What is a Cash Drawer?

A cash drawer is a secure, lockable compartment used in retail and hospitality environments to store cash, coins, checks, and receipts during transactions. As a core component of any Point-of-Sale (POS) system, it opens automatically after a sale or manually when needed, ensuring efficient and secure cash handling.

Modern models—like the ACODE ADS Series—are designed for demanding environments and offer advanced functionality beyond basic storage.

Key Features

• Quiet Slide Rails: Custom-designed slide tracks replace traditional ball bearings, delivering smooth, silent operation and reducing long-term wear—ideal for upscale or noise-sensitive locations.
• Durable Construction: Heavy-duty, all-steel build with a reinforced metal bill press ensures reliability under heavy use.
• Versatile Connectivity:
  • RJ12/RJ11 interface for printer-driven setups.
  • USB support for Android, macOS, and Windows 10 & 11.
• Smart Integration: Compatible with ACODE’s AT10 Series cash drawer trigger for enhanced control.
• Status Detection: Built-in sensors monitor open/closed status to improve security and accountability.

Size Options

We’re here to help—contact our team anytime with your questions.

How Do I Use a USB cash drawer Communication in Windows ?

If you’re integrating a USB cash drawer that emulates a serial (COM) port, you’ll need to use Windows’ serial communication APIs to send commands and receive status updates.

This typically involves:

• Identifying the virtual COM port assigned to the device
• Opening the port using Win32 API functions like CreateFile
• Sending commands using WriteFile
• Reading responses or status using ReadFile or WaitCommEvent

For a detailed guide and sample code, check out Microsoft’s documentation on Serial Communications in Win32

What types of cash drawers can be paired with the ACODE cash drawer trigger for open and closed states?

The ACODE cash drawer trigger is compatible with a wide range of cash drawers that use an RJ12 6-pin connector and operate within the following specifications:

Connector & Electrical Requirements –

• Interface: RJ12 6-pin plug
• Solenoid Activation Pins: Typically Pin 2 & 4 or Pin 4 & 5

Open/Close Sensor Support –

• Sensor Pins: RJ12 Pin 3 & 6
• These pins are used to detect the open/closed state of compatible cash drawers

How to check cash drawer pin assignment ? 

1. (Right Meter) Check the Red Pin 2 and Pin 5  , Green Pin 4 wires  common on the solenoid shows a slight variation in readings.

2. (Left Meter) Check with the Pink Pin 3 and Black Pin 6 wire shows a significant difference between cash drawer open and closed.

• This cash drawer routine supports standard Epson and Star POS printer pin configurations, as well as all Acode cash drawer triggers.
• Important: You must verify the your cash drawer’s solenoid voltage and pin assignment before connecting it to your receipt printer or POS terminal or Acode cash drawer triggers.

How To Open Cash Drawer Without Connecting To a Computer Or Receipt Printer ?

Yes, you can use AT10PB Push Button Cash Drawer Trigger. It can operate independently. Simply press the push button to trigger open the cash drawer. It provides a convenient and efficient solution.

How Can I Open a Cash Drawer If My Printer Doesn’t Have a Cash Drawer Port ?

Some stores, such as furniture stores, use Line Printer, Laser Printer or Inkjet printer to place orders and collect payments. However, these printers do not have the open cash drawer function, is there a way to open the cash drawer ?

What choice you have ?

1).  AT10-Push button series Manual push button (no development need)

2). AT10U3  USB Hot Key Model  (no development , bundle with windows utility)

3). AT10U3 USB series  USB Model  (need program/system development)

3). AT09AW Browser-Based model , open drawer by web page (no development , bundle with windows utility)

Some businesses—like furniture stores—use Line Printers, Laser Printers, or Inkjet Printers for order processing and payments. These printers typically do not support cash drawer opening, but there are alternative solutions available.

✅ Available Options

1. Push Button Series
   • Manual trigger
   • No software development required
   • Simple and reliable
2. USB Hot Key Model
   • Opens drawer via keyboard hotkey
   • Bundled with Windows utility
   • No development needed
3. USB Series
   • Requires system or software integration
   • Suitable for custom POS applications
4. Browser-Based Model
   • Opens drawer via web page interface
   • Bundled with Windows utility
   • No development required

How to Replace a Broken POS Cash Drawer Port ?

If your POS terminal’s cash drawer port is damaged or not supported, there’s no need to invest in a full terminal replacement.
Simply connect an Acode USB Cash Drawer Trigger—like the AT10U3—to restore drawer functionality efficiently and economically.

How It Works ?

The Acode trigger acts as a standalone drawer controller, bypassing the POS terminal’s built-in port. It connects directly to your POS system via USB and communicates with the cash drawer using standard RJ11/RJ12 connections.

