03 - Load Direct Thermal Labels (When Not Using Ribbon)

Direct transfer labels will show a grey mark if you scrape your thumbnail along it, while thermal transfer will not. Make sure the labels you are using are of the Direct Thermal variety.

Grab the bottom of the cover and lift all the way open, until it's resting on the top of the printer.

Locate the green label roll guard pictured and pull away from the printer.

Be sure to grab this by the bottom of the guard to help pull it with ease.

Fold down the label roll guard away from the printer.

Place the roll of labels on the label supply spindle, so that they unroll from the top

Fold the label roll guard back up.

Press the label roll guard against the side of the roll.

Be sure to press this by the bottom of the guard to help push it with ease.

With one hand, press down on the top of the printhead.

With the other hand, rotate the green print head release lever clockwise.

Remove your hand from the printhead and the printhead should now be able to be lifted up.

Feed the labels under the damper roller (1st picture).

Feed the labels through/under the black ribbon sensor (blue arrow in the picture) and clear label guide (orange arrow in picture).

Pull through until the leading edge of one label is even with the tear-off edge (pink arrows).

The length of the label shown may vary from your own. Be sure to pull it through to a distance equivalent to one label to the first tear-off edge.

Make sure the far edge of the label roll lines up with the clear label guide.

Slide the green front label guide forward until it fits against the close edge of the labels.

These guides keep the labels running straight, so it's important to make sure they're not so tight they stop the labels from coming out smoothly.

Use the green tab (first picture) underneath the damper roller to adjust the ribbon sensor.

The gap sensor (shown as ▽) on the ribbon sensor (shown with a blue circle in the 2nd picture) should be approximately centered on the label.

The gap sensor marking indicates the position of the sensor the printer uses to calibrate, so it's important to make sure it's in the right place.

Check the path of the labels. It should look like the first picture here.

Close the printhead by pressing down firmly on top until you hear a 'click,' making sure that the green print head release lever is latched closed.

Close the cover.