Microsoft Knowledge Base Article On the Subject

Symptom:
A weight indicator is set for continuous data output from the serial port to a Windows 2000 or XP computer. WinVRS or other software on the computer cannot read the weight.

Diagnostic:
1.)  Power off the weight indicator.
2.)  Shutdown the computer.
3.)  Turn on the computer. Wait for it to boot up fully.
4.)  Power on the weight indicator. If WinVRS or Hyperterminal can now communicate with the weight indicator this is the problem.

Solutions:
1.)  Always wait for the computer to fully boot up before powering up the indicator. This is usually not desirable.
or
2.)  Wire the connection for receive and transmit (two-way) communcations and change the indicator to on-demand (continuous equals no) communications. Set the WinVRS configuration for on-demand.
or
3.)  Have a skilled computer technician refer to the Microsoft Knowledge Base article to edit the registry to resolve the problem.
or
4.)  Locate the extra serial mouse device in the "Control Panel", "System", "Hardware", "Device Manager". Disable the device. Reboot.

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INVALID TIME/DATE ISSUE

Symptom:
777/778/788 application program locks up.

Diagnostic:
Turn off the indicator, turn it back on, and press the "STD" user key. Make sure the s tandard program runs correctly. With the standard program running press the "Time/Date" key. Check for invalid time or date values.

Solutions:
With the standard program running press the "Time/Date" key and set the correct time and date. Turn off the indicator. Turn it back on and press the "Time/Date" key again to make sure it is maintaining the information. If the time or date is not maintained there may be a hardware problem with the internal clock. If the time and date is correct simply turn off the indicator, turn it back on and run the application program.

Explanation:
If an application program uses the TIMER statement to provide a time delay and the date/time setting in the indicator is invalid the application program may enter an endless loop.

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STAR PRINTER WITH CUTTER/PRESENTER ISSUE

Symptom:
Star SP300 series printer prints first ticket, cutter motor runs for several seconds, and additional tickets will not print unless printer is switched off and back on.

Diagnostic:
Darken area where printer is located. Cover any direct sunlight or other light sources reaching the printer.  Try printing multiple tickets. If the problem is resolved this is the issue.

Solutions:
Make sure printer is used in housing that blocks most light from printer. Cover bottom of presenter to prevent ambient light from interfering with sensor.

Explanation:
The Star printer uses a light sensor to determine when a ticket just printed and cut has exited the mechanism. Too much light may fool the printer into thinking the previous ticket is still in the mechanism and prevent additional tickets from printing.

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