantastic Job!

[@jaimecosta2966]

Brilliant

[@acalavidyaraja]

that was really satisfying once again :)

[@sebastian19745]

I can relate, when having a beer alone I used to invite the printer also. Lots of hangover and corrosion afterwards. Now, I drink mostly vodka so I do not have problems with inviting a printer to a drink; the alcohol cleans and prevents corrosion. About the hangover....well....

[@TragicMike]

The best HH rap yet spitting sick bars as always! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Daffydubs]

Ayy big homie Steve's, putting in work! Thanks for all you do man love the content as always! Shout out Coder to! :)

[@gravedigga71]

Stupid filthy printers...not anymore. Good work Steve. 🙂

[@MartinBogomolni]

I have had to repair quite a few of these little printers. I wish they had conformal coatings ( and I often spray one on after full repairs ) because inevitably they are used in harsh environments. As it is, the most common issues are: Capacitor C4/C6/C7, corrosion in the connectors, resistor packs... but worst of all is when the thermal head takes damage ( basically has to be replaced )

[@DamienCooley]

Oooh, you have a pub? I demand a video tour at some point! Also, not that I am anywhere near the UK, but I'm sure some of your viewers could visit!

[@samholdsworth420]

You're the real star here mate ✨

[@javierfernandez]

I've been fixing those printers for years in bars in Argentina, and I'm amazed I'm not seeing six legged friends in there. Whole families living on leftover beer. I hate bugs.

[@GiovanneTorres]

Is your business undersea? Damn 😂 nice fix Steve!

[@electronbox]

At 9:27, far right, middle; looks like the beginning of tin whiskers forming.

[@the3sounds]

Morecambe and Wise reference. Nice.

[@northernninjarunner5506]

Solid

[@michaeljones7183]

Nice 👍

[@richardlostit]

There's an irony in cleaning a beer soaked board with IPA.... ;-)

[@chrisj2848]

Good one Steve! Saved the board from beer to sell more... beer! 🍺

[@StezStixFix]

😁 yep, and to spill more beer on it!

[@chrisj2848]

@@StezStixFix Its a vicious cycle. 😆

[@shokdj1]

I felt your joy when you got them going

[@ps3customgamer]

You could cover the boards in a conformal coating if you want to keep these running. A pre mixed conformal coating from mouser or cpc would work or mineral spirits and clear silicone could work.

[@welshtony1]

Never knew you owned a bar, very tuff buisness these day. Great job on the fix, crazy how just cleaning is mostly what things need

[@3fus]

10:49 The black gunk might be due to leakage of the C10 to the right. I would check that one for sure, not only the zero Ohm smd you replaced.

[@markgilbert9930]

Amazing, a bad fuse. That is very rare. Great job.

[@TravisFabel]

That resistor was not intended to be a fuse... Although it did act like one.

[@matthewbeeson5612]

Component reference is F2 so maybe designed as a fuse?

[@MoseyingFan]

@@matthewbeeson5612 F2 is the unpopulated pad above R432, so this board will accept either a fuse or zero ohm resistor

[@KallePihlajasaari]

@@TravisFabel It was there to act as a fuse. Cost is much less than an SMD fuze that was the option on the adjacent pads and even though it has a wide fusing current range it is suitable for fault isolation.

[@logothaironsides2942]

Yay, I feel like if you had had space to do a little glee dance, we would have seen one!

[@identicalsnow]

I loved how you used to say "Haha! Yes! Get in there." When you succeed in your endeavor.

[@UberMicroRepairs]

Excellent fix Stez, super satisfying corrosion clean up. Just an idea... You couls "beer" harden them by giving the PCB's a coat of clear spray paint?

[@MrThomashorst]

The upper pad of that diode looks a bit loose. Probably a good idea to resolder some of the corroded pads. You can reduce to risk of "beer intake" by elevating the printer on the desk with some rubber feets or somting similar.

[@Whitewingdevil]

I had to work with very similar printers at the restaurant I used to work at, we had a line of 5 of the bloody things lined up for various delivery orders, all connected to whatever random locked-down system the delivery service provided via bluetooth. On a good day maybe 2 would actually work.

[@ApostatesStink]

You are like Montgomery Scott... "A Miracle Worker."...

[@anon_y_mousse]

Amazing that just cleaning something can often make it work again.