POSGuys Recommended Alternatives Guide
By: Colton Redtfeldt - 7/23/2021

<center> ![posguys recommended alternatives guide][1][1000][] </center>
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Many customers have come to us in the last month with a similar story: they’ve called a dozen companies in search of a receipt printer or a touch screen monitor and no one seems to have what they’re looking for. Maybe you’ve run into this yourself. Not to worry! Plenty of items can easily be replaced with alternatives. We’ve prepared a list of recommended alternatives for some items that are commonly requested. Is the item you’re looking for not listed below or do you have some questions about how an alternative item will work? Give us a call at 1-800-903-6571 and our team of sales engineers will help you get pointed in the right direction.
#### <center> **In a hurry? Here's a video going over the basics. Keep reading for more in-depth information!** </center>
<center> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qskj_0V5N0E" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </center>

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## **Receipt Printers**
Receipt printers can be tricky to swap out. Sometimes your software will require a particular type of printer or a specific connection type. Even so, there is usually an alternative that will work. *With these, it’s always important to check with your POS software developer first to avoid purchasing a printer that is not compatible.* For receipt printers, there are three big things you need to keep in mind.

1. Determine if you need a thermal printer or impact printer. Thermal printers use heat-sensitive paper to mark paper while impact printers use regular ribbon. Different brands of printers will use different types of ribbon. Epson ribbon will work on Bixolon and POS-X/Custom America printers, but won’t work on Star impact printers. Furthermore, different types of printers within the same brand can use different ribbons. Finding the right ribbon can be hard with so many options. If you’re ever in question, give us a call and we can help you. Nothing is worse than getting your brand-new printer and realizing you don’t have the ribbon to print it on!
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 2. Make sure you’re getting a printer that supports the right printer language. Printer languages are used by your POS software to communicate with the printer. Sometimes software will be written for a particular language. For example, Epson uses ESC/POS language for receipt printers and Star uses Star Mode. Sometimes a printer can emulate another brand of printer’s language. For example, many POS-X and Bixolon printers emulate ESC/POS. Other times, a software will use standard Windows Printer Drivers and thus can use almost any language. When in doubt, give us a call and we can get you in the right direction.
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 3. Ensure you’re getting the right connection type. USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and Wifi are the most common connection types. Sometimes software is programmed to communicate with a printer over a specific type of connection. 
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####Epson TM-T20III Thermal Printer
Very few printers are as affordable as the [T20III][2]. The [TM-M30II][3] is one option though it starts in the mid-$200 range. The [TM-M10][4] comes in at around the same price as the T20III but uses 2-inch receipt paper instead  of standard 3-inch paper. POS-X has produced a printer called the POS-X Ion Thermal 2 that is priced similarly to the T20III with similar connection types. Furthermore, the Ion Thermal 2 can emulate Epson printer language and uses 3-inch paper.

####Epson TM-T88VI Thermal Printer
The [T88VI][5] is Epson’s premier receipt printer and few other printers can match its performance. Even so, you do have some options. [Epson’s TM-M50 line of printers][6] are priced a little lower and come with similar connection types and functionality. If you’re not in need of wireless connection, the [POS-X Evo Hi-Speed][7] might also work in a pinch.

####Star Micronics TSP100III Thermal Printer
[The Star TSP100III][8] is one of the most popular printers we sell and for good reason. Oftentimes, we are able to move people to the TSP650II without trouble. [The TSP650II][9] is the next step up and while it does come at a higher price tag it offers a faster print speed to compensate. One thing of note on these: many iOS-based software require the TSP100III. *With iOS, you'll need to stick with units that are explicitly laid out by the software developer* since they need to be coded directly into the software.

####Epson TM-U220 Impact Printer
The [TM-U220][10] is a robust impact printer. The [POS-X Evo Impact][11] is one option. This printer can emulate Epson printers and will even use the same type of ribbon. The [Bixolon SRP-275III][12] can also work and uses the same type of ribbon as well.

