Many companies experience the same barcode printer problems on a daily basis. However, most of these problems are easy to diagnose and easy to fix. All you need is a little time and an understanding that barcode printers are not perfect. Every Houston, TX barcode printer and label application is slightly different. To this end, we will discuss how to diagnose and solve your barcode printer problems.
Barcode Printer Problems: Five Simple “Fixes”
Power
When it comes to “fixing” your Houston, TX barcode printer problems, the first step is to make sure your printer has power. Make sure the power cord is plugged into both the back of your printer and the wall socket. Additionally, the power button needs to be turned on. We, at Barcode Southwest realize this “fix” may sound silly, but we have all overlooked this simple problem. 🙂
Like many cities, the never-ending construction in Houston, TX can result in power outages. After these outages, make sure to power up your computer and reboot your barcode printer.
Cable
A second solution to potential barcode printer problems is to check for the correct cable and that the cable is plugged in.
Additionally, some thermal barcode printer manufacturers ship USB or Ethernet cables with their printer(s). If you did not receive a cable during shipping, make sure to purchase the cable recommended for that printer. Depending on your Houston, TX barcode printer environment, a USB or Ethernet cable may give you the best quality and speed.
Printer Settings
The third “fix” for barcode printer problems is to review the printer settings. These settings may be found within the main menu of your barcode printer. As a user, learning to navigate the menu can help “fix” and eliminate current and future printer problems.
Industrial barcode printers such as the TSC 2410MT will have an easy to read LCD screen. This screen allows the user to easily navigate the menu to help select the correct printer settings.
To eliminate further barcode printer problems, make sure your thermal barcode printer settings are either on thermal transfer or direct thermal. Some barcode printers, such as the TSC 2410MT, will print on either label material. Also, make sure you select the correct printhead temperature setting, depending on the label material.
Correct Label Material and Ribbon
Thermal transfer labels and ribbon selection are key to quality barcode printer imaging. Houston, TX companies have choices between paper or synthetic labels, depending on the application.
Paper labels usually pair well with a wax ribbon. A synthetic label material is available in a matte or glossy finish. Depending on the synthetic label application, a wax/resin ribbon will work best. We always recommend testing before the selection. Synthetics will typically work best in humid condition locations such as Houston, TX.
Printer Queue
Finally, one of the most common barcode printer problems is sending the print job to the wrong printer…over and over. The result is a backlog of print jobs in the printer queue.
The printer queue is a reserved memory area that holds output for the printer until the printer can receive it. The simple solution for this barcode printing problem is to clear all print jobs in the queue and start over.
Call Barcode Southwest at 1-888-764-9965 to see how we can help solve your Houston, TX barcode printer problems. Or, complete our contact form!
Barcode Southwest is a premier supplier of barcode printers and labels for a wide range of industry applications. We supply to clients all over the Southwest region of the U.S., including, but not limited to, Houston, TX, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.
Happy Printing 
Please visit our Barcode Southwest Facebook page.
Published by Lucy January 14, 2019
