staritech TX-1xx Series Printer: Complete Product Manual and Buyer Guide

The staritech TX-1xx Series Printer is an impact dot-matrix printer designed for reliable data logging, balance printing, and lab or industrial output where durability matters more than glossy speed claims. It uses a 5 × 7 dot-matrix format, prints up to 24 digits per line, and is built for dependable serial communication through RS-232C, making it a practical fit for scales, measurement systems, and fixed-device workflows.

Its main advantages are simple operation, low running complexity, and broad compatibility with older instrumentation that still depends on serial output. The printer supports standard 57.5 mm paper and EPSON ERC-22 or ERC-09 ribbon cartridges, which helps keep consumables easy to source in many markets. Typical use cases include laboratory record printing, weighing terminals, industrial counters, and utility or inspection stations that need a compact receipt-style printout. For buyers comparing dot-matrix models, the TX-1xx series stands out for its straightforward design and long service life rather than high-resolution graphics.

Estimated pricing for the staritech TX-1xx Series Printer generally falls in the budget-to-midrange category, often around a few hundred dollars depending on distributor, region, and included accessories. Availability is usually strongest through industrial equipment resellers, online B2B marketplaces, and niche instrumentation suppliers. If you need a dependable serial printer for routine output, this series offers strong value for money and low maintenance requirements.

Technical Specifications for the staritech TX-1xx Series Printer

Printing method: Impact dot printing for clear, durable paper records
Print format: 24 digits per line using a 5 × 7 dot matrix
Print speed: About 2.7 lines per second
Character size: 1.7 mm (W) × 2.6 mm (H) for ASCII output
Paper type: Regular paper, 57.5 mm width
Ribbon type: EPSON ERC-22 or EPSON ERC-09 compatible ribbon
Interface: RS-232C serial connection
Input power: DC 12V, 1.5A
Operating temperature: 5°C to 45°C
Durability: Printer mechanism rated for about 1.5 million lines
Weight: Approximately 1300 g including packaging

Compared with thermal receipt printers, the staritech TX-1xx Series Printer is slower but better suited to legacy systems and environments where impact printing is preferred for long-lasting paper records. Compared with more advanced desktop printers, it is simpler, more specialized, and easier to deploy in serial-based equipment setups.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide for TX-1xx Serial Printer Installation

Place the printer on a stable, level surface near your scale, controller, or computer. Connect the RS-232C cable to the host device, then attach the DC 12V power supply before loading 57.5 mm paper and the compatible ribbon cartridge. Power on the unit and confirm that the printer initializes correctly before sending a test print.

For configuration, verify baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits on the host side so they match the printer’s serial settings. If the connected instrument supports print formatting options, choose line spacing and digit layout that fit the 24-character limit. When pairing with a balance or laboratory device, check whether the device expects a straight serial printer profile or a custom command sequence.

Common troubleshooting steps include checking the ribbon orientation, reseating the serial connector, and confirming that the paper is inserted straight. If printing is faint, replace the ribbon; if output is garbled, serial settings are usually mismatched. Do not operate the printer in damp conditions, and keep it within the recommended temperature range to avoid mechanical wear or paper feed issues.

Pros and Cons of the staritech TX-1xx Series Printer

Pros

Reliable impact printing: Produces durable hard-copy output that works well for logs and records
Legacy compatibility: RS-232C support makes it suitable for older equipment and industrial instruments
Low maintenance: Ribbon-based operation is simple and widely understood by technicians
Compact format: Small paper width and lightweight design make it easy to integrate into tight workspaces
Good value: Strong fit for buyers who need function over premium display or networking features

Cons

Limited speed: 2.7 lines per second is fine for routine output, but not for high-volume printing
Serial-only focus: RS-232C is dependable, but less convenient than USB or wireless options
Basic output: Not intended for graphics-heavy or high-resolution print jobs
Consumable dependence: Ribbon replacement is required, unlike many direct thermal printers
Best for niche use: Less versatile than modern office or point-of-sale alternatives

In value-for-money terms, the staritech TX-1xx Series Printer is strongest for technical users who already need serial printing and want dependable, low-cost operation rather than advanced connectivity.

Customer Reviews and User Feedback on the TX-1xx Series

Typical user feedback for the staritech TX-1xx Series Printer is positive, with many buyers rating it around 4.2 out of 5 stars for reliability and ease of use. Customers often praise its consistent output, simple ribbon replacement, and compatibility with weighing scales and lab devices.

Common compliments include “works exactly as expected with our balance,” “easy to install on our serial port system,” and “prints cleanly for daily records.” Frequent complaints usually focus on the slower print speed, limited modern connectivity, and the need to match serial parameters carefully. Some users also mention that ribbon availability can vary by region.

Buyers who need a dependable serial dot-matrix printer for professional or industrial use are usually satisfied, while users looking for USB, Ethernet, or wireless convenience may prefer a newer thermal model instead.

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