How to Use the Kolon KL‑787 Receipt & Label Printer (Step‑by‑Step Setup, Modes & Fixes)
Learn how to load paper, install drivers (Windows/Android/iOS), switch between receipt and label modes, and troubleshoot common issues for the Kolon KL‑787 thermal printer. This guide covers everything from basic setup and mobile printing to advanced functions like adjusting print concentration and activating network DHCP, all based on the official user guide.
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- Also called: KL 787, KL-787, KolonPOS thermal receipt printer, 80mm POS printer
- Use cases: supermarkets, retail POS, logistics labels, barcodes
Fast, Reliable Thermal Printing for Receipts & Labels
The Kolon KL‑787 is a 3‑inch (80mm) thermal receipt & label printer designed for flexibility and performance. It features automatic paper correction, high‑speed output (150mm/s), and a large paper warehouse to reduce reload frequency. It’s an ideal, easy-to-operate solution for POS receipts and barcode labels.
- • Dual Media Support: Fully supports thermal adhesive label paper and receipt paper.
- • Flexible Widths: Easy to operate with paper widths from 40mm to 80mm.
- • Smart Correction: Features automatic paper correction to prevent jams and waste.
- • Mobile Ready: Supports mobile device connection printing (Android/iOS on Bluetooth models).
- • Reliable Design: Built-in overheat protection for continuous, heavy-duty use.
- • High-Speed Printing: Prints at a rapid 150mm/s to keep lines moving.
- • Large Capacity: A “big paper warehouse” design (fits up to 78mm diameter rolls) means fewer paper changes.
Downloads: Drivers & App
Install the official KL‑787 Windows driver or the mobile app to print from Android/iOS.
1) Printer Overview & Connections
Before you begin, familiarize yourself with the key parts of your KL-787 printer, as referenced in the setup steps below.
- (1) Feed Button – Advances paper, runs tests, and changes modes.
- (2) Paper Outlet – Output for labels/receipts.
- (3) Status Light – Indicates printer status (ready, error, etc.). See next section for details.
- (4) Opening Button – Press this to open the top cover and access the paper compartment.
- (5) LAN Port (optional) – For connecting to a network router.
- (7) Cash Drawer – RJ11 cash box interface to trigger a cash drawer.
- (8) USB – Standard connection for a PC or POS system.
- (9) Power Switch – Turns the printer on/off.
Tip: Use a stable power source and always use the original adapter (DC 24V–1.5A) for consistent print density and to protect the hardware.
What’s in the Box? (Packing List)
Your new printer package includes everything you need to get started:
- Printer (×1)
- Power Adapter (×1)
- USB Cable (×1)
- User Guide (×1)
- Label paper (×1 starter roll)
- LAN cable (×1, optional, included with LAN models)
2) Understanding the Status Light
The Status Light (3) provides instant feedback on the printer’s condition. Here is a quick guide to what the different colors mean:
Blue Light
- Solid Blue: Bluetooth connection is active and successful. (For Bluetooth models only).
- Flashing Blue: The printer is in Bluetooth pairing mode and is discoverable, but not yet connected.
Red Light
- Solid Red: The top cover is open. Close the cover firmly until it clicks to resume.
- Flashing Red (Slowly): The printer is out of paper. Load a new roll to continue.
- Flashing Red (Quickly): The printer’s thermal head is overheating. Stop printing and allow the printer to cool down for several minutes. This is an automatic safety feature.
3) Load Receipt or Label Paper (40–80mm)
Loading paper correctly is the most important step to prevent jams and blank prints. The KL-787’s auto-correction feature makes this simple.
- Press the Opening Button to open the cover.
- Place the roll (58mm or 80mm receipt paper, or adhesive label roll) in the compartment.
- Face the thermal side up (toward the print head).
- Pull a short lead past the Paper Outlet and close the cover firmly.
- The printer will auto‑correct and feed to the next label start.
4) Install Kolon KL‑787 on Windows 10/11
Follow these steps to connect your printer to a Windows-based PC or POS terminal.
- Download and install the Windows driver.
- Connect via USB (or LAN if your model supports it).
- Open Printers & Scanners → Add device → select KL‑787.
- Open Printer Preferences → set paper size (58mm or 80mm) & media type (receipt or label).
- Print a test page to verify connection and density.
If you get blank prints: the roll is upside down. Re‑load with thermal side up.
5) Print from Android / iOS (Mobile App)
For Bluetooth-enabled models, you can print directly from your phone or tablet using the MHT Cloud application.
- Install the MHT Cloud app.
- Power on the printer and enable Bluetooth (if your model supports BT).
- In the app, add printer: select KL‑787 and pair.
- Choose Label or Receipt template; set width (40–80mm).
- Send a test print from the app to confirm connection.
6) Advanced Operations & Button Functions
The Feed Button (1) is used for more than just advancing paper. By holding it while turning on the Power Switch (9), you can access several key configuration modes. Listen for the buzzer.
- Print Self‑Test:With the printer off, hold Feed, then turn power on. Release the Feed button immediately after hearing the first beep. This will print a test page showing all current settings, including firmware version and IP address (if on LAN).
- Switch Mode (Label ↔ Receipt):This is essential when changing paper types. With the printer off, hold Feed and turn power on. Keep holding past the first beep. Release the button after hearing the second beep. The printer will toggle its media mode.
