How can I buy PocketJets?

Click here to see the purchasing methods and purchasing locations of Pentax PocketJet printers and accessories.
Click here to see "Learning Tools" including PocketJet buying guides and PocketJet educational information. This will help you determine the PocketJet printer model, interface, paper type, vehicle power adapters and mounts, and accessories you'll need to best meet your specific mobile printing application(s).

Are PocketJets compatible with my computer/device?

Most likely. See the features of each Pocket model. In general, PocketJets are compatible with Windows® 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP, CE - Symbian EPOC - Mac® OSX - Linux - Palm OS® - Pocket PC®. Browse the online Pentax driver CD reame center for detailed PocketJet driver information. Drivers are also available for download in this website.

What is Bluetooth? Do I need it?

Bluetooth is a standard for providing short-range wireless connections between computers, handhelds, and other devices like the Pentax PocketJet 3 and 3Plus with Bluetooth. Class 1 Bluetooth technology uses radio waves allowing point-to-point transmission distance of up to 100 meters, unlike IrDA (infrared light) which requires line-of-site to the device and has a range of just a few meters. The Pentax PocketJet 3 or 3 Plus with integrated Bluetooth allows the mobile professional true mobile wireless printing capability. The Bluetooth module is built into the printer and no external data cables are needed. Note: The data source device to the printer must be Bluetooth enabled.

How do I Create a Serial Port Profile (SPP) Connection?

Use the PocketJet with Bluetooth Information Center to learn how to configure your Bluetooth enabled device with the Pentax PocketJet.

Will Bluetooth cause slower printing or use more battery power?

No. The data transmission speed and printing speed are not lowered because of Bluetooth. The normal battery drain during printing is not increased because of Bluetooth. A new battery at 100% charge will yield approximately 100 pages of printing.

Paper moves through the printer, but nothing appears on the paper.

A. Make sure that you are using thermal paper (for best results use Pentax paper) and make sure that you are loading it properly with the smoother print side away from you or facing down.

B. Check the Print Density setting to make sure it is set to a darker setting. This is done according to your application. When using a windows driver use the instructions on page 27 of the user's manual. When sending text only use the instruction on page 12 of the user's manual. Other operating systems will have designated user interface for this function.

My printer seems to be printing the entire page lightly.

A. Check the Print Density setting to make sure it is set to a darker setting. This is done according to your application. When using a windows driver use the instructions on page 27 of the user's manual. When sending text only use the instruction on page 12 of the user's manual. Other operating systems will have designated user interface for this function.

B. With in-vehicle printing, light print density may indicate too low a voltage (less than 11.8 volts) if a vehicle DC supply is powering the unit. Check and correct the supply voltage, if needed, or be sure the vehicle engine is running.

C. Make sure you are using quality paper by Pentax.

My PocketJet 3Plus prints the entire page about ¾ the size it should be.

Most likely you have installed the PocketJet 3 driver and not the PocketJet 3Plus driver. Please insure that you have the right driver loaded and that you have selected the PocketJet 3Plus printer. Driver History Archive

The Image is squashed and stretched in many places.

A. Make sure the release cover was not left open during printing. If it is open, close it completely.

B. Make sure the paper is not slipping in the printer. If it is, Make sure the print head and platen roller are clean. See Chapter 4 "Maintaining the Printer" in the user's manual.

C. Make sure the paper is not wrinkled prior to inserting it. Make sure you are using quality paper by Pentax.

Light patches of print appear on the image.

A. The printer requires smooth paper to work properly. Make sure the paper does not have any dents or wrinkles. It should lie flat and it should not have a defective or uneven surface coating. Use Pentax paper and make sure it does not have any obvious deformities.

B. Check the Print Density setting to make sure it is set to a darker setting. This is done according to your application. When using a windows driver use the instructions on page 27 of the user's manual. When sending text only use the instruction on page 12 of the user's manual. Other operating systems will have designated user interface for this function.

