Microcom 520 Printer User Guide

Unboxing and Plugging in the Printer

Unbox your Microcom 520 printer, and ensure that all components are included:
1. Printer unit
2. Power cable
3. USB-A - USB-B cable
Position the printer on a stable, flat surface near your computer.
Plug the power cable into the back of the printer and connect it to a power outlet.
Press the power button on the front panel of the printer to turn it on. The power light should illuminate, indicating the printer is ready.

Connecting to a Computer

The Microcom 520 printer is connected to your computer via a USB cable, included in the printer kit box.

Attach the USB cable to the corresponding port on the back of the printer:
Connect the and the other end of the USB cable to your computer. If you are connecting to a SaffireTix laptop or PC and were provided a USB hub, plug the printer into the port farthest from the hub cable:
Make sure the USB hub is plugged into the port on your laptop or PC that is marked as the USB hub port as well.
SaffireTix computers are shipped to you with all proper drivers pre-installed.
If you're connecting a printer to your own computer, then you will need follow our Microcom 520 Printer Installation Guide.

Loading Ticket Stock

Microcom 520 printers are compatible with both rolls of printer paper and folded ticket stock. Disregard the roller feature of the printer when loading folded ticket stock.

To load ticket stock into the printer, follow these simple steps:

Open the printer lid by squeezing the black tabs located on each side of the printer.
Feed the ticket stock through the back so that the perforated stub is the first thing to be printed on. The left edge of the ticket will be the last thing to go through the printer.
To ensure proper ticket alignment, slide the ticket stub under the roll holder so that the ticket edges are being hugged by the guide.
Close the lid to the printer with the ticket barely protruding out of the front of the printer.
Press the round feed button on the top of the printer to prepare to print. Now press that feed button one more time to spit out a single blank ticket. This should calibrate the printer to the start of the next ticket without having to guess.
Running a test print of several tickets may be necessary to ensure the tickets are aligned properly for printing.

Image of ticket stock with feed direction indicated

Looking for information about ticket stock? Visit our Ticket Stock Guide.

Cleaning the Print Head, Roller and Sensor

Regular print head cleaning is essential for optimal print quality.

Power off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
Open the top panel to access the print head.
Using a lint-free cloth or cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, gently clean the print head and thermal element. Be sure to remove any buildup or debris from the thermal elements.
Clean the printer sensor by blowing it off and wiping it down gently with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Wipe down the printer roller with rubbing alcohol, rolling it around gently to be sure the entire surface is clean. This can prevent streaks and ensure the tickets advance through the printer properly.
Allow the print head/roller to air dry for a few minutes before closing the printer and powering it back on.
While you have the printer open, check the inside for lint or residue. Use canned air or a soft brush to clean out debris. Be sure to wipe print head after blowing out debris as dust may stick to the freshly cleaned surface.

The printer sensor is located on the main print body, as seen below. This sensor can sometimes get obstructed by lint, grease, or even a fingerprint, causing the printer to think that the lid is open. Follow instructions above to clean this area.

PDF: Microcom 520 User Manual