Setup Steps

1. Connect the Trigger to Your Computer

• Plug the USB end of the trigger into your Windows PC or POS terminal.
• System OS will automatically install the driver—no coding or manual setup required.

2. Connect the Cash Drawer

• Attach the drawer’s RJ11 or RJ12 cable to the trigger’s drawer port.
• Confirm the correct pin configuration (e.g., PIN 2 & 4 or PIN 4 & 5) for compatibility.

3. Trigger the Drawer

• Configure your POS software to use the correct COM port for serial communication.
• Use utility software, hotkeys, or browser-based commands (depending on the model) to open the drawer.

4. Monitor Drawer Status (Optional)

• Advanced models like the AT10U3 offer real-time open/close status detection, enhancing security and tracking.

Cost-Saving Benefits

• Avoid Terminal Replacement: No need to buy a new POS terminal due to a broken drawer port.
• Printer Independence: Works even if your receipt printer lacks a drawer port.
• Plug-and-Play Simplicity: Some products No software development or integration required—just install and go.

We’re here to help—contact our team anytime with your questions.

How can I open cash drawer when a receipt is printed during a sale and when no receipt is printed such as during a cash refund, in conjunction ?

If your cash drawer system, powered by the AT10ME series, offers flexible access methods to meet both transactional and non-transactional needs. It supports automatic opening via POS printer, manual access through push button, and wireless control via Bluetooth.

System Connection Overview :

• POS Printer connects via DK port to the AT10ME RPT input
• Cash Drawer connects via RJ port to the AT10ME
• AT10ME supports:
• Push Button (manual trigger)
• Bluetooth Device (wireless trigger)
• Type-C USB Power – Connects to adapter or POS printer USB power for streamlined setup

Three Ways to Open the Cash Drawer

• Automatic Mode Triggered by the POS printer—drawer opens when a receipt is printed.
• Manual Mode Triggered via push button using the AT10ME-PB Buddy Series—ideal for “No Sale” operations such as refunds or drawer access without a transaction.
• Bluetooth Mode Triggered wirelessly using the AT10ME-BT Bluetooth Series—allows remote drawer access without a direct POS connection.

Model-Specific Functions

Each AT10ME model offers distinct features:

• AT10ME-PB includes a built-in push button.
  AT10ME-BT supports Bluetooth wireless triggering.

We’re here to help—contact our team anytime with your questions.

How to Open Cash Drawer using windows command ?

Open Cash Drawer using windows command

• Hold Windows Key + R
• Type “cmd” and click “OK”.
• Serial port : Type con>com(port number) and click “OK”
• Type “any code ” and click “OK”
• The cash drawer opens.

Cash drawer opening code for Epson POS printers?

Opening code for Epson POS printers :

ESC p 0 1B,70,00 Epson cash drawer 1 open command
ESC p 1 1B,70,01 Epson cash drawer 2 open command

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What is the cash drawer opening code for Star POS printers ?

Opening code for Star POS printers :

ASCII : ESC p m t1 t2
Hex.  : 1B 70 m t1 t2
Decimal : 27 112 m t1 t2

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The ACODE USB and Bluetooth Trigger is compatible with most standard POS cash drawers that operate on 12–24V and use RJ11 or RJ12 connectors. The key difference is that RJ11 has 4 pins (limited sensing) while RJ12 has 6 pins (supports both kick pulse and open/close status sensing)

Cash Drawer Compatibility with ACODE USB Trigger

Supported Drawers:

• Works with printer‑driven cash drawers using RJ11/RJ12 connectors.
• Compatible with 12–24V solenoid drawers (most Epson, Star, Citizen, and Acode models).
• Designed for setups without a receipt printer — connects directly via USB to a PC, POS terminal, or Android device.

Trigger Operation:

• Appears as a virtual COM port.
• POS software sends a preset open code → trigger energizes the solenoid → drawer opens.
• Return codes can confirm open/close status when paired with RJ12 sensing pins.

Connector Comparison: RJ11 vs RJ12

• Most POS systems and receipt printers require at least 5 pins, making RJ12 the more reliable choice.
• RJ12 connectors are compatible with RJ11 plugs, but RJ11 plugs sensor functionality will be limited.

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How Do I Buy and Identify Normally Open vs. Normally Closed Cash Drawer Sensors?

Understanding the sensor type is key to choosing the right cash drawer for your setup. Here’s how to distinguish between Normally Open (NO) and Normally Closed (NC) sensors based on their behavior:

Sensor Behavior Comparison

When purchasing, check the sensor specification or ask the supplier to confirm the wiring behavior. If you’re unsure which type suits your system, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help you select the right model.

