RP203 Mini Thermal Printer with RS232 & TTL for Arduino
RP203 Mini Thermal Printer with RS232 and TTL for Arduino and Raspberry Pi
The RP203 is a compact, low-power thermal printer designed for embedded and portable applications. With both RS232 and TTL serial interfaces, it connects directly to Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontrollers without complex drivers. No ink or ribbons are needed, making it clean, quiet, and reliable for printing receipts, logs, or labels.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Print Speed | 50 mm/s max |
| Resolution | 203 DPI (8 dots/mm) |
| Paper Width | 58 mm |
| Interfaces | RS232, TTL serial (5V tolerant) |
| Supply Voltage | 5–9V DC |
| Dimensions | 110 x 70 x 60 mm |
What You Can Build With This
- DIY point-of-sale receipt printer for a shop or pop-up store
- Portable data logger that outputs sensor readings on paper
- Ticket printing system for events or raffles
- Inventory label printer for stock management with small barcodes
Compatibility
The TTL interface works directly with 5V Arduino boards like Uno and Mega. For 3.3V systems such as Raspberry Pi or ESP32, use a logic level shifter or ensure the RX pin is 5V tolerant. The RS232 port connects to standard DB9 serial ports on PCs or industrial equipment. It is not USB compatible without an adapter.
Wiring Notes
For TTL, connect the printer’s TX/RX lines to your microcontroller’s serial pins and provide a stable DC supply. Always join ground from your controller to the printer’s ground. If using RS232, wire directly to a DE-9 connector with correct pinout; typically, pin 2 is RX, pin 3 is TX, and pin 5 is ground.
Why Buy from Compoden
Every component is sourced from verified suppliers and tested for compatibility before listing. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. Ships from Bengaluru in 3-5 days. If defective on arrival, replace within 7 days.
Is this compatible with Raspberry Pi?
Yes, using the TTL interface. Connect the printer’s TX to Raspberry Pi’s RX (GPIO15) and RX to TX (GPIO14) via a level shifter, as the Pi’s pins are 3.3V not 5V tolerant. Then configure the serial port in your code.
What type of paper does it use?
Standard 58mm thermal paper rolls are required. These are widely available and inexpensive. No ink is ever needed—the heat-sensitive paper darkens when heated.
Can I print images or graphics?
Yes, the printer supports bitmap printing through simple serial commands. You can convert images to monochrome bitmaps and send them line by line. Many libraries for Arduino and Python simplify this process.
📦 Free Setup Handoff Document Included
Every Compoden order includes a free setup handoff document — step-by-step instructions to get your component working within minutes. Download it via QR code on your package. The handoff document is also trained to help you troubleshoot the majority of problems.
Ask Soldr above what you can build with this — it knows every Compoden kit this part appears in.
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items