This is slightly different than what Adafruit used to sell, but that got me started.
I was playing around with the idea that we could print “spec sheets” at the booth to give someone information. Like if we had a button that vended out the info for the right machine. Lots of people asked for a card or info and we just gave them a sticker with the v1e.com site
I gave it to Gemini and it one-shot the QR code feature.
For images, it struggled a bit until I gave it a user manual of how the printer worked. It gave me code to convert the logo to a bitmap, then I patched the image function to write a bitmap in the way I needed.
If you haven’t tried Generative AI for code, specifically Gemini 2.5 Pro or Claude 3.7+, you should give it a try. It is amazing.
Neat project, especially since you’re running from a microcontroller!
fwiw, here’s the ChatGPT o4-mini ChatGPT - Generate QR Code Python session I had to help create QR png files for the V1E community projects gallery. Uses qrcode python library.
I like your compact thermal printer setup. One of my stretch goals for the V1E Community Gallery project for RMRRF was to hook-up my Brother P-Touch label/sticker maker so people could print QR Codes for projects they like, even though tablets have no Wifi. But like many ideas, I didn’t get around to it, yet… Idea is that people could explore and like projects of interest, and then print out a tangible reminder/memory cue that may lead to them following up for more details…
Basically we make the LR4 a claw machine, except instead of it being a claw, you have an endmill that you have to hit a half inch round button to make it print the spec sheet.
An event friendly interactive setup would be neat to see. e.g Enclosed LR, with very slow quiet limited RPM that’s milling diy PlayDoh or something else cheap soft and safe that can be squashed back together into a block of “stock” material to be run again (or just hand out the soft carvings)? Or, maybe a CNC Fortune chaser…
Mouse scurries around, with speed/randomness adjustable via discreet remote to make easier for little ones, or, make harder to help put bigger ones in their place
Oh, I realize, but I thought there were some from retailers that were inexpensive, but it looks like they may have been disontinued. I had to buy receipt paper (thermal) at work the other day, that stuff is EXPENSIVE!
Instead of thermal receipt printers, look into thermal shipping label printers. A roll of 250 labels should work our to around $.02 / label, and the printers should be less than about $70.
Bonus capability: Print your return LR4 label right at the show
