1. Item Overview
Package Contents
The package includes:
- Printer
- Manual
- Bracket
- Power Adapter & Cable
- USB Cable
- USB Flash Disk
Printer Components
The printer features:
- Release Latch
- Print Head
- Roller
- Paper Guide
- Power Supply Port
- USB Cable Port
- Power Switch [Power Switch O=off, I=on]
WARNING: The Printer Head may be very hot. Do not touch internal parts of the thermal printer immediately after using the printer.
2. Connect to the Computer
Follow these steps to connect the printer:
- Ensure the printer is OFF (Press down "O" means Power OFF).
- Connect the power cable to the printer and a power outlet.
- Connect the USB cable from the printer to your computer.
- Turn the power ON (Press down "I" means Power ON).
3. Windows Setup
3-1 Driver Installation for Windows
Please insert the included USB flash disk into your computer. A dialog box may appear. If it does, select "Open folder to view files". If no dialog appears, open Windows Explorer, select the flash disk, double-click the "Driver" file, and then open the "window" file to start the installation.
Installation steps:
- Double-click the Driver for Windows. When a dialog appears, click "Install".
- Select "Install printer driver" and click "Next".
- Choose the printer model "CTPrinter CT-428S" and click "Next". (Do not change the printer name.)
- After the driver is installed successfully, click "Finish".
3-2 Windows Printing Setup
Using Windows 10 as an example:
- Find "CTPrinter CT-428S" via: Windows Setting → Device → Printers & scanners.
- Click on "CTPrinter CT-428S", choose "Manage", and then click "Printing Preference".
- In the "Page Setup" tab, choose the proper size for your label, ensuring it corresponds to the label paper you are using.
- Click "Print Setting" to adjust the Darkness and Print Speed. If clarity or speed is unsatisfactory, reduce print speed and increase print density.
3-3 Computer Software Printing Instruction
Download the Software through one of two ways:
- Computer login: https://ga.ctaiot.com/pc
- After inserting the USB flash disk, open the file and double-click "Clabel trade setup" to install the program.
Follow the on-screen prompts: click "Agree Clabel trade" and then "Install immediately". Wait for installation to complete, then click "Experience immediately".
4. MAC OS Setup
4-1 Driver Installation for MAC OS
Please insert the included USB flash disk into your computer and open the folder to view files.
Installation steps:
- Double-click "MAC.driver.pkg". If a warning appears stating it cannot be opened because it's from an unidentified developer, follow these steps:
- Open "System Preferences", and click "Security & Privacy".
- Click the "Open Anyway" button to allow the installation.
- If the driver does not auto-run, right-click the "MAC.driver.pkg" file and select "Open" to start the installation process.
- Click "Continue" and follow the on-screen instructions (Introduction, Destination Select, Installation Type, Installation, Summary).
- Click "Close" to finish the installation.
4-2 MAC OS Printing Setup
To print a PDF:
- Open the PDF, select "file" and then "Print".
- In the Print window, click "Page Setup", choose "CTPrinter CT -428S" Printer, and select the Paper Size to match your label (e.g., a 4"x6" label is approximately 102x152mm).
- Select "Printer Features" to adjust settings like Print Speed, Darkness, Horizontal, and Vertical offsets.
5. Bluetooth Connection
This feature is for Bluetooth Version printers only, compatible with Smartphones and Windows computers. USB versions do not require Bluetooth connection.
5-1 Smartphone Bluetooth Setup
Search for "Clabel trade" in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to download the app. Follow the software instructions for operation.
5-2 Windows Computer Bluetooth Setup
Steps to connect via Bluetooth on Windows:
- Go to Windows Settings and click on "Devices".
- Click "Add Bluetooth & other devices".
- Click "Add a device" and select "Bluetooth".
- Wait for the computer to search and find the Bluetooth device. Select the device, which may appear as two options; choose the one with the printer icon.