C. Clean the print head. Follow the instructions in Chapter 4 "Maintaining the Printer" in the user's manual.

D. If using a DC power adapter, make sure the voltage from the vehicle is high enough. Try starting the engine if necessary.

The printed image is out of alignment.

A. Make sure you are inserting the paper correctly. See Chapter 3 "Tips on using paper" page 35 in the user's manual.

B. Check to see whether the platen roller is dirty. If it is, clean it. Follow the instructions for "Cleaning the Paten Roller," on page 41 of the user's manual.

The print contains random dots.

A. Check the printer driver to make sure it is set correctly.

B. If using IrDA, make sure that it is getting a good connection through the alignment of the IrDA from the printer to the device.

C. If using USB, make sure it is connected firmly and correctly.

My printed page has white spots where it should be all black.

A. Most likely paper dust has gotten on the thermal paper. We recommend keeping the paper stored in the original box.

B. Check the roller on the PocketJet. If it has paper dust on it use the cleaning paper that comes in the PocketJet kit. If this does not remove it, try using compressed air. Be sure that the compressed air does not dissipate chemicals onto the roller. It may damage the roller and will not be covered under warranty.

The image has light or white vertical lines.

A. Make sure the release cover was not left open during printing. If it is open, close it completely.

B. Clean the print head. Follow the instructions in "Cleaning the Print Head" in chapter 4 of the user's manual.

C. If cleaning the print head does not correct the problem, the print head may need maintenance. Contact Technical Support for assistance.

The image for one page requires more or fewer sheets than I expected.

A. Make sure the software application and the printer driver have been set to print the same size paper that you are loading into the printer. If the application or printer driver has been set to print legal-size paper and you insert letter-size paper, the image will require two sheets. Adjust the application or printer driver setting as needed or reduce the print image within your application to fit on the letter-size page.

Note: The data lights will flash to indicate that data is still in the printer after the page has completed printing.

The side margins are incorrect.

A. Check to make sure the correct margins have been set in the software application. Adjust the left margin as needed.

B. Make sure the software application or the printer driver has been set to print the same size paper that you are loading into the printer. If the application or printer driver has been set to print a different width paper, the image will not print in the proper horizontal position. Adjust the application or printer driver as needed.

The top margin is incorrect.

A. Make sure the correct margins have been set in the software application. If not, set the margins for the top and bottom of the page as needed.

B. Make sure you are not inserting the paper into the print input slot with excessive force. Always insert the paper gently.

My PocketJet prints light down the left or right side of the page.

Most likely the unit was dropped or jarred heavily. Chances are the thermal head has been knocked loose and will require depot level repair to realign it. Contact Pentax Technical Support at 1-800-543-6144 x1820 or e-mail ptctech@pentaxtech.com

The green DATA indicator light goes out while a page remains in the printer.

A. The print buffer contains unprinted data from the software application. If paper has not already been inserted into the printer, insert a new sheet of paper and the print job should proceed. If you have already inserted paper in the printer, take the paper out and re-insert it to make sure the printer knows paper is ready. If that doesn't work, you may need to turn the printer off, turn it back on, and restart the print job.

The application should be sending data to the printer, but the green DATA indicator is not lit.

Make sure the IrDA on the printer is properly oriented toward the IrDA unit on the computer.

I want to print IrDA but I keep getting USB.

If a USB cable is not connected to the PocketJet printer when it is turned on, the IrDA connection is automatically enabled. Make sure your computer is set properly to send data via its infrared port, make sure the two ports are aligned, and proceed to print.

I have a polygraph device and the printer is not printing continuous prints.

This solution must be from a Windows Operating System. Go to "Accessing Advanced Software Features Through Windows" in Chapter 2 of the user's manual. Set the Paper Size to "Infinite" and the Form Feed Mode to "No Feed".

I have a Pocket PC with IrDA Infrared and the printer will not print.

