so i really want a decent size label printer to make shipping items easier. there are new thermal label printers out there for about $100. but the label size is small. i like the 4x6" size labels, which are compatible with USPS, FedEx, UPS, et al.
decided on the zebra LP2844. curiously enough, there's a lot of those on Ebay - however *most* of them are zebra oem models that only work with ups, or only work with fedex. seems somewhat like "network locked" phones. the printer really doesn't work with other software.
there is a Zebra LP 2844-Z model, should work without issues. so now i'm on the lookout for one of those.
i learned a few troubleshooting tricks along the way. once i got the drivers installed i was surprised when it only printed ascii garbage. my problem was while trying to print a test page (dump mode), i siwtched the printer over to "line mode". it stays that way until manually set back to page mode.
line mode v. page mode.
https://support.zebra.com/cpws/docs/eltron/epl_ln2pg.htm
https://support.zebra.com/cpws/docs/eltron/epl_ln_pg_mod.htm
test commands
https://support.zebra.com/cpws/docs/eltron/epl_com_test.htm
general install pages:
https://support.zebra.com/cpws/docs/zd/zd_installing_printer_driver.htm
https://support.zebra.com/cpws/docs/zd/zd_create_basic_label.htm