Best power source for thermal printer

Other Hardware 3rd Party Boards
1

Hi all,

I'm working with a thermal printer, and I want it to print as darkly as possible.
This is the printer I'm using from Adafruit.

Adafruit says, "To power it, supply the VH pin with 5-9VDC. 5V can be a little dim, 7.5V-9VDC will give you nice dark printing."

I've tried using three different sources:

The darkest print has come from using the USB port on the power strip, which is only 5V. The lightest print has come from the 9V power supply... which doesn't make any sense to me. The 9V one doesn't even print properly (80% of the text doesn't transfer--it's just white).

Is someone able to see what I'm not understanding? Do I need a power supply that is 9V with a higher amperage, like 2, or 2.5? Something like this, maybe?

Thanks for any help you can give!!

2

9V 2-3A is OK!

3

The Adafruit product page states that the power source must be able to supply at least 2 Amperes.

4

Ok, so my issue is that I need more amps AS WELL AS 9V. Is that correct?

5

you need a 9 volt power supply and at least 2 amps

6

Thanks everyone!!

7

IF you are using old paper, then the prints may very like you are experiencing.

8

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