Rongta Inkless Portable Printer PN81 User Manual

1. Introduction and Overview

The Rongta PN81 is a compact and portable inkless thermal printer designed for convenient printing on the go. It supports various paper sizes including A4 and US Letter, and offers wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, making it ideal for home, travel, and office use. Utilizing advanced thermal printing technology, it eliminates the need for ink cartridges, reducing operational costs and maintenance.

Figure 1: Rongta PN81 Portable Printer and included accessories.

2. What's in the Box

• Rongta PN81 Portable Printer
• USB Type-C Cable
• USB Flash Drive (for drivers)
• Thermal Paper Roll (pre-installed or included separately)
• Quick Installation Guide

Figure 2: All items typically found inside the product packaging.

3. Setup

3.1 Initial Charging

Before first use, ensure the printer is fully charged. Connect the printer to a power source using the provided USB Type-C cable. The indicator light will show charging status and turn solid green when fully charged.

Figure 3: The printer features a 2600 mAh battery for extended use.

3.2 Loading Thermal Paper

1. Locate the paper compartment release latch on the side of the printer.
2. Open the top cover of the printer.
3. Insert the thermal paper roll into the compartment, ensuring the printing side of the paper faces upwards and the roll is aligned with the paper guides.
4. Pull a small length of paper out beyond the print head.
5. Close the top cover firmly until it clicks into place.

Figure 4: Proper loading of thermal paper is essential for optimal print quality.

3.3 App and Driver Installation

For wireless printing via Bluetooth, download the "SoPrint" app on your smartphone or tablet. For wired printing via USB on a PC, install the necessary drivers.

• For Mobile Devices (Android/iOS): Download the "SoPrint" app from your device's app store.
  Google Play Store | Apple App Store
• For PC/Laptop: Drivers can be downloaded from the official Rongta website: rongtatech.com/pn81. Alternatively, use the provided USB flash drive.

Figure 5: Download the SoPrint app for mobile devices or drivers for PC/Mac.

4. Operating the Printer

4.1 Wireless Printing via SoPrint App (Bluetooth)

1. Ensure the printer is powered on and has sufficient battery.
2. Open the "SoPrint" app on your mobile device.
3. In the app, navigate to the connection settings and search for available Bluetooth devices. Select "PN81" to pair.
4. Once connected, select the document or image you wish to print from within the app.
5. Adjust print settings such as density and paper size (e.g., US Letter, A4, 4-inch) as needed.
6. Initiate printing. The printer will automatically feed the paper and print the content.

Figure 6: The SoPrint app provides various printing and customization options.

Figure 7: The printer is compatible with both Android and iOS devices for convenient home use.

4.2 Wired Printing via USB (PC/Laptop)

1. Ensure the printer drivers are installed on your PC or laptop.
2. Connect the printer to your computer using the provided USB Type-C cable.
3. The computer should recognize the printer. If not, verify driver installation.
4. Open the document or image you wish to print on your computer.
5. Select the Rongta PN81 printer from your printer options.
6. Adjust print settings as required and initiate printing.

Figure 8: The printer supports USB connection for reliable printing from laptops and PCs.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning the Print Head

To maintain optimal print quality, regularly clean the thermal print head. Use a soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Gently wipe the print head surface. Ensure the printer is off and completely dry before use.

5.2 Thermal Paper Handling

Only use high-quality thermal paper designed for inkless printers. Store thermal paper in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent discoloration and preserve print quality. Avoid touching the printing surface with bare hands as oils can degrade the print over time.

Figure 9: The printer operates exclusively with thermal paper, eliminating the need for ink.

5.3 Battery Care

To prolong battery life, avoid fully discharging the printer frequently. Charge the printer regularly, even if not in constant use. Store the printer in a cool, dry place when not in use for extended periods.

6. Troubleshooting

• Printer not connecting via Bluetooth:

  Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device and the printer. Make sure the "SoPrint" app has location permissions enabled (required for Bluetooth scanning on some devices). Restart both the printer and your mobile device. Try re-pairing the device in the app.

• Poor print quality (faint or incomplete prints):

  Check if the thermal paper is loaded correctly with the printing side facing up. Ensure the paper is specifically thermal paper. Clean the print head as described in the Maintenance section. Adjust the print density settings in the SoPrint app or printer preferences.

• Paper jam:

  Turn off the printer. Open the top cover and carefully remove any jammed paper. Ensure no foreign objects are obstructing the paper path. Close the cover and restart the printer.
• Printer not responding:

  Check if the printer is powered on and fully charged. If connected via USB, ensure the cable is securely plugged in and the correct drivers are installed. Try restarting the printer.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

The Rongta PN81 Portable Printer comes with a limited warranty. For detailed warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the warranty card included in your product packaging or visit the official Rongta website. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.