- Click the name of the Bluetooth printer and enter the PIN code (0000 or 1234) if prompted.
- Once connected, click "Done".
- To configure the port: Find the printer in "Printers & scanners", click "Manage", then "Printer properties". Go to the "Ports" tab and select the correct COM port assigned to the Bluetooth device (identified via Device Manager under Ports (COM & LPT)). Click "Apply". Print a test page. If it fails, try a different COM port.
6. Label Setup
Follow these steps to load labels:
- Ensure the printer is OFF (Press down "O" means Power OFF).
- Pull the release latch to open the cover.
- Load the labels, ensuring the guides touch the label sides. The printable part of the label should face up.
- Close the cover carefully.
- Turn the power ON and wait 5 seconds for initialization.
- Press and hold the feed button (blue button) until you hear a short beep. Release the button; the printer will automatically identify the label size.
For subsequent label loading, you can feed labels into the back of the printer without opening the cover.
7. Feed Button Instructions
The printer has one feed button and an indicator light that displays three colors. Pressing the feed button, in combination with different colors or the power switch, enables functions like feeding paper, pausing, calibrating, printing self-tests, and initializing.
General button functions:
- Paper feeding: When the printer is standby (LED blue fixed), pressing the feed button once moves the paper forward one unit.
- Pausing printing: While printing, press the feed button to pause. The power indicator will blink blue. Press again to resume.
Pro Tips
Use these four tips to set or test the printer's hardware:
- Turn off the printer.
- Turn on the printer while holding down the feed button.
- Release the feed button when the light signal indicates the required function, as per the table below:
| Indicator signal | Purple | Blue | Red (Blink 5 times) | Purple (Blink 5 times) | Blue (Blink 5 times) | Blue (Fixed blue) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Function | Release the button | Release the button | Release the button | Release the button | ||
| 1. Gap/black mark sensor detection | ||||||
| 2. Gap/black mark sensor detection, printing self-test value and entering the debugging mode | ||||||
| 3. Printer initialization (restore factory defaults) | ||||||
| 4. Skip the AUTO. BAS program |
8. LED Indicator
| LED indicator color | Description |
|---|---|
| Blue (fixed) | Power on, printer standby to print. |
| Blue (blinking) | The printer is downloading data or the printer is paused. |
| Purple | The printer is formatting the data. |
| Red (fixed) | Printer is in head opened or cutter error status. |
| Red (blinking) | Printing error occurs, e.g. out of paper, paper jam, or memory error, etc. |
9. Maintenance
The printer head is sensitive and located on the upper part of the printer when open. Caution: The printer head can be very hot when the printer is running.
To clean the printer head:
- Ensure the power switch is OFF, remove the power cord, and open the cover. Wait for the printer head to cool down.
- Clean the printer head using a 70% alcohol swab. Do not use water.
- Wait 2-3 minutes for the alcohol to dry completely, then close the cover.
- Connect the power cord and print a test page to check if it is clean.
10. Safety Notices
- DO NOT touch the printer head after use.
- DO NOT disassemble or repair the unit yourself.
- USE ONLY approved accessories.
- Keep the printer away from water, fire, or objects that could damage components.
- Keep the printer away from children.
- DO NOT use the printer if you find any irregularities that could cause electrocution or fire.
- Please unplug the power when not in use for a long time.
11. User Tips
- When loading labels, the peeling-off side should face up to avoid printing blank.
- Ensure no particles are on the label surface to prevent damage to the Printer Head.
- For Windows users, consistently use the same USB Port to avoid duplicate printer copies on your computer.
- Each time you change label sizes, press and hold the feed button to run the Intelligent Label Study process before printing.
- If labels come out unexpectedly, press the feed button to pause the printer and clear the printing job from your computer.
- White spots on printed labels indicate the printer head needs cleaning. Stop printing and clean the Printer Head.
- If a label jams, open the lid and carefully remove the jammed labels. The printer will resume after cleaning.
