SAM4s cash register manuals and keyboard templates available for free

I often hear from people in search of a keyboard template for the SAM4s cash register of something else. Have you ever needed a manual, cable guide or even software for your cash register and can't seem to find it online?

Well no longer will you need to search in vain for those resources. A new page has been published at the CRG's that has all the resources you could use for almost all the current models and many of the retired models. Visit the site for here when looking for a manual or download for a SAM4s cash register. 

SAM4s cash register support

If you are looking for help programming your SAM4s cash register you have come to the right place. We support all the SAM4s registers and options. If you buy your register from us almost everything support wise is free so be very careful where you buy your cash register. Every day we get calls from people that bought online maybe from Amazon or some super cheap discounter that sells everything under the sun. Those folks in most cases have never seen your cash register in person and have no idea how to even turn it on. So buyer beware and please don't call us for free support when you bought somewhere else. We are always happy to help but there is a fee for it. To arrange support call us at 800-863-2274 Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm PST.

SAM4s Cash Register Support Line

SAM4s keyboard templates to create your own overlays

Having a keyboard template for your SAM4s cash register makes it easy for you to update your keyboard when you program new items or when your old overlay just wears out.

We give our customers a free template so they can create or re-print keyboard overlays whenever you would like. You can download a few different models here SAM4s keyboard templates

How to reset a SAM4s ER-650 cash register

Sometimes you can get a cash register stuck in a mode you just can't get out of. It is often operator error but what matters is you are stuck, can't figure out how you got there or how to get out. Most SAM4s cash registers have a procedure to perform an initial clear also know as an "init clear" This will return the SAM4s ER-650 back to an idle state given the fact there is nothing wrong with the cash register otherwise. This is not the procedure for every SAM4s cash register, this is specific to the ER-650 and ER-650R, do not try this procedure on another SAM4s register.

1. Turn the power switch located on the right side of the register to the OFF position. 
2. Turn the control lock to the PGM position. 
3. Press and hold the key position where the SBTL key is located on the default keyboard layout. 
4. While continuing to hold the SBTLkey, turn the power switch to the ON position. 
5. The message "INITIAL CLEAR SERV". will display momentarily when the initial clear is complete.

This procedure will not erase any programming, only clear the unknown state the register was in. If your memory is gone then something else is wrong with your cash register. Almost all SAM4s cash registers I have worked with have a similar procedure.

There is also a memory all clear that I may post later. The Memory all clear does in fact remove all data from the register.

Unlike Sharp cash registers the SAM4s machines do not require a special service key to perform the reset.

If you need support for your SAM4s cash register we can help, before you call please understand we do charge for our time. If you bought your register from us we do offer a level of free support, if you did not buy your SAM4s cash register from us please use the blog for free support or call and pay for service as needed. 1-800-863-2274

The above instructions are provided for free and use at your own risk.

How to stop the receipt from printing on the SAM4s ER-285M cash register

How do I stop the receipt from printing on the SAM4s ER-285M?

1. Press the RECEIPT ON/OFF key to toggle the receipt status from ON to OFF.
2. If the RECEIPT ON/OFF key is not present on your keyboard:

• a. Turn the control lock to X
• b. To turn the receipt off, enter 9 9, press the SUBTOTAL key. Enter 1, press CASH.
• c. To turn the receipt on, enter 9 9, press the SUBTOTAL key. Enter 0, press CASH.

3. If the receipt is off, press the CASH key after the sale is complete to issue a receipt.

The SAM4s ER-285M is a great entry level cash register with a flat keyboard and thermal printer. The ER-285M has an optional credit card interface with the Datacap Twin Tran, which also supports Gift Cards.

If you have questions regarding buying or service for the SAM4s ER-285M please give us a call at 1-800-863-2274

Bar code scanner for SAM4s cash registers

If you are looking for a bar code scanner for a SAM4s cash register we can help. Many companies sell scanner although they don't know what it takes to make it work with a SAM4s register. We often get calls from people that have bought a scanner online for a very low price however it does not work with their SAM4s. We know which models work with the register, we know what cable you need, we know how to program the scanner, and we know how to program the register.

