Epson TM-T88V Thermal Receipt Printer USB and Serial (C31CA85084)

The Epson TM-T88V, part number C31CA85084, is a 3-inch thermal receipt printer configured with a built-in USB port and an RS-232 serial interface, in Epson Dark Gray. The dual interface lets it connect to a POS computer by USB or to systems that print through a serial port, and Epson's specification sheet describes the TM-T88V as designed for high-volume use.

Key features

• USB plus serial: built-in USB interface and an RS-232 serial interface with a 25-pin D-sub connector.
• Print speed: up to 300 mm/sec for text and graphics, at 180 dpi.
• Paper handling: drop-in loading of 80 mm thermal roll paper up to 83 mm in diameter, with a partial-cut auto cutter.
• Cash drawer support: drawer kick connector with two drive outputs.
• Rated reliability (Epson estimates): MTBF 360,000 hours, MCBF 70 million lines and 2 million auto cutter cuts.

Specifications

What's in the box

Epson's product page for C31CA85084 lists:

• TM-T88V thermal printer
• Thermal roll paper (starter roll for testing)
• Cable connector cover
• AC adapter with AC cord
• Setup guide
• Power switch cover
• CD with manuals, drivers and utilities (Epson's spec sheet says it may not be included with every SKU)

USB and serial cables are not listed.

Typical applications

• Windows POS terminals that print receipts over USB
• Existing POS systems that connect receipt printers by RS-232 serial
• High-volume checkout counters with a printer-driven cash drawer

Compatibility

Drivers and software: Epson's TM-T88V specification sheet lists ESC/POS, OPOS and JavaPOS drivers and operating system support including Windows 10, 8.1, 8 and 7, WEPOS, POSReady, Linux and Mac OS X. Epson's technical reference guide also lists OPOS ADK for .NET and Windows printer drivers.

Square: Square's printer compatibility page lists the Epson TM-T88V with a USB connection as compatible with Square Terminal, Square Handheld, Square Stand, Square Register and Android devices with Square Reader. For the USB connection, Square does not list iOS with Square Reader or Square Kiosk.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Epson TM-T88V C31CA85084 USB or serial?

Both. Epson's ordering information lists C31CA85084 as the TM-T88V serial model in Epson Dark Gray, and Epson notes that the built-in USB interface is available on all TM-T88V interface models. The serial port uses a 25-pin D-sub connector.

Can I print from an iPad or Android tablet?

Not wirelessly with this SKU, which has USB and serial interfaces only. Epson lists iOS and Android mobile printing for TM-T88V models with wireless or Bluetooth interfaces.

Is a power supply included?

Yes. Epson's product page for C31CA85084 lists an AC adapter with AC cord in the box. The printer runs on 24 VDC, and Epson's technical reference guide specifies the PS-180 or an equivalent AC adapter.

Can it print 58 mm receipts?

Yes, as a one-way change. The printer ships set for 80 mm paper; Epson's technical reference guide describes installing the 58 mm roll paper guide and changing the paper width setting, after which it cannot be changed back to 80 mm. The guide may not be included with every model.

Can it open a cash drawer?

Yes. The drawer kick connector has two drive outputs for cash drawers, or it can connect Epson's optional OT-BZ20 external buzzer instead.

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