How is the cash drawer connected, COM or LPT port?

>Hi,
>
>I am trying out a new POS receipt printer (POS-X 5000 using EPSON emulation). Almost everything works fine EXCEPT... everytime the cash drawer opens the printer feeds and cuts about 1/2" of paper, even in No Sale mode (no receipt printing).
>
>I am opening the drawer by passing a string of ASCII characters. POS=X tech support says that is how it is supposed to work. If I want to open the drawer without the papercut, I must pass HEXADECIMAL stuff. They sent me a couple of sample HEX files but I have not a clue as to how to implement.
>
>Help!?!?!
>
>Thanks,
>
>Ken