If you want to get it right order your scanner from us, we are the cash register and scanner guys! Call to order at 1-800-863-2274 and no if you already bought your scanner somewhere else we can't make it work for free!

Cash Register Parts for the SAM4s

The Cash Register Guys have made the SAM4s take up motor kit available online. This is a common replacement part that drives the take up spool which winds the journal tape as it is printed.  The kit consist of the motor, wire harness, gear (large white gear) and the black roller (installed on the white gear) This is pretty easy to change out yourself. This works on the following

• SAM4s ER-5200M Journal Take Up Motor
• SAM4s ER-5215M Journal Take Up Motor
• SAM4s ER-5240M Journal Take Up Motor
• SAM4s SER-7000 Journal Take Up Motor

The also have the printer unit available as well. If you are not sure if this is what your cash register needs call 1-800-863-2274

Connecting your SAM4s cash register to a PC with a USB port

Most cash registers still utilize a serial port to communicate to a computer. Most computers no longer include a serial port. The solution is a tried and tested USB to serial adapter which we offer. There are many adapters on the market and the price ranges all over the place. We tested many adapters and settled on one that worked each time for us in the shop and now deployed all over North America. We also offer serial cables for SAM4s cash registers too as you will need both to connect to most computers.

SAM4s cash registers work with several different software packages that could require a USB to serial adapter. Most have the free PC utility that allows programming but no reporting. Then there are the SAM products that offer programming and reporting. The final and maybe best choice is PC Poll which works across many different makes and models. In house our staff uses PC Poll with great results.

Click here to find USB Adapter for SAM4s cash registers and also serial cables for the same.

Looking for support for your SAM4s cash register?

Over a week we receive numerous calls from people that have bought cash registers for a cheap price online maybe on Amazon or another online discounter. Of course we all want a great deal and value for our money but make sure you count in service or support into the equation. Like I mentioned we get calls every week from people looking for support for SAM4s Cash Registers or maybe a Sharp. They like the fact they can reach us, we answer the phone, we have an online chat support tool, and we know what we are doing. What they don't like is the fact that if you did not buy your cash register from us we have to charge for support. We do have quite a few of these calls turn into paying customers and we appreciate their business, however had they bought from us in the first place the support may have been free!

We hear from end-users that often do contact the people they bought their cash register from and they would like to help but they don't know how! Don't let this happen to you. You can still buy online for a discounted price but buy from cash register companies like us in the first place.

If it is too late and you have already bought a Sharp cash register or maybe a SAM4s model from someone that can't help you then call us. We can help you learn to use the register, program the register, take reports and more we just charge for our support. Please keep in mind that commercial grade Sharp registers and SAM4s machines are all sold by independent dealers and none of us are paid for support or service from the factory and of course can't help one another customers for free.

If you are interested in getting support for your cash register please give us a call at 1-800-863-2274 we are open Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm PST.

Please note we support commercial grade Sharp cash registers. We don't support models that begin with XE, sorry those are not commercial grade.

Programming the time on your cash register

It is that time of year again when you need to program the time on your cash register due to daylight saving time ending. We can help program the time on a SAM4s cash register. If you bought your cash register from us we will help for free (if you ask for Dave Jr.) if you bought it elsewhere we can still help but the fee is $50.00

We can help on all SAM4s and Samsung cash registers and many of the Sharp models but not all. Call us at 1-800-863-2274

The SAM4s SPS-530 is just one of the SPS-500 series registers

SAM4s SPS-530F cash register

Yesterday we blogged about the SPS-520 but today we will look at the new model of the 500 series. The other model is the SAM4s SPS-530 cash register is sold in two different keyboard versions. One is the SPS-530R or AKA as the SPS-530RT is a version made for retail applications like gift stores, C-Store, grocery stores, feed stores etc. This version included raised keys that are easier to key in open prices or a SKU or UPC number as opposed to the flat keyboard 530F as pictured above.