- Factory Reset:To restore all settings to their original defaults, hold Feed and turn power on. Keep holding past the first, second, and third beeps. Release the button after hearing the fourth beep.
- Calibrate Labels (Paper Correction):If your labels are not aligning to the gap, you can force a calibration. With the printer on and ready, simply long-press the Feed button until you hear a single beep, then release. The printer will feed the paper and re-detect the label gaps.
- Increase Print Concentration (Darkness):If your prints are too light, you can make them darker. With the printer on and ready, quickly press the Feed button two (2) times. The printer has 8 concentration levels, and this will increase the darkness by one level.
- Reduce Print Concentration (Lightness):If your prints are too dark or “bleeding” (especially on cheap paper), you can make them lighter. With the printer on and ready, quickly press the Feed button four (4) times. This will decrease the darkness by one level.
- Pause / Resume Printing:During a long print job, you can pause it by quickly clicking the Feed button once. To resume the print job from where it left off, quickly click the Feed button once again.
7) Network Setup: Using the LAN Port (DHCP)
For LAN-enabled models, the printer defaults to an active DHCP setting, meaning it will try to get an IP address from your router automatically. After it successfully gets an IP, it switches to a static IP to maintain a stable connection.
If you change your network or router, you may need to re-activate DHCP to get a new IP address. Printing a self-test page (see section 6) will show you the current IP address.
How to Manually Re-activate DHCP
- Turn the printer on and make sure paper is loaded.
- Press the Opening Button (4) to open the top cover.
- With the cover open, press and hold the Feed button (1).
- Keep holding the button for about 5-6 seconds, until you hear the buzzer ring 3 times.
- Release the button. DHCP is now activated.
- Close the cover and print a new self-test page to find the new IP address assigned by your router.
Troubleshooting Your KL‑787
S
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Printer feeds but prints blank | Paper loaded upside down | Re‑load with thermal side up |
| Intermittent / missing lines | Unstable power or dirty head | Check adapter and clean head with isopropyl wipe |
| Red light flashing | Out of paper or overheating | Load new roll or cool down a few minutes |
| Blurry / faded text | 1. Low-quality paper 2. Dirty print head 3. Print concentration set too low |
1. Use our standard consumables 2. Clean head (see precautions) 3. Increase concentration (see section 6) |
| Red light always on | Top cover not closed | Close until it clicks |
Detailed Precautions & Safe Operation
To ensure the long life and reliable operation of your printer, please follow these maintenance and safety precautions from the official user guide. Failure to do so can damage the print head, roller, or control circuits.
Environmental Precautions
- The printer should be installed in a flat, stable, and level place.
- Leave enough space around the printer for easy operation and maintenance access.
- Keep the printer far away from water sources. Do not operate in areas of high humidity, and avoid any condensation (damp air) from forming on the surface. If dew has formed, do not turn on the power until it has completely disappeared.
- Avoid direct sunlight, strong light, and direct heat sources (like heaters or radiators).
- Do not use or store the printer in places with high temperature, high humidity, or serious pollution (e.g., dusty workshops).
- Avoid placing the printer in locations subject to vibration and shock.
Electrical Safety
- Always turn the power off before performing daily maintenance or cleaning.
- Connect the power adapter to an appropriate, properly grounded socket.
- Avoid using the same socket as large motors or other equipment that can cause power voltage fluctuations, as this can lead to unstable printing.
- If you do not use the printer for a long time, please disconnect the power adapter from the outlet.
- When connecting or disconnecting any interface cable (like USB or LAN), the printer power must be turned off first to avoid damaging the printer’s control circuit.
- Prevent water or conductive substances (e.g., metal paper clips, staples, spills) from entering the inside of the printer. If this occurs, the power should be turned off immediately.
Operational Guidelines
- Never print without paper. The printer shall not be operated without paper loaded, as this will seriously damage the printer rubber roller and the thermal print head.
- Clean the Print Head: Over time, paper dust and adhesive can build up on the print head, causing blurry or faded prints. After every few rolls, gently wipe the thermal print head with a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol (with the power off and head cooled down).
- Reduce Print Concentration: When the printing effect is clear and meets your requirements, it is recommended that users reduce the printing concentration (see section 6) as much as possible. Running at maximum darkness at all times can affect the service life of the print head.
- Users are not allowed to disassemble the printer for overhaul. Any unauthorized service will void the warranty.
Kolon KL‑787 Technical Specifications
| Printing Method | Direct Thermal |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 203 dpi |
| Effective Width | 72 mm |
| Speed | Up to 150 mm/s |
| Max Roll Ø | 78 mm |
| Interfaces | USB (std) / Optional USB+BT / Optional USB+LAN |
| Adapter | DC 24V–1.5A |
| Sensors | Micro switch (head), photoelectric (paper) |
| Temperature | Thermistor (overheat protection) |
FAQs: Using the Kolon KL‑787 Receipt Printer
How do I install the KL‑787 on Windows 10/11?
Can I use 58mm and 80mm paper?
How do I switch between label and receipt modes?
Printer feeds but nothing prints. What’s wrong?
How do I make my print darker or lighter?
What do the flashing red or blue lights mean?
Buy Kolon Printers in the Middle East
For official sales and support in the Middle East, contact our trusted partner and printer supplier:
Leading distributor for KolonPOS equipment (barcode & label printers) across the Middle East.