####Star Micronics SP700 Impact Printer
Finding replacements for the [SP700][13] is more difficult than the U220 since there’s not as many printers that emulate Star language. The connections on many of those units are swappable so depending on stock at any given time, you might be able to order an SP700 with a non-traditional interface like serial or parallel and include a swappable interface board to get the needed connection type. If you have an existing SP700 that you’re looking to replace, you can use the interface board on that if the board is still functional. Otherwise, if your POS software uses standard Windows drivers, we can look at either the [POS-X Evo Impact][14] or the [Bixolon SRP-275III][15]. These printers won’t use the same ribbon as the SP700, however.

####**What Printers Can Be Swapped Out On Online Ordering Systems?**
Many online ordering systems like Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash have a specific list of printers that will work with their system. As such, swapping out these units isn’t so straightforward. We’ve pulled together a blog post here going over some options. Keep in mind: Bluetooth is a one tablet per printer connection, so you’ll need multiple Bluetooth printers if you want to connect to multiple tablets.

####**How to Swap Out Printers with Square?**
Getting the right printer for a Square system can be tricky since compatibility is different for each type of Square system and some connection options won't work on certain Square setups. For a detailed list, [visit Square's compatibility page here][16].
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<center> ![T20III Receipt Printer][17][227][227] </center>

## **Barcode/Label Printers**
Similar to receipt printers, barcode printers are oftentimes dictated by your software, so it’s good practice to check with your software developer first. On label printers, the two things you want to keep in mind are the size of labels you’re needing to print and the type of printing you need (direct thermal vs. thermal transfer). Not sure what type of printer you need? [We’ve put together an FAQ going into some detail on that.][18] Here’s a list of some commonly-requested printers and some replacement options.

####Zebra ZD410
[The ZD410 (pictured below)][19] is Zebra’s flag-ship 2-inch label printer. This direct thermal printer comes in a number of configurations. The most common one we sell is the [203DPI USB version][20]. Because of its popularity, it’s also been hard to find recently. If you’d like to stay with the ZD410, you can look at the [USB/Ethernet version of that printer][21] or the [USB only 300DPI version][22]. DPI stands for dots per inch and essentially dictates how detailed you can print on a label. A higher DPI means the printer can print much smaller text and barcodes. Some software isn’t compatible with the 300dpi versions of the ZD410, however, so it’s always good to check with your software developer before going that route.

Generally, if a software explicitly says it supports 203DPI, you'll want to move to a wider printer like the [ZD420][23]. This unit can print labels up to 4-inches wide and is available in both thermal transfer and direct thermal only configurations. You’ll pay a little more but the extra features are worth it to many. Another option would be the [ZD200][24]. It's similar to the ZD420 but prints a little slower and is made for slightly less volume. It also only comes with a USB connection.

####Zebra LP28248
The [LP2824][25] is the predecessor to the [ZD410][26] and thus, the ZD410 is a solid replacement that works for the majority of customers. Please see the section above for more information on that printer.
 <center> ![enter image description here][27][293][269] </center>
##**Barcode Scanners**
The majority of barcode scanners function like a keyboard when communicating with a computer. Because of this, you can switch them out just like you’d switch out a keyboard so long as you’re using a USB connection.

One thing to watch out for is making sure you know whether you need a 1D barcode scanner or a 2D barcode scanner. [We’ve already created a guide going over the difference between those two types of scanners][28], but in summary, a 1D barcode consists of straight lines up and down while 2D barcodes usually look like QR codes. All 2D scanners can scan a 1D barcode but 1D scanners can’t read 2D barcodes. Below we've organized some common scanners into different categories. In most cases, you can swap out a scanner in any category with another scanner in the same category and be okay. If you have any questions, we can help you find the right unit.

####1D Retail Scanners

- [Zebra LI2208][29] 
 - [Pos-X Linear][30]
 - [DataLogic QuickScan I QD2400][31]
 - [Honeywell Voyager 1250g][32]

####2D Retail Scanners
 - [Zebra DS2208][33]
 - [Custom America ScanMatic][34]
 - [DataLogic Quickscan QD2500][35] 
####2D Wireless Scanners
 - [Zebra DS2278 (pictured below)][36]
 - [POS-X Ion Bluetooth][37]
 - [Datalogic Gryphon 4500][38]
 - [Honeywell Voyager 1202g][39]
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<center> ![DS2278 with Cradle][40][228][205] </center>
##**Cash Drawers**
Depending on the type of drawer you have, the cash drawer is going to be the easiest thing to swap out. The most common type of cash drawer is a printer-driven drawer. These drawers have a “drawer kick” cable that connects into a receipt printer and opens when a receipt is printed. Any printer-driven drawer can be swapped out for another printer drawer without problem. Cash drawers can also come with USB and Ethernet connections but these drawers need to be programmed directly into the POS software and thus are not easy to swap out. You’ll want to reach out to your POS software directly with those.