The SPS-530F as mentioned above includes a flat micro-motion keyboard designed for restaurants. The large flat keyboard allows for all (or many) of your menu items to be placed on the keyboard for one-touch selling. The SPS-520F was made in mind for restaurants, bars, clubs, cafeterias and more types of food service.

Both the R and F version both feature a large 3 1/8th" receipt printer to issue a receipt to your customer. The receipt can also be made to print on demand only if desired. If a journal is required then you would use an electronic journal also known as an "EJ" which can be printed.

Either machine has the choice of many options like credit card interface with the Datacap, kitchen printers, scales, DVR, kitchen video, coin changers and more.

Need help deciding which register is for you? Call us at 1-800-863-2274 and we will help you buy the right one.



SAM4s SPS-530R cash register

cash register supplies

Cash register keyboard cover

Flat keyboard cash registers need to have the overlay (keyboard cover) replaced from time to time. There is no definitive time frame as it all depends on use and environment. If your place is busy and you cook items near the register or allow smoking in your establishment chance are you will need to replace your keyboard cover more often. Having said that I do think once a year is about average for most machines.

Keyboard covers are made for flat restaurant style registers as well as registers designed for retail with raised keys. Of course in food service your machine is facing more dangers but don't forget in the retail world dangers lurk too!

Most keyboard covers no longer cover the key or the credit card reader. There are a few older models that the key area is covered however the key hole is still vulnerable.

Over the years we have seen $20.00 keyboard covers save a machine from spills of everything possible! You can never be too safe and the cost of doing business without a register is far greater then the cost of a cover.

Here are a few places that offer keyboard covers

• Sharp cash register keyboard covers
• SAM4s cash register keyboard covers

Need help finding one not listed then call us at 1-800-863-2274

Free keyboard templates for the SAM4s ER-5200M and others

When you buy a cash register from a dealer you should make sure you get a template for making your own custom keyboards. The Cash Register Guys have a page with several free keyboard templates downloads.

We always suggest printing a blank template out before you spend two hours laying one out only to find you downloaded the wrong one.

Also keep in mind many of these templates will work on numerous models. Here is a link to the SAM4s ER-5200M Keyboard Template which by the way will work on a ER-4900, ER-5100, ER-6500, SER-7000 and many more. Download and print it out first to make sure!

If you need help picking out a new register call us at 1-800-863-2274

Where do cash registers come from?

Years ago cash registers used to be Made in the USA however all that changed back in the 1980's along with so many other things! The technology has improved, the functions and features have improved but the manufacturing has all been moved overseas. at first most were made in Japan however over the years I have seen most if not all to South Korea, although for a short while I think the Samsung register were assembled in Mexico.

Commercial grade cash registers from SAM4s

There are two great brands of commercial grade cash registers and they are SAM4s and Sharp. Both of these companies make cash registers designed for medium and higher volume stores and restaurants. In today's sluggish economy it is even more important then ever to maximise your profit and cut cost. Well cutting cost on your cash register system may save you a few bucks but it will cost you in profit. Why you ask? Well because a good cash register will do the following

• Increase customer through put. You make a customer wait in line to long and they don't come back or the leave in the first place.
• Commercial grade registers are capable of four sales tax rates. You may only have one today but revenue hungry states, counties and cities keep inventing new sales tax rates. You could end up charging two or maybe four rates in one transaction!
• Interface credit card payments with your cash register reduces fraud, stops expensive ten key errors and speeds up lines!
• A good cash register will produce detailed sales reports daily and monthly saving you expensive time compiling reports for sales taxes etc.

There are a lot more reason but those are some of the top. Here is a good place to buy a Sharp cash register however you should make sure and check out the SAM4s Cash Registers before you buy any of them. Need help then give us a call 1-800-863-2274

The Sam4s ER-650 gone for good?