Contact Us

The ACODE USB and Bluetooth Trigger is compatible with most standard POS cash drawers that operate on 12–24V and use RJ11 or RJ12 connectors. The key difference is that RJ11 has 4 pins (limited sensing) while RJ12 has 6 pins (supports both kick pulse and open/close status sensing)

Cash Drawer Compatibility with ACODE USB Trigger

Supported Drawers:

• Works with printer‑driven cash drawers using RJ11/RJ12 connectors.
• Compatible with 12–24V solenoid drawers (most Epson, Star, Citizen, and Acode models).
• Designed for setups without a receipt printer — connects directly via USB to a PC, POS terminal, or Android device.

Trigger Operation:

• Appears as a virtual COM port.
• POS software sends a preset open code → trigger energizes the solenoid → drawer opens.
• Return codes can confirm open/close status when paired with RJ12 sensing pins.

Connector Comparison: RJ11 vs RJ12

• Most POS systems and receipt printers require at least 5 pins, making RJ12 the more reliable choice.
• RJ12 connectors are compatible with RJ11 plugs, but RJ11 plugs sensor functionality will be limited.

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What types of cash drawers specification can detect open/closed status ?

Cash drawer Specifications :

• Cash drawer RJ12 6 Pin Plug.
•  Electrical 12~24 Volts DC, < 100 Msec, 1A.
• Solenoid Pin 2 or 5 with Common Pin 4
•  Pin 3 & 6 for cash drawer sensor.

AT10 USB & Bluetooth Cash Drawer Trigger – Sensor Requirements

Plus Series Sensor Options:

• Sensor‑CR: Normal Open & Close (AT10U3 only)
• Smart‑Sensor‑2: Normal Open
• Smart‑Sensor‑3: Normal Close

* Please review product details for compatibility.

 If you have any questions, please contact us.

What types of cash drawers can match cash drawer trigger ?

1. Compatible POS Receipt Printer Drawer port.
2. Cash drawer RJ11 4 Pin Plug or RJ12 6 Pin Plug.
3.  Electrical 12~24 Volts DC, < 100 Msec, 1A.
4.  Pin 2 & 4 or Pin 4 & 5 is solenoid.
5. *** Epson and Star DK port compatible cash drawer.  If you have any questions, please contact us.

How to disable driver signature enforcement in the installer on windows 10/11 ?

🛠️ Installation Prerequisite (Driver Signature Enforcement)

Before installing ALD/ADS Virtual Utility, you need to disable Driver Signature Enforcement.

• please disable driver signature enforcement to allow installation. This is required for compatibility with Windows 10 security policies.

🛠 Steps to Disable Driver Signature Enforcement

1. Hold down the Shift key and click Restart from the Start menu’s power options.
2. After reboot, select Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings.
3. Click Restart.
4. When prompted, press F7 or 7 to choose Disable driver signature enforcement.
5. Windows will boot with signature enforcement disabled—proceed with the installation.

⚠️ This change is temporary and will reset after the next reboot.

How to check Serial COM Port in Windows ?

Check Serial COM Port in Windows

• Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the section called Ports (COM & LPT).
• You’ll see entries like USB Serial Device (COM3) or Communications Port (COM1).

How to configuration cash drawer Pules Width ?

Most drawers can be reliably opened with a pulse of 100-200 milliseconds. Pulses exceeding 200 milliseconds will not only not improve efficiency, but it is not recommended to increase the pulse width. Too long pulse width may cause the solenoid valve to overheat or damage.

What is the difference between dedicated and non-dedicated serial interfaces?

Clearly explained :

• Dedicated  Mode : Activate Cash Drawer Using any data.
• Non-Dedicated  Mode :  Activate Cash Drawer Using specific Code.

All Non-Dedicated series please contact us 

Does the USB Series cash drawer require Driver or SDK or API or System Development ?

1. • Driver Installation: Most USB cash drawers use standard virtual COM port drivers that are automatically installed by the operating system. Manual driver installation is typically not required. ⚠️ Be sure to verify that the device’s driver is compatible with your version of Windows.
   • SDK/API Requirements: The AT10 USB Series uses a standard virtual serial port connection and does not require a proprietary SDK or API. You can communicate with it using standard serial commands via Win32 APIs.
   • System Development Needs: While no special SDK is needed, integrating the cash drawer into your application does require IT knowledge and familiarity with serial communication programming in Windows.

   For more technical guidance, refer to Microsoft’s Serial Communications in Win32 documentation

Acode can provide Special Requests ?

Absolutely ! If you have any special requests, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us. We’re here to assist you and ensure you have a positive experience.