Printing with an Epson M150-II Micro Dot Matrix Printer

Using Arduino Project Guidance
1

I need to be able to print from a project I'm working.
The printouts need to be stable for long term archival so I'm not comfortable using a direct thermal printer.

I searched a little and found the Epson M150-II dot matrix printer mechanism.

Reading the datasheet

I think I have to generate a timing signal and fire the pins myself at the correct time.

I'm new to arduino programming so I'm not sure I'm interpreting the datasheet correctly.

Does it seem feasible to drive this printer mechanism from an arduino uno?

2

Does it seem feasible to drive this printer mechanism from an arduino uno?

Yes, it does. The UNO is fast enough to drive the pins in a high enough frequency and need about 6 GPIOs while the UNO has 20 of them.
In the project I would spend one Arduino to drive the printer only (no other tasks) because else you might get difficulties staying within the timing limits (depends a lot on what else you thought the Arduino might have to do).

3

Thanks for the advice,

I eventually purchased a couple of Epson M-190 printer mechanisms and was able to write a simple driver.

4

spearson78:
Thanks for the advice,

I eventually purchased a couple of Epson M-190 printer mechanisms and was able to write a simple driver.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWz-9c-KAus&feature=youtu.be

Great job. Look forward to seeing what the final result of the system is for. Karma your way for a cool vid! Cheers!