If you run a retail shop, warehouse, or small business in New Zealand, having a reliable label printer can make daily operations smoother. One standout option on the market is the Honeywell PC42E-T — a compact, user-friendly label printer designed to simplify your printing tasks.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about setting up the Honeywell PC42E-T printer, including unpacking, basic installation, and useful tips to get started quickly. Whether you're completely new to label printers or upgrading from an older model, this step-by-step guide will help you hit the ground running.
Before we dive into the setup, it’s worth understanding why many NZ businesses are choosing the Honeywell PC42E-T label printer:
Compact and space-saving: It’s perfect for small counters or back offices.
Fast and efficient: Prints labels quickly and clearly, helping your team work faster.
Easy to use: Designed for users who need simple operation without any fuss.
Reliable performance: Suitable for printing shipping labels, barcodes, price tags, and more.
Now, let’s explore how to set it up for your New Zealand business.
When you purchase the Honeywell PC42E-T printer, you’ll typically find:
The PC42E-T thermal transfer label printer
Power cord and adapter
USB cable
Quick start guide
Empty ribbon core for winding
Sample media roll (depending on the supplier)
Before getting started, make sure all components are present and undamaged. Choose a clean, flat surface to set up the device.
Connect the power cord to the back of the printer.
Plug it into a power outlet.
Press the power button to switch it on — the indicator lights should turn on.
Keep the printer turned off while inserting label rolls or ribbon to prevent accidental printing.
Loading labels into the Honeywell PC42E-T label printer is simple:
Open the printer cover by lifting from the sides.
Place the label roll on the media holders inside.
Thread the labels through the guides, making sure they are aligned evenly.
Adjust the label guides so they fit snugly on both sides of the roll.
Close the printer cover gently.
Tip: Make sure the labels face up and the print side is correctly positioned for clean output.
The Honeywell PC42E-T printer supports thermal transfer printing, which uses a ribbon. If you’re using direct thermal labels (heat-sensitive), you can skip this step.
To install the ribbon:
Open the printer cover.
Insert the ribbon roll onto the ribbon supply spindle.
Pull the ribbon under the print head and onto the take-up spindle.
Turn the spindle gently to remove slack and keep the ribbon tight.
Close the cover securely.
Using the right ribbon ensures crisp, long-lasting labels — especially for shipping, storage, or product tags.
The printer can connect to your system using a USB or Ethernet cable. For most setups, USB is quick and easy:
Plug the USB cable into the back of the printer.
Connect the other end to your PC or laptop.
Your computer may detect the printer and install the necessary driver automatically.
If it doesn’t install automatically, you can download the driver directly from Honeywell’s website. Make sure to select the correct model — Honeywell PC42E-T — and follow the on-screen instructions.
For network setups, connect the Ethernet cable to your router or switch, and configure the printer's network settings through your PC.
To start printing labels, you’ll need compatible label design software. While the Honeywell PC42E-T label printer supports a variety of programs, many NZ businesses use tools like:
BarTender (Starter or Professional editions)
NiceLabel
Free label utilities provided by Honeywell
Install your preferred software and add the printer as a new device. From there, you can design labels, add barcodes, insert logos, and adjust label sizes.
Before going live, print a test label to make sure everything is working:
Open your label software.
Create a basic label with text or a barcode.
Press “Print” and check the output.
The label should be centered, sharp, and smudge-free. If it’s off-centre or faint, adjust the media sensors or ribbon tension. Your printer manual or the support page will offer guidance if needed.
To get the best results from your Honeywell PC42E-T printer, keep these tips in mind:
Use high-quality labels and ribbons: Poor materials can cause jams or unclear prints.
Keep the print head clean: Use a cleaning pen or isopropyl alcohol to wipe it gently after heavy use.
Avoid moisture and dust: Place the printer in a clean, dry area to prevent build-up.
Update firmware when needed: Occasionally check Honeywell’s website for updates to improve functionality.
Here’s how various NZ industries are using the Honeywell PC42E-T:
Retail stores: For price tags, product labels, and barcodes.
E-commerce sellers: To print shipping labels quickly and accurately.
Warehouses: For shelf labels and inventory tracking.
Healthcare providers: For patient ID labels or sample tagging.
Its versatility and ease of use make it a great fit for many small to medium businesses.
The Honeywell PC42E-T printer offers a simple, reliable solution for label printing in New Zealand. Whether you’re just starting out or need a dependable upgrade, setting it up is a breeze when you follow the right steps. From loading labels and ribbons to printing your first test label, this guide covers the essentials to get your business running smoothly.
You can find the Honeywell PC42E-T label printer and other quality POS products at POS Central NZ — your trusted source for business solutions.