DIGITUS Thermal Transfer Label Printer - 200 DPI

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your DIGITUS Thermal Transfer Label Printer, Model DA-81020. This high-quality thermal printer is designed for individual and business label printing, offering a resolution of 200 DPI and a print speed of up to 127 mm/s. It features versatile connectivity options including USB 2.0, RS-232, and Ethernet interfaces, making it suitable for various labeling applications such as product labeling, shipping labels, and retail.

Image 1.1: Front view of the DIGITUS Thermal Transfer Label Printer DA-81020.

2. Package Contents

Before proceeding with the setup, please verify that all items listed below are included in your package:

• 1x DIGITUS Thermal Transfer Label Printer (DA-81020)
• 1x Power Adapter
• 1x USB Cable
• 1x Test Label Paper Roll
• 2x Label Roll Holders
• 1x Cardboard Casing
• 1x Ribbon
• 1x Ribbon Recycle Roll
• 2x Ribbon Screws
• 1x Quick Installation Guide (QIG)

3. Setup

3.1. Connecting the Printer

Follow these steps to connect your label printer:

1. Place the printer on a stable, flat surface.
2. Connect the power adapter to the printer's power input and then to an electrical outlet.
3. Connect the printer to your computer using the provided USB cable, or to your network via an Ethernet cable, or directly via an RS-232 serial cable.

Image 3.1: Overview of printer components and connection ports. Features include a Feed button, Status indicator, ON/OFF Switch, Power supply input, microSD card slot, RJ45 Ethernet port, RS-232 serial port, and USB-B 2.0 port.

3.2. Loading Labels and Ribbon

The printer supports both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing methods. For thermal transfer printing, a ribbon is required.

1. Open the printer's top cover.
2. Install the label roll onto the label roll holders and place it into the designated compartment. Ensure the labels feed smoothly.
3. If using thermal transfer, install the ribbon onto the ribbon spindles as indicated in the Quick Installation Guide.
4. Close the top cover securely.

Image 3.2: Internal view illustrating thermal direct and thermal transfer printing methods, along with the black mark sensor and gap sensor for accurate label detection. The image shows the printer head and ribbon path.

Image 3.3: Top-down view of the printer with the cover open, highlighting the area for loading label rolls and the internal mechanisms.

3.3. Driver Installation

Install the printer drivers on your computer. The printer is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Refer to the Quick Installation Guide or the manufacturer's website for the latest drivers and installation instructions.

4. Operating the Printer

4.1. Basic Printing

Once the printer is set up and drivers are installed, you can begin printing:

1. Ensure the printer is powered on and connected to your computer or network.
2. Open your label design software or application.
3. Select the DIGITUS DA-81020 printer from your printer list.
4. Configure print settings such as label size, print density, and print speed as needed.
5. Send the print job to the printer.

Image 4.1: The label printer in an operational setting, demonstrating its compact size and ease of use on a typical desk.

4.2. Supported Label Types and Platforms

The printer supports various label types including continuous, gap, black mark, fan-fold, and perforated labels, with widths ranging from 25.4 mm to 118 mm. It is compatible with major e-commerce and shipping platforms such as UPS, eBay, Amazon, Shopify, FedEx, DHL, and Uber Eats, making it ideal for generating shipping labels, barcodes, and product tags.

4.3. Emulation Languages

The printer's TSPL-EZ firmware emulates TPLE and TPLZ languages, ensuring broad compatibility with existing label printing systems.

5. Maintenance

5.1. Cleaning the Print Head

Regular cleaning of the print head is crucial for maintaining print quality and extending the printer's lifespan. Use a lint-free cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe the print head surface. Ensure the printer is turned off and cooled down before cleaning.

5.2. Replacing Consumables

Replace label rolls and thermal transfer ribbons as they run out. Always use consumables that meet the printer's specifications to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your printer, consider the following general troubleshooting steps:

• Printer not responding: Check power connections and ensure the printer is turned on. Verify that the data cable (USB, Ethernet, RS-232) is securely connected to both the printer and the computer/network.
• Poor print quality: Clean the print head as described in Section 5.1. Ensure the label roll and ribbon (if used) are correctly loaded and are of good quality. Adjust print density settings in your software.
• Labels not feeding correctly: Check for any obstructions in the label path. Ensure the label roll is properly seated and aligned with the guides.
• Driver issues: Reinstall the printer drivers or download the latest version from the manufacturer's website.

For more detailed troubleshooting, refer to the comprehensive user manual available on the DIGITUS support website.

7. Specifications

Below are the technical specifications for the DIGITUS Thermal Transfer Label Printer DA-81020:

8. Warranty and Support

8.1. Warranty Information

Warranty terms and conditions for the DIGITUS Thermal Transfer Label Printer DA-81020 are typically provided with the product documentation or can be found on the official DIGITUS website. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

8.2. Technical Support

For technical assistance, driver downloads, or further product information, please visit the official DIGITUS support page or contact their customer service. You can find more solutions and information at the Assmann Solutions Overview.