First make sure that you have "PrintPocketCE" from FieldSoftware installed on the device. You will find a 30-day trial version of this software on this web site under Technical Support "Drivers".

After installing this program open it up select a document to print, select the appropriate printer you are using and set the "Port" to Infrared. Then go into "More Settings" and set the "Port Speed" to 115200. The IrDA will only work at this speed.

If this does not correct the problem, reset the Pocket PC with the reset button, which is usually on the side or back of the unit. Also refresh the power on the printer.

NOTE: Printing support is not built into the Pocket PC operating system and therefore requires that an additional printing utility be loaded on your device. Pentax has partnered with FieldSoftware to offer a 30-day trial version of their support to Pocket PC. If you choose to purchase the software you will need to do so by contacting FieldSoftware at www.fieldsoftware.com.

I have XP with USB and the printer will not print.

Make sure the USB is firmly connected to the computer and the printer. When connecting the USB cable and powering on the printer, Win XP should auto-detect the USB cable and install it. However you will still need to install the printer driver, which is located on the driver CD and can be downloaded here.

After both of these are installed make sure the port in the "Properties" of the printer is set to the USB port. If there is more then one USB port then you may need to try both.

The computer may need to be rebooted and the power on the printer refreshed for these changes to take effect.

The green DATA indicator light goes out while a page remains in the printer.

A. The software application may not have sent a full page of data. Restart the print job.

B. The application may have sent the wrong information about page size or you may have put in the wrong paper size. Check the application and the print driver for the proper page size. Check to be sure the application and the page you are inserting in the printer are the same. Adjust one or the other if necessary.

C. Make sure the printer driver is not inadvertently set to "No Feed Mode".

The printer ejects a partially printed page, and the green DATA indicator light remains lit or blinking.

By using the application's dialog box or Utility Configuration (if using textmode), make sure the Paper Size selection is correct.

The printer stops printing. The INDICATOR LIGHT flashes orange and red.

The print head has overheated. Turn the printer off and allow it to cool before continuing to print. The printer may overheat if you use it over an extended period at a very high print density.

I am having trouble getting the driver to install correctly.

Make sure that you are installing the correct driver for the appropriate printer and operating system you are using. Examples: The Win NT driver will not install on a Win 2000 computer.

I get a warning message when installing my Windows driver.

The previous drivers for the PocketJet printers were not "Digitally Signed" by Microsoft. This lack of signature caused a warning message saying:

"The software you are about to install does not contain a Microsoft digital signature. Therefore, there is no guarantee that this software works correctly with Windows".

If you encounter this message when installing the printer simply click on "Continue anyway" this will not harm your computer and the driver will install correctly.

Note: Pentax Driver CD 3.1 and beyond and the drivers on this website have been digitally signed by Microsoft and you will not generate this error message.

Writing to LPT1

A. This may happen if there are other devices in between the CPU and PocketJet (i.e. Zip Drives, or parallel, USB hubs or other devices with pass through ports). Keep in mind we support the Pentax product and not the devices in between. Specifically, this means the PocketJet interface connecting directly from the CPU to the PocketJet. If there is a conflict with another device added, contact the manufacturer of that product.

B. The interface may be defective.

How do I print from my Palm device?

Both the PocketJet 3 and PocketJet 3Plus have printing support. Please click here to go to information concerning "PocketJet 3/3Plus Printing from a Palm Operating System Device".

Can I Print from my Windows Pocket PC, Handheld PC, Pocket PC Phone Edition or Smartpone device?

Both the PocketJet 3 and PocketJet 3Plus have printing support. Please click here to go to information concerning "PocketJet 3/3Plus Printing from Windows Mobile Handhelds".

Does Pentax support Linux?

Pentax provides a Linux (X86 systems only) driver that supports printing to the PocketJet 3 or 3Plus. Please click here to go to information concerning "Printing from a Linux Operating System Device".

Does Pentax support Mac?

