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Star Micronics Printer Error Lights

Star Micronics Printers have 2 classes of error: Recoverable and Non-Recoverable.

Troubleshooting FAQ

These guides cover talech Register and related POS equipment. Paytura is your merchant services partner; talech provides the register software and device support referenced in these articles.

Star Micronics Printers have 2 classes of error: Recoverable and Non-Recoverable. The front-panel lights next to the feed button will indicate the status of the device. 

These light errors and meanings apply to the TSP100, SP700 and TSP650 printers. You can find more information about troubleshooting here Star Micronics Troubleshooting

Recoverable Errors 

These are errors that can be resolved with the recommended fix or general troubleshooting you can find above. 

Power light 

Error light 

Beep code 

Issue description 

Recommended fix 

On 

On 

Continuous 

The top cover of the paper tray is not closed. 

Close and latch the top cover of the printer. If the cover is securely latched the printer may be faulty. 

On 

Flashing 

On 1 sec 

Off 1 sec 

4 short beeps repeated twice. 

Paper end error 

Replace the paper roll in the printer. Be sure to remove the plastic core from the previous roll before installing the new roll. Paper feeds from the bottom of the roll. Consult the supported printers page for paper specifications for your printer. 

On 

Flashes 

On: 0.5 sec. 

Off: 0.5 sec. 

3 short beeps 

Black mark detection error 

This error can be caused by paper jams as well as incorrect receipt roll sizes. 

On 

Flashes 

On: 0.25 sec. 

Off: 0.25 sec. 

2 short beeps 

Mechanical error (other than cutter) 

This error is usually caused by a paper jam. Turn the power OFF, clear the jammed paper then power back ON. If the issue persists, you may attempt to clean the paper roller on the lid using isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. 

On 

Flashes 

On: 0.125 sec. 

Off: 0.125 sec. 

3 short beeps 

Cutter error (on models with cutter) 

On printers equipped with a paper cutter, the printer will error if the cutter becomes jammed, stuck or fails to operate. Ensure the paper path is clear of jams, shut off the printer and power back on. The error should clear upon power-up. If the error does not clear, the printer may be faulty. 

Flashes 

On: 0.5 sec. 

Off: 0.5 sec. 

On 

Continuous 

The front cover (if equipped) is not closed. 

The SP700 impact printer has a second cover on the top of the printer in front of the paper compartment lid. This cover is opened during the installation of the ink ribbon for this printer. The cover must be closed to resolve this error. 

Flashes 

On: 1 sec. 
Off: 1 sec. 

Off 

None 

High head temperature detected 

Thermal printers use a heated pin array to print on heat-sensitive thermal receipt paper. If the head becomes too hot, the printer will shut down to allow the head to cool to a safe temperature. The error is normal under very heavy use conditions or where the ambient temperature is extremely hot. This is a normal error in those cases.  

The printer will recover when the head has cooled sufficiently. 

Flashes 

On: 2 sec. 
Off: 2 sec. 

  

Off 

None 

High board temperature detected 

The printers motherboard is too hot. The printer will shutdown to prevent damage to the board. This is unusual unless the printer is located in an unusually hot location or in direct sunlight. Ensure the printer is in a clean, dry and cool location if possible. The printer will recover when the board has cooled sufficiently. 

Flashes at 
0.125-second intervals 

Flashes at 
0.125-second intervals 

None 

Link disconnection detection (IP Address lost) 

Ethernet printers which fail to obtain an IP address once attached to a working ethernet cable will display this error. Ensure the ethernet cable is connected to a working port, that the router is not restricted or otherwise ignoring the device and that sufficient IP addresses in the POS network are available. This error does not indicate a fault in the printer. 

Flashes at 2-second intervals 

Flashes at 2-second intervals 

None 

Link disconnection 
detection (Physical 
link disconnection) 

This error occurs only with an Ethernet printer in which the network cable is unplugged or is severed. Connect a known-working cable from the network router to the printer and re-check. If the problem replacement cable does not resolve, try a different port on the network router. Should the issue persist, the printer may be faulty. 

  

Non-recoverable Errors 

Non-recoverable errors are major faults in the device which will require replacement. There are no fixes available for the below issues. 

Power light 

Error light 

Beep code 

Issue Description 

 Off 

Flashes: 

(On: 1 sec.  Off: 1 sec.) 

None  

Flash memory write error 

 Off 

Flashes: 

(On: 0.25 sec./ Off: 0.25 sec.) 

2 short beeps 

Thermistor failure error 

 Off 

Flashes: 

(On: 2 sec./ Off: 2 sec.) 

None 

Power supply error 

 Off 

On 

One long beep (2 sec.) 

CPU error 

 Off 

On 

None 

RAM read/write error 

 
 
If you do not see your error here or if you want to research your printer model error lights further, you can refer to the Star Micronics error code guide.

 


Need more help?

  • talech training & device support (24/7): 1-888-995-1998
  • Paytura merchant support (24/5): 1-855-4-PAYTURA or contact Paytura