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I built a receipt printer for GitHub issues

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Re: I built a receipt printer for GitHub issues

#51

Post by cinntaile »

scottlamb wrote: post #21

This is a fun idea, but I've read thermal paper is surprisingly nasty stuff. [Edit: unless it's advertised as "phenol-free".] It's not just paper. It contains plastics (BPA or BPS) that you absorb through your skin when handling it. I'd avoid working with receipts at my desk all day. (I'd also avoid being a grocery store cashier...) https://www.pca.state.mn.us/green-chemistry/bpa-thermal-pape...

Why do they use thermal printing for receipts? Is it just cheaper because you don't have ink that runs out? Less moving parts so less maintenance?

Re: I built a receipt printer for GitHub issues

#52

Post by Nextgrid »

zdw wrote: post #10

Rather than the chmod of the printers /dev node, the user could probably be added to the `lp` group to grant the correct permissions. "Just `chmod 777` it" as the universal solution to permission issues is usually solving the wrong problem.

To be fair, chmod 777 is a perfectly acceptable workaround for a single-user, single-purpose system.

Re: I built a receipt printer for GitHub issues

#53

Post by JackMcMack »

A long time ago we tried to do something similar with a jira kanban board. We were using thermal printer paper with a repositional adhesive, like post-it notes.

You need a printer with integrated cutter, the Epson TM-88 used here will work. You can directly print and stick. For our use case the 80mm width was a tad too small. If you're printing "landscape" on the thermal printer, the text is not big enough to fit a ticket title in a reasonably sized sticky note. It works, but it's not really readable from more than a few meters.

The paper is from MaxStick (no affiliation). Depending on your use case, pick a glue pattern without full coverage (e.g. center adhesive), so you can easily move the paper without having to pry your fingernails under an edge.

https://maxstick.com/

https://github.com/wannessels/stickyprint

Re: I built a receipt printer for GitHub issues

#54

Post by outworlder »

scottlamb wrote: post #25
turtlebits wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

BPA free thermal paper has been around for a while. A few years ago, I bought a box of it for a similar project (JIRA events -> Receipt printer)

I think "BPA free" means "BPS". I think that's less-studied but not necessarily better. [Edit: but "phenol-free" is likely actually safe, thanks for pointing that out. I should read my own link fully!]

The article linked in the comment says this:

"If you must give paper receipts, look for “phenol-free” paper, which is safer for human health and has fewer environmental effects. Three types that do not contain BPA or BPS and are competitively priced contain either ascorbic acid (vitamin C), urea-based Pergafast 201, or a technology without developers, Blue4est. The latter uses a coating that reveals an underlying dark layer when heat is applied."

Re: I built a receipt printer for GitHub issues

#57

Post by Darkphibre »

tevon wrote: post #50

This is awesome, I'd add a QR code with the link to the bottom (if possible on printer). Then could scan with your phone to bring the issue up for immediate triage. I imagine lots of issues can be closed right away (or very quickly).

Heh, that's in the article under _Wrapping up and next steps_

> For the tickets themselves, a QR code could be added to link directly to the issue on GitHub. You could also add in more details from the issue itself like tags and severity.

Re: I built a receipt printer for GitHub issues

#58

Post by giaour »

juancb wrote: post #36
darkhorse222 wrote: post #29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

that explains why it tastes so bad

How do you know how it tastes?

What do you do with your receipts? If they weren't meant to be edible, you wouldn't get a complimentary one with every restaurant meal.

Re: I built a receipt printer for GitHub issues

#59

Post by kqr »

pottertheotter wrote: post #37
anamexis wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I hope he at least has one of those receipt spikes to stick it on when the issue is closed.

Those things always drive me crazy. Something about having a metal spike sticking up from a counter. Although I’ve always had problems with sharp corners. For instance, if I’m reading in a chair and there’s a small table next to me and the corner is sharp, I can’t handle it and have to cover it (like set a book so it’s hanging over the edge). It bugs my eyes for some reason. Same if I’m watching TV and there’s furnit…

I had a friend in elementary school who suffered from the same thing. He never mentioned table corners, but he definitely requested that you don't hold pencils with the pointy bit up if you sit next to him.

Sounds like it sucks. Take care of yourself!

Re: I built a receipt printer for GitHub issues

#60

Post by AdmiralAsshat »

gotaquestion wrote: post #8

This is a really funny read for a Friday morning. It should play an MP3 of a line cook in a busy diner shouting, "Order up!", and then he can stick it on a rotating order wheel hanging above his desk. EDIT: One of these things: https://www.webstaurantstore.com/choice-stainless-steel-orde...

I'm sure the diner frycook would love to be able to send back every burger order he got with "Closed; won't fix".
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