Another thing to consider when swapping out drawers is the volume of cash you’re going to be handling per day. Cash drawers are rated based on the number of times they can be opened and closed before failing.

**Light-duty drawers** can usually be opened about *a half million to one million times* before failure and tend to be made out of aluminum. Examples of drawers like this include the [APG Arlo][41] and the [POS-X Ion][42].

**Medium-duty drawers** can be opened about *one million to two million times* before failure. Most are made of aluminum though you can find some with steel roller systems. A good example of this drawer -- and our most popular drawer overall -- is the [APG Vasario *(pictured below).][43]

**Heavy-duty drawers** can be opened between *two and four million times* before failure. Most are made of steel and have ball-bearing roller systems. At this time, we’re finding that heavy-duty drawers are the hardest to come by and moving to a medium duty-drawer might be needed. Common heavy-duty drawers include the [APG Series 100][44] and [MMF Advantage][45].

<center> ![APG Vasario][46][399][240] </center>
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##**Touch Monitors**
Touch monitors are easy to swap out so long as you pay attention to the small details. Monitors come in a ton of different sizes and configurations. For these, you’ll want to look at the screen size, the type of video input connection, screen type ([capacitive vs. resistive][47]), and whether a monitor includes a stand or not.

####Elo 15-Inch & 17-Inch Touch Monitors (1515L, 1523L, 1715L, ect.) 
Many of Elo’s main touch monitors are out of stock with extended lead times. Despite this, we’ve had a lot of luck moving customers to either MicroTouch Monitors or Elo open frame monitors. [On the MicroTouch side of things, we have a 15-inch capacitive screen][48]. This monitor will not come with a stand but one [can be purchased on our site here][49]. We are able to special order 17-inch and 21-inch versions of these screens, too. Give us a call and we can get you in the right direction.

If you'd like to stay with an Elo unit, we have both a [15-inch open frame touch monitor][50] and a [17-inch open frame touch monitor][51]. These monitors function almost identically to similar to Elo units but usually don’t come with stands or power supplies, and look a little different on the back and. While not an ideal solution, they’ll work in a pinch.

Below is a photo of the back of a regular Elo Monitor and below that is the back and side of an open frame model.

As mentioned, these units won’t come with stands but [a generic stand can be purchased here][52]. They also feature 75mm and 100mm VESA mount holes which can attach to most third-party mounting poles. As for power supplies, [those can be purchased here][53]. Depending on the number on units needed, we might be able to prepare special pricing on a full open-frame kit. Reach out to a sales engineer for more information.
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<center> ![Back of a regular Elo Monitor][54][382][387] </center>
<center> ![ back and side of an open frame Elo model][55][662][387] </center>