Pentax provides a Mac OSX driver for the PocketJet 3 and 3Plus. Please click here to go to information concerning "Printing From a Mac OSX Device".

Can I print from a Symbian EPOC device?

Both the PocketJet 3 and PocketJet 3Plus have printing support. Please click here to go to information concerning "PocketJet 3/3Plus Printing from a Symbian EPOC Device".

Can I print from a Psion Workabout Device?

Only the PocketJet 200 supports the Psion Workabout. Please click here to go to information concerning "PocketJet 200 Printing from a Psion Workabout Device".

How do I print from Windows Handheld PC?

Pentax provides a driver for Windows CE and Windows CE.NET Handheld PC devices. This driver can be found on the driver CD as well as here in this web site. Connection can be made with the IrDA of the printer.

I get an error message on my WinCE Handheld PC when I try to print.

Make sure the correct printer and port are selected. Make sure the IrDA ports are aligned. Make sure the WinCE Handheld PC is not connected to a PC. Try resetting the Win CE Handheld PC according to the Manufacturer's directions.

I have to wait for a period of time after the last line of a print job for the paper to eject.

This is normal. Each Win CE Handheld PC has a different wait time after a print job completes before it sends an eject signal to the printer.

Why do I have to always select "landscape" mode when trying to print?

Landscape mode is required when using Windows CE version 2.0.

Why do the Pentax PocketJet printers need Pentax Paper?

In designing the Pentax PocketJet printers, we had five primary goals. They had to be compact and lightweight, provide superior print quality and speeds, and have a low cost per page compared to other portable printing technologies. Direct thermal printing (DTP) technology was the only way to meet these goals, and we feel we have done so with high-performance, competitively priced products. The PocketJet printers do not use ink, toner or ribbons to print. In direct thermal printing, the thermal head heats up and activates a heat-sensitive dye that has been applied to the paper. This direct heating of the page creates the individual dots that make up the image.

Paper does not move through the printer even though the motor is running.

A. If the release cover has been left open, close it completely.

B. Heavy paper may not feed through the printer. Use Pentax paper

C. If the release cover is closed and you are using Pentax paper, the printer may have a damaged drive system. Contact Technical Support for assistance.

How can I get the lowest cost-per-page?

Part of cost-per-page will be determined by the choice of paper you make for your application. Regardless of the choice of the type of Pentax paper, volume buying will ensure lower cost-per-page.

What are the advantages of roll paper?

A. Roll paper allows for "hands-free" printing.

B. The PocketJet printer can be set to be an "end of print" as well as an "end of page" printer. Whereas "end of page" is the usual printer setting, "end of print" allows you to print only the length of the document. Printing a short document and then being able to print a several page report will save you time and cost.

C. End of print settings makes it easy to print physically long documents such as polygraph forms or testing documents.

D. Roll paper is also available in perforated form.

E. If you need an in-vehicle mount or a portable roll paper mount - all the major mount companies support Pentax.

What are the advantages of Fan-fold paper?

It facilitates hands-free printing that looks like it has been single sheet fed.

How can I minimize paper curl?

A. With Pentax cut sheet paper, or fan-fold paper; you will never have to worry about paper curl.

B. With roll paper, two things will determine if the paper curls.

1. Paper that has been put in a paper mount and has not been used for a long period of time may curl.
2. A roll-mounted paper that has become loose on the roll may curl. Having the paper tightly rolled will ensure less curl.

Can I use other thermal paper or do I have to use the Pentax brand?

Pentax paper is provided to guarantee the best performance and compatibility. The PocketJet printer will print on thermal paper found in office supply stores, however, when using this paper, please be aware of the following:

1. Pentax will not guarantee print image quality.
2. Pentax will not guarantee the print duration on the paper during storage.
3. Some inexpensive paper can be abrasive, which will cause the printer head to wear resulting in print head failure.

Can I get company letterhead or water marks on Pentax Paper?