SAM4s ER-650 Cash Register

So at long last the SAM4s ER-650 cash register is gone....or is it? Officially the ER-650 has been discontinued and the factory has no more. Because the popularity of this machine we know it will still be in demand for a couple more years. So to fill that need we have bought quite a few of it's sister model the ER-650R, which is the same machine with a raised keyboard. Now we are turning the ER-650R into the model 650 by replacing the keyboard with the flat keyboard and changing the chip set on the main board. The case will say 650R however the machine will be a 650 so we are calling it the ER-650 modified.

We have quite a few of these available and could even build with whatever ROM version you needed to match your existing machines if needed. If you are looking for one of these machine give us a call at 1-800-863-2274

These machines will interface with credit card and gift card with the Datacap Twin Tran for a complete POS system. We of course sell the replacement for this machine the SAM4s SPS-300 series cash registers as well.

SAM4s SPS-520FT Cash Register

SAM4s SPS-520FT Cash Register

The SAM4s SPS-520FT cash register is one of the most popular registers in the powerful SPS-500 series line up. The SPS-520FT like all the models of the 500 line features both a traditional cash register keyboard as well as a 7" color touch screen. When combined in one machine the keyboard and screen must make the best selling Hybrid cash register on the market.

This register serves a great niche market where so many business owners are being forced to buy a large expensive POS system find the SPS-500 series will do the job at a fraction of the cost. Not only is this option less expensive but you also won't miss the features that most of us really need. This machine will operate very well in table service, bars, fast food, cafeterias and many other food service operations.

One unique feature of the machine is the ability to interface the cash register to credit card payments while also adding a private label gift card system. This works by using the datacap TwinTran interface with the register.

Because of the large screen this register is very easy to program and use when compared to traditional cash registers. You do not need a back office computer for this system however you can add one as an option if you wish.

Save time and money with this hybrid system call us for more details 1-800-863-2274

SAM4s cash registers North America

SAM4s Cash Registers

We sell SAM4s cash registers all over North America from our office here in Seattle. Our staff has been supporting these registers including those with the Datacap TwinTran credit card interface over the phone for over ten years now. Our company started in 1972 and we have been expanding ever since.

We routinely sell SAM4s cash registers in California and New York as well as Seattle. Some customers do their own programming ans some have us do it all before we ship. Our staff are all experts in cash registers and can help you select the right one or support the one you have. Even if you did not buy the machine from us we can support your cash register in most cases. We have helped customers with SAM4s cash registers in Texas, Florida and more even though they were bought elsewhere. That does not mean the support is free of course but we have reasonable rates and you will be impressed by our techs.

So wherever you live we may be able to help you with your new cash register purchase or support. Give us a call and see if we can help you 1-800-863-2274

Only one SAM4s cash register that uses bond paper and has a receipt and journal



SAM4s ER-5115-II

Like most cash register compnaies SAM4s has also nearly stopped making a register that uses standard bond paper instead of thermal paper. Sharp cash registers does not even make a register any longer that uses bond paper.

The SAM4s ER-5115-II is the only register from a major manufactuer that has both a receipt and journal printer that uses bond paper and validates! There is also the SAM4s ER-655-II but it is receipt only and does not validate.

Although in most cases thermal printing machines are more economical but in some places thermal paper is hard to find or you may to to validate something.

The SAM4s ER-5115-II does not interface with a Datacap or much else it is a entry level cash register. Any questions please give us a call at 1-800-863-2274

Frozen yogurt store cash registers

SAM4s ER-285M Yogurt Store cash register

SAM4s makes some great cash registers for frozen yogurt stores that sell yogurt by the ounce. Starting at just a couple hundred dollars and up they offer quite a few choices. All of these will interface to a scale in order to weigh the yogurt and toppings by the ounce instead of by tenths of a pound as most registers and scales work.

Programming a yogurt store cash register in almost every case is very easy as most have the same price per ounce and also sell a few grab and go items as well.

Almost all of these machines can interface your cash register with credit card payments by using the Datacap TwinTran device.

On the low end you could look at the SAM4s ER-285M and the high end the SAM4s SPS-530F and there are several in between those models.

Need help selecting one just give us a call at 1-800-863-2274