⚠️ Solenoid Overload Warning: Pulse Width Too Long

When the solenoid valve that activates the cash drawer remains energized for too long, it can lead to:

• Overheating of the solenoid coil
• Magnetization of the shaft, preventing the drawer from closing properly until the magnetic field dissipates
• Potential damage to the solenoid mechanism over time

🎥 Demo Alert

A video demonstration shows the error caused by an incorrect pulse width setting exceeding 300ms, which can trigger these issues.

To avoid malfunction or hardware damage, ensure your system’s pulse width is configured correctly—typically below 300ms.

✅ Solution

Reduce the pulse width time to below 300ms to prevent overheating and ensure proper drawer operation.

Most cash drawers operate reliably with a pulse width between 100–200 milliseconds. Setting the correct pulse duration ensures smooth operation and prevents damage to the solenoid valve.

How to Configure Pulse Width for Cash Drawer Activation

Most cash drawers operate reliably with a pulse width between 100–200 milliseconds. Setting the correct pulse duration ensures smooth operation and prevents damage to the solenoid valve.

Recommended Pulse Width Settings

Configuration Tips

• Use 100–200 ms as your standard pulse width range.
• Avoid exceeding 200 ms, as longer pulses do not improve performance and may damage the solenoid.
• Check your POS system or printer settings to adjust the pulse width. This is often found in the device’s configuration utility or firmware settings.

🎥 Demo Reference

The current video demonstration shows a pulse width setting of 100–200 ms, which is optimal for drawer operation.

Video Demo – Current Pulse-Width-Setting at 100~200 ms

For Acode cash drawers, manual pulse width configuration is typically not required. These drawers use hardware-defined default settings that are optimized for reliable operation.

Key Points

• No need to adjust pulse width: Acode triggers (USB, Bluetooth, or push-button) are pre-configured with default pulse durations.
• Built-in reliability: Most Acode drawers open reliably with a pulse between 100–200 milliseconds, which is already set by the hardware.
• Avoid manual changes: Increasing the pulse width beyond 200ms is not recommended, as it may strain or damage the solenoid valve.

Cash Drawer Not Responding via RJ11/RJ12 Port? Try These Steps

1. Run a Test Kick-Out

• If your POS system supports it, send a test command to “kick out” the drawer.

2. Check POS Software Settings

• Ensure your POS system is configured to open the drawer after cash transactions.
• Look for drawer settings under “Peripheral” or “Printer” options in your POS software.

3. Inspect for Mechanical Issues

• Open the drawer manually with a key.
• Remove any jammed coins or bills.
• Clean and lubricate the drawer tracks if it sticks or doesn’t slide smoothly.

4. Check the Physical Connection

• Make sure the RJ cable is securely plugged into:
  • The cash drawer
  • The receipt printer or POS terminal DK port
• Try reseating the cable (unplug and replug both ends).
• Inspect the cable for visible damage or bent pins.

5. Test the Drawer Manually

• Use the manual key to open the drawer.
• If it doesn’t open manually, the issue may be mechanical, not electrical.

6. Contact Support

• If all else fails, reach out to the service department for further assistance.

Sensor or Hardware Issues

1. Misaligned drawer: If the drawer isn’t fully closed or aligned, the sensor may misread its status.
2. Worn-out sensor: Over time, drawer sensors can degrade or become faulty, triggering false errors.
3. Loose cable or faulty connection: A damaged RJ cable or loose plug can interrupt sensor communication.

Software or Configuration Errors

1. Incorrect POS settings: If your POS system isn’t configured to recognize the drawer model, it may misreport its status.
2. Driver issues: Missing or outdated drivers for the drawer or printer can cause communication failures.
3. Timeout settings: If the drawer doesn’t open within the expected time, the system may flag it as an error—even if it opens later.

How to Check and Fix It

1. Inspect the drawer sensor: Clean it gently and check for physical damage.
2. Test manual opening: Use the key to open and close the drawer—see if the error persists.
3. Run a diagnostic test: Most POS systems have a “test drawer” or “kick-out” command.
4. Check cable connections: Reseat the RJ cable and inspect for wear.
5. Review POS settings: Make sure “Cash Drawer Connected” or similar options are enabled.
6. Update firmware/drivers: Especially for the receipt printer, which often controls the drawer.

Sensor resistance can gradually drift or deteriorate over time, and POS terminals with strict tolerance thresholds may struggle to interpret these changes accurately—potentially leading to sensor malfunction.

Solutions:

1. Ensure sensors operate within the supported resistance range to maintain reliable performance.
2. Consider using the AT10U3 USB Cash Drawer Trigger, which offers improved tolerance and real-time open/close status monitoring for enhanced compatibility

https://www.acode.com/en/product-category/cash-drawer-trigger/usb-cash-drawer-trigger/