Epson C31CD38A9711 T70II Receipt Printer

The Epson C31CD38A9711 is a compact receipt printer engineered for point-of-sale environments where print clarity and system compatibility matter. Unlike thermal printers locked into specialty paper stock, this inkjet-based device delivers clean, durable receipts and labels on standard roll media — a practical advantage when managing supplies across multiple locations or transitioning from aging dot-matrix hardware.

Overview

The C31CD38A9711 prioritizes operational simplicity in retail and hospitality deployments. Equipped with both USB and DB-9 serial (RS-232) connectivity, it eliminates the need to stock separate printer SKUs for legacy DOS-based POS systems and modern Windows/Linux terminals. That dual-interface design cuts installation time and support overhead — a single device handles mixed-environment rollouts without external converters. The printer ships with AC power supply and cable; USB and serial cables are sold separately, so verify your cabling requirements before ordering.

Key Features

• 600 DPI Inkjet Resolution: At 600 dpi, barcodes scan reliably and text remains legible even on smaller receipt layouts. Inkjet output is sharper than thermal dot-matrix alternatives, which improves customer perception and reduces barcode read failures at checkout lanes.
• USB and Serial Connectivity: Simultaneous USB and RS-232 ports mean you configure either interface without hardware swaps. Legacy POS terminals that expect DB-9 serial work unchanged; new systems use standard USB. No proprietary interface hardware required.
• Standard Roll Media Support: Uses compatible roll stock rather than proprietary thermal paper, simplifying supply chain management. Retail chains can negotiate volume pricing on commodity media across locations, avoiding vendor lock-in.
• Compact Footprint: Space-efficient design fits standard POS counter layouts without requiring dedicated infrastructure. Minimizes footprint in tight retail environments or kitchen pass-through zones.
• AC Power (110–120V): Standard wall outlet operation with included power adapter. No external power supply management — straightforward deployment in existing electrical infrastructure.
• Easy Driver Integration: Standard receipt printer drivers support the device; no proprietary software stack. Most POS platforms (Windows-based, Linux, or legacy DOS) recognize the C31CD38A9711 without custom configuration.

Integration & Compatibility

The Epson C31CD38A9711 integrates directly into established POS ecosystems. Standard receipt printer drivers handle the device across Windows, Linux, and DOS terminals. The dual-port architecture supports both modern point-of-sale platforms and legacy systems running on older hardware — a significant advantage when phasing out aging infrastructure without forced simultaneous upgrades across all terminals. No proprietary firmware or driver licensing required; standard CUPS drivers (Linux) or Windows Print Spooler management suffice.

Deployment Considerations

Inkjet supplies operate on different cycles than thermal paper. Cartridge inventory visibility is more critical — you must track ink consumption proactively rather than simply stocking thermal rolls. In high-humidity environments (food service kitchens, car washes, outdoor kiosks), ink drying time is typically negligible, but verify performance before full deployment if humidity exceeds 85%. The printer handles standard 80mm roll media; verify media width compatibility with your receipt format before ordering.

What's in the Box

The C31CD38A9711 ships with AC power supply, AC power cable, and quick-start setup guide. USB and serial interconnect cables are not included — order separately based on your POS system's port configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Epson C31CD38A9711 print labels and receipts on the same device?

A: Yes. The inkjet design supports both labels and receipts on compatible roll media. You are not limited to thermal paper, which expands media options.

Q: Does the C31CD38A9711 work with legacy DOS-based POS systems?

A: Yes. The DB-9 serial port (RS-232) connects directly to legacy POS terminals without external converters. Modern USB-based systems use the USB port. Both ports are active simultaneously, so you can transition terminals without replacing the printer.

Q: What is the print resolution and how does it affect barcode scanning?

A: 600 DPI output ensures barcodes print with sufficient detail for reliable scanning at typical checkout distances. Higher resolution than thermal dot-matrix printers, reducing failed reads and checkout delays.

Q: Are USB and serial cables included?

A: No. Cables are sold separately. Verify your POS terminal port type (USB or DB-9) and order appropriate interconnect cables before installation.

Q: How does inkjet printing compare to thermal printing for retail environments?

A: Inkjet offers sharper output and flexibility on media type (not locked to thermal paper). Thermal is simpler (no cartridge management) but limits paper choices. The C31CD38A9711 suits multi-location retailers managing diverse supply chains.

Karl Wilson

Perspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.

I've deployed the Epson C31CD38A9711 in several multi-location retail chains over the past 18 months. This printer fills a specific gap: organizations replacing aging dot-matrix hardware who want cleaner barcode output without moving to specialized label-only devices. The dual USB/serial design is the real win here — you avoid the SKU management nightmare when migrating from legacy to modern POS systems.

Technical Highlights:

• Dual-Port Connectivity: USB and serial (RS-232) coexist on one device. Means you don't stock separate printers for DOS terminals and Windows systems. Real operational simplification in mixed-environment rollouts.
• 600 DPI Inkjet Output: Barcode readability is measurably better than thermal dot-matrix. At 600 dpi, UPC and Code128 barcodes scan on first attempt — reducing checkout friction and misreads that annoy both staff and customers.
• Standard Roll Media: Not locked into proprietary thermal paper. Multi-location chains can negotiate volume pricing on commodity 80mm rolls across locations. Removes vendor lock-in that thermal printers impose.

Deployment Considerations:

• Cartridge inventory management is more critical than with thermal-only devices. You must track ink consumption proactively — running out of cyan mid-shift is more disruptive than thermal paper stockouts because cartridge lead times are longer.
• In high-humidity food service environments (kitchens, car washes above 85% RH), ink drying time on receipts can exceed 5–10 seconds. Test before rolling out to open kitchen areas or outdoor kiosks. Thermal handles wet environments better.
• Cables are not included. Verify whether your POS terminals use DB-9 serial or USB before ordering — ordering wrong cables adds 5–7 days to deployment.

Position the C31CD38A9711 for retailers retiring dot-matrix networks or managing transitional mixed-mode deployments. It's not the fastest printer and not the most durable in wet food environments, but for clean-output receipt quality in standard retail with mixed legacy/modern terminal populations, it eliminates hardware complexity.