Uploaded July 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video tutorial, I'll demonstrate how you can use a cheap (~£16) thermal printer as part of an escape room prop. When connected to a microprocessor such as an Arduino, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi, or ESP32, it can be used to print pre-defined clues or codes for players as feedback when they successfully solve a puzzle, or to deliver custom messages or hints sent from a gamesmaster via a Node-RED dashboard. I'll show you two ways to send messages to the device - either by subscribing to a MQTT broker such as Mosquitto or MOSCA, or using a direct serial connection.
Hardware:
I'm using a "GOOJPRT" 58mm printer, which cost £16. This is a very similar model (the exact model I'm using doesn't seem to currently be available):
ebay.co.uk/itm/GOOJPRT-QR204-58mm-Mini-Embedded-Receipt-Thermal-Printer-TTL-USB-M7A3/293662363160
Timings:
00:00-02:57 Introduction and Demonstration
02:58-06:12 Thermal Printer Hardware
06:13-16:29 Wiring
16:30-49:22 Arduino/ESP8266/ESP8266 code
49:33-01:01:00 Node RED Dashboard Interface
1:01:01-01:02:37 Wrapup
Software and wiring diagrams for this, and all my other escape room tech projects, can be downloaded from my Patreon page:
patreon.com/playfultech
In this video tutorial, I'll demonstrate how you can use a cheap (~£16) thermal printer as part of an escape room prop. When connected to a microprocessor such as an Arduino, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi, or ESP32, it can be used to print pre-defined clues or codes for players as feedback when they successfully solve a puzzle, or to deliver custom messages or hints sent from a gamesmaster via a Node-RED dashboard. I'll show you two ways to send messages to the device - either by subscribing to a MQTT broker such as Mosquitto or MOSCA, or using a direct serial connection.
Hardware:
I'm using a "GOOJPRT" 58mm printer, which cost £16. This is a very similar model (the exact model I'm using doesn't seem to currently be available):
ebay.co.uk/itm/GOOJPRT-QR204-58mm-Mini-Embedded-Receipt-Thermal-Printer-TTL-USB-M7A3/293662363160
Timings:
00:00-02:57 Introduction and Demonstration
02:58-06:12 Thermal Printer Hardware
06:13-16:29 Wiring
16:30-49:22 Arduino/ESP8266/ESP8266 code
49:33-01:01:00 Node RED Dashboard Interface
1:01:01-01:02:37 Wrapup
Software and wiring diagrams for this, and all my other escape room tech projects, can be downloaded from my Patreon page:
patreon.com/playfultech
