Setup & Programming
Power & Basic Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Paper Shredders
The shredder does not power on or work at all.
- Make sure that the unit is securely plugged into a working outlet / socket.
- If you have been continuously shredding for an extended period of time, the unit may have overheated and the thermal protection feature has been activated to shut off the machine. If this happens, switch off the unit for at least 30 minutes/1 hour for it to reset before continuing.
- Make sure the wastebasket is properly plugged into the machine.
The shredder runs but it does not pull paper down.
- Be sure the shredder is set to the “Auto/On” mode and NOT in the “Reverse” mode.
- The feeding entry of the shredder is blocked or jammed. Please refer to User Manual.
- Te gears driving the cutting blades may be stripped or worn out. A shredder with a stripped gear will typically spool at a high pitch sound. Shredding beyond the specified sheet capacity or shredding materials not intended for proper use, will strain the machine and quickly wear and may break internal components. Please refer to the Operation section of your User Manual for more information.
The shredder runs in “Reverse”, but not in the “Auto /On” mode.
- The shredder probably has a paper jam. Please refer to “How to Clear a Paper Jam”
- When set to the “Auto/On” (Standby) mode, the green “Ready” indicator light will turn on. This means that the shredder is ready for use. The shredder will automatically start when paper is fed. The shredder is not supposed to constantly run when in the “Auto/On” mode.
- The sensor in the paper feed entry is not being activated. A sensor which activates the shredder is located in the center area of the feed entry. When ready to shred, be sure to insert material directly into the center area to start the machine.
How do I clear a “Paper Jam”?
- Insert a filing folder or any rigid sheet of cardstock (old greeting card, sheet torn from cereal box, or a couple index cards) directly into the center of the feed entry while applying force to help push the jammed paper through. This will usually clear any paper blockage or other obstructions.
- With the shredder unplugged, you may use a set needle-nose pliers or tweezers to remove the blockage.
- Use the “Reverse” mode to back up and remove the stuck paper. The shredder will back up and loosen the jammed paper. If required, you may need to tug and remove several sheets to effectively clear the machine. When jammed paper is removed, return the shredder to the “Auto/On” mode to resume shredding. NOTE: Do not activate reverse function while shredding Credit Cards or CDs.
Cash Registers - DX Series
How do I customize the header or footers on the receipt?
- Turn the key to “Program” mode.
- Press [#/NS] → enter the line number (usually 1 to 5) → [ST].
- Use the keypad to type your custom header or footer.
- Press [ST] to save and move to the next line.
- Press [#/NS] again to exit.
How do I set the tax rate?
- Turn the key to “Program” mode.
- Press [TAX SHIFT] → enter tax rate (e.g., 7.00 for 7%) → [ST].
- Press [#/NS] to exit Program mode.
Why is tax not applying to sales?
- The tax rate may not be assigned to a department.
- Program the tax rate, then assign it to the active department(s) using the [DEPT] button.
- If the issue persists, reset the department and re-link the tax.
My register says “Journal Full.” What does that mean?
- Your internal sales memory is full.
- Run a “Z” report to clear totals and reset the memory.
- To do this, turn the key to “Z” mode → press [CASH].
How do I change department names?
- Turn the key to “Program” mode.
- Press [DEPT] → enter department number → [ST].
- Enter the new name using the keypad.
- Press [ST] to save.
How do I run a daily sales report?
- Turn the key to “X” (for review) or “Z” (to clear totals).
- Press [CASH] to print the report.
Can I apply discounts?
- DX models do not support percentage-based discounts.
- You can manually enter a lower price before selecting a department key for a discounted sale.
Cash Registers - Alpha Series
How do I program the tax rate?
- Turn the key to “Program” mode.
- Press [TAX] → enter the tax rate (e.g., 8.25) → [ST].
- Repeat for additional tax rates if needed.
- Press [#/NS] to exit.
Why is the register not charging tax on my items?
- You may have programmed the tax rate but forgot to assign it to departments.
- Re-enter Program mode, then link the tax to each department.
- You can also check tax linkage under Department Programming.
How do I program departments?
- Turn the key to “Program” mode.
- Use the department number (e.g., 01 for Dept 1) → press [ST].
- Enter the department name and assign tax as needed.
- Press [ST] to save.
How do I update my store name and footer?
- Turn the key to “Program” mode.
- Go to the Header/Footer section.
- Enter each line of text using the keypad.
- Press [ST] to save each line.
- Press [#/NS] to exit.
What does “GT Lock” or “GT Full” mean?
- Your Grand Total memory is full and must be reset.
- Some Alpha models require a password or supervisor key to unlock GT reset.
- Contact support if you’re unable to perform the reset.
How do I reset or clear my register?
- Turn the key to “Program” mode.
- Locate the system reset option for your specific model.
- Perform a full reset only if you want to delete all programming and sales data.
My Alpha 6000ML won’t enter Program or Report mode. Why?
- This model requires physical keys for each mode (REG, PGM, Z, X).
- Ensure you’re using the correct key in the corresponding position.
The register won’t work unless paper is installed. Is that normal?
Yes. Most Alpha models will not operate unless thermal paper is properly loaded.
How do I program PLUs (Price Look-Up codes) and link them to departments or tax?
- Turn the key to “Program” mode.
- Press [PLU] → enter the PLU number → [ST].
- Enter the price → [ST].
- Enter the department number you want this PLU assigned to → [ST].
- Assign a tax rate (if needed) → [ST].
- Repeat steps to program additional PLUs.
- Press [#/NS] to exit.
Can I program more than 100 departments?
Yes. Some Alpha models such as the Alpha 7000ML support 200 departments or more.
To program departments beyond 100:
- Turn the key to “Program” mode.
- Press [DEPT] → enter department number (e.g., 101, 150, 200) → [ST].
- Enter name and assign tax just like lower-numbered departments.
- Press [ST] to save.
Note: Some models may require use of shift or prefix keys to access higher department numbers.
What do the error tones mean on my Alpha register?
- One beep: Normal entry accepted
- Two beeps: Input error or invalid entry
- Rapid beeps: Required field missing or incorrect sequence
To resolve:
- Press [CE] to clear the error
- Restart the current programming step
- Power-cycle the register if needed
What is a GT (Grand Total) Reset and how do I do it?
The Grand Total (GT) stores all sales ever made on the register. When it becomes full, you may see a “GT Lock” or “GT Full” message.
To reset:
- Turn the key to “PGM” or “Z” (depending on model)
- Press the GT reset key sequence (model-specific, e.g., [CASH] + [#/NS] + [RA])
- Some models require a supervisor password. If locked out, contact Royal support.
What does clearing Grand Totals actually do?
Clearing the Grand Total (GT) will:
- Wipe the lifetime sales totals stored on the unit
- It does not erase departments, tax settings, or PLUs
- It may be required if your unit stops processing due to memory capacity
- ⚠️ Only clear GT if you’re tracking lifetime sales elsewhere (e.g., bookkeeping records).