This applies to version 2.6.10 or later of Box Office Xpress Junior.
Previously, you could only attach a cash drawer to a ticket or receipt printer. The new functionality allows you connect a cash drawer directly to a computer's COM port. To support the various connection options, a new Cash Drawer Setup window has been added the Config Screen.
Order Screen Menu Items
Under the Options menu, Use Cash Drawer has been replaced with Open Cash Drawer During Transaction. This was altered for clarity and simply means that the cash drawer will always open automatically during a transaction.
Open Cash Drawer, under the Tools menu, remains the same. It will open the cash drawer on demand.
Cash Drawer Setup Window
This window is accessed from the View menu of the Config Screen.
Select the appropriate connection option for the cash drawer:
Not used
Receipt printer
Ticket printer
Port
Depending on your connection, choose either A or B, below.
A. Connection to Printer
If you selected one of the printer options, then you are finished. Just connect the cash drawer, turn on the printer, and then click the Open Drawer button to test the connection.
If the drawer does not open, test the printer using the Ticket Setup window. If the printer doesn't work, then refer to the possible connection issues in your Help System. If the printer does work, then make sure you have the correct cabling, and that the cables are securely connected.
B. Connection to Port
If you selected Port, a drop-down box is enabled and you can select the appropriate COM (serial) port. If you do not know which one to use, refer to Which COM Port, below. Then connect the cash drawer to the COM port (and connect the power supply, if required). After you connect the cash drawer, click the Open Drawer button to test the connection. If it does not open, refer to Making the COM Port Available to Windows, below.
Which COM Port?
If you have a free COM port, just select it from the list. If you are not sure which one to use, select one and then click the Open Drawer button to test the connection. If that doesn't work, test the other COM port(s) in the same way. Note that there is the possibility that this may cause temporary problems with other devices or with Windows. The worst case scenario may be that you would need to reboot your computer.
It may be possible that your computer's only COM port is already in use by another device, such as your ticket printer, or receipt printer. If this is so, you will need to purchase an adapter (or hook up your cash drawer to a printer, if both have the appropriate connectors). We have tested and endorse the Quatech USB to RS-232 Serial Adapters. This type of adapter will turn a USB port into one or more serial ports. You may purchase this item from us or through a computer retailer that carries this particular item. Feel free to contact us if you would like to purchase the item from us. The adapter comes with instructions on how to set it up.
Making the COM Port Available to Windows
Even though a COM port may be listed in the drop-down box, it still may not be available for the program to use. If you have determined the COM port number that you are going to connect the cash drawer to, you may need to assign that port to a device, such as a bogus printer. To do this, follow these steps (designed for Windows XP) ...
1. Open your Printers and Faxes window (accessible from the Windows Start button).
2. Add a printer. Throughout the process ...
When prompted for a port, select the port to which the cash drawer is connected.
Install a Generic printer (Generic / Text Only).
Name it "Cash Drawer".
3. The port can now be used.
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