Yes, on Pentax Quality and Pentax Superior paper. Just call our Sales department at 1-800-543-6144 x1281 or x1248 for complete information on how Pentax paper can be imprinted with your letterhead, logos or other printed information.

Where can I buy the Pentax Paper?

Pentax paper is available through the same resellers that carry the PocketJet printer. This includes web-based resellers. Paper can also be ordered directly from Pentax by using the Pentax on-line store or by calling 1-800-543-6144 x1281 or x1248. How To Buy

What is the print duration on the paper during storage?

This will depend on the type of Pentax paper you are buying. Please refer to "Pentax Quality Thermal Paper" for detailed information.

What is the life of your battery?

The new rechargeable Ni-MH battery is longer lasting and will produce up to 100 pages on a complete charge and will last 500 charges, on average.

Is the PocketJet II/200 battery and AC adapter work with the PocketJet 3/3Plus?

No, the circuitries of the printers are different and there are differences in the interface connectors.

How many pages can I get from a charged battery and how long does it take to charge the battery?

A new battery at 100% charge will yield approximately 100 pages of printing. The maximum time to charge to 100% capacity is approximately 120 minutes. When the printer is connected to an external source of power, it will trickle charge the battery. The batteries are shipped from the factory uncharged and it is recommended a complete charging cycle is done before using the battery for the first time.

My PocketJet does not print the number of pages per battery charge stated in the user's manual.

The following will lessen the number of pages per a charge:

A. Darker prints discharge the battery faster than lighter prints. Use the density adjustment on your computer to adjust lightness and darkness. See "Advanced Software Features" for windows applications or "Configuration Utility" for textmode applications, which are both located in Chapter 2 of the user's manual.

B. Temperatures under 20ºC

C. Amount of print per page. The PocketJet was tested with 5% density per page.

Is there an energy saver for the battery?

Yes, there is control mode for "Auto-off". When the printer is running on battery power, it can be set to turn off automatically to conserve the battery. You may choose to disable this feature by selecting "None", or you may select either a 10-minute or 30-minute time-out period. If no data is received within the period selected, the printer will turn off. This mode is set using the Configuration Utility. See page 11 in Chapter 2 "Using the Printer" of the user's manual for more information.

When I start to charge the battery, my printer cuts off within a few seconds.

If it is a new battery disconnect and reconnect it a couple of times. This is to be sure of a good fit/connection. Then try to charge the battery again. If this fails, contact Pentax Technical Support.

The brand new battery that I just bought for my PocketJet printer will not charge.

Occasionally a new battery will come from the factory with such a low charge that when the battery is put into the discharge/recharge mode for the first time, the printer just shuts off and the battery will not charge. Usually when the power button is held down to put the printer into the discharge mode the battery will first be discharged then recharged. However some of the new batteries with a low charge will not automatically kick over to the charge mode, as it usually does during a normal discharge/recharge process.

To get around this problem you will need to by-pass the discharge mode and force the battery into the charge or refresh mode. To do this, follow the directions below:

1. Have the PocketJet printer connected to the AC adapter with the power off.
2. Press and hold down the power button until the battery light comes on solid green, then let go.
3. Immediately after letting go press and hold down the power button again until the battery light starts to flash. This indicates the battery is charging.

If you encounter this problem with one of the newer batteries you must charge the battery for the first time in the way described above. After the first initial charge it can be discharged and recharged through the normal process.

I have a printer that is malfunctioning. How do I send it to Pentax for repair?

You must contact our Technical Support in order to receive repairs. Please call 1-800-543-6144 extension 1820 or 303-460-1820 to receive a RMA (Return Material Authorization). A technical support person will evaluate the problem and give you instructions on how to send the unit to Pentax for repair.

How do I get support on my Pentax product that is not a printer or scanner?

The mobility products, PocketJet printer family and DSmobile scanners, are the only products handled through 1-800-543-6144 or 303-543-6144. If you have a Pentax camera or sport optics product you should call 1-800-877-0155.