[1]: https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/79004/POSGuys%20Recommended%20Alternatives%20Guide.png
  [2]: https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/Epson-TM-T20III_2716/
  [3]: https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/Epson-TM-M30II_3786/
  [4]: https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/Epson-TM-m10_2454/
  [5]: https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/Epson-TM-T88VI_2560/
  [6]: https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/Epson-TM-m50_3846/
  [7]: https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/POS-X-EVO-HiSpeed_1231/
  [8]: https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/Star-Micronics-TSP100III_2489/
  [9]: https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/Star-Micronics-TSP650II_2547/
  [10]: https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/Epson-TM-U220_502/
  [11]: https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/POS-X-EVO-Impact_1234/
  [12]: https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/Bixolon-SRP-275III_2573/
  [13]: https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/Star-Micronics-SP700_805/
  [14]: https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/POS-X-EVO-Impact_1234/
  [15]: https://posguys.com/receipt-pos-printer_12/Bixolon-SRP-275III_2573/
  [16]: https://squareup.com/us/en/compatibility/accessories/receipt-printers
  [17]: https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/79004/printert20iii.jpg
  [18]: https://posguys.com/Faq/Details/1076/What-is-the-difference-between-direct-thermal-and-thermal-transfer
  [19]: https://posguys.com/barcode-printer_1/Zebra-ZD410_2493/
  [20]: https://posguys.com/barcode-printer_1/Zebra-ZD410_2493/ZD41022-D01000EZ_1142507/
  [21]: https://posguys.com/barcode-printer_1/Zebra-ZD410_2493/ZD41022-D01E00EZ_1139595/
  [22]: https://posguys.com/barcode-printer_1/Zebra-ZD410_2493/ZD41023-D01000EZ_1142510/
  [23]: https://posguys.com/barcode-printer_1/Zebra-ZD420_2506/
  [24]: https://posguys.com/barcode-printer_1/Zebra-ZD200_3752/
  [25]: https://posguys.com/barcode-printer_1/Zebra-2824_207/
  [26]: https://posguys.com/barcode-printer_1/Zebra-ZD410_2493/
  [27]: https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/79004/Ipad.jpg
  [28]: https://posguys.com/Faq/Details/1068/What-is-the-difference-between-1D-barcodes-and-2D-barcodes
  [29]: https://posguys.com/barcode-reader-scanner_3/Zebra-LI2208_1328/
  [30]: https://posguys.com/barcode-reader-scanner_3/POS-X-ION-Linear_1310/
  [31]: https://posguys.com/barcode-reader-scanner_3/DataLogic-QuickScan-I-QD2400_2334/
  [32]: https://posguys.com/barcode-reader-scanner_3/Honeywell-Voyager-1250g_1126/
  [33]: https://posguys.com/barcode-reader-scanner_3/Zebra-DS2208_2548/
  [34]: https://posguys.com/barcode-reader-scanner_3/Custom-America-ScanMatic_3796/
  [35]: https://posguys.com/barcode-reader-scanner_3/DataLogic-Quickscan-QD2500_3837/
  [36]: https://posguys.com/barcode-reader-scanner_3/Zebra-DS2278_2590/
  [37]: https://posguys.com/barcode-reader-scanner_3/POS-X-Ion-Bluetooth_2610/
  [38]: https://posguys.com/barcode-reader-scanner_3/DataLogic-Gryphon-4500-Bluetooth_3755/
  [39]: https://posguys.com/barcode-reader-scanner_3/Honeywell-Voyager-1202g_1197/
  [40]: https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/79004/DS2278.jpg
  [41]: https://posguys.com/cash-drawer_32/APG-Arlo-Cash-Drawer_3813/
  [42]: https://posguys.com/cash-drawer_32/POS-X-ION_1278/
  [43]: https://posguys.com/cash-drawer_32/APG-Vasario-Series_61/
  [44]: https://posguys.com/cash-drawer_32/APG-Series-100_212/
  [45]: https://posguys.com/cash-drawer_32/MMF-Cash-Drawer-Advantage_986/
  [46]: https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/79004/apgcashdrawer.jpg
  [47]: https://www.reachtech.com/products/touchscreen-display-modules/support/resistive-vs-projected-capacitive/
  [48]: https://posguys.com/monitor_34/MicroTouch-Widescreen-Series_3830/DT-156P-A1_1144511/
  [49]: https://posguys.com/accessories/framed/AMR1S_1122488?Popup=true&ajax=true&width=600&height=370
  [50]: https://posguys.com/ExtendedCatalog/Elo%20TouchSystems/Elo-1590L-Open-Frame-Monitors/E326738
  [51]: https://posguys.com/monitor_34/Elo-TouchSystems-90-Series-Standard-Aspect-Ratio_3840/E334726_1144550/
  [52]: https://posguys.com/Accessories/AMR1S_1122488
  [53]: https://posguys.com/Accessories/E005277_828712
  [54]: https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/79004/EloRegularBack.png
  [55]: https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/79004/EloOpenFrame.png

POSGuys Recommended Alternatives Guide By: Colton Redtfeldt - 7/23/2021

Recent Posts By Colton Redtfeldt

POSGuys Recommended Alternatives Guide
By: Colton Redtfeldt - 7/23/2021