A signal converter (180) that may perform functions to enable a thermally based technology to be used with a piezo-electric printhead (190). The signal converter and piezo-electric printhead may optionally by used in conjunction with a chassis assembly (100) having an adjustable vertical member (115) for sizing the chassis assembly to a printer. Methods of using a piezo-electric printhead in a printer having a thermal printhead configuration may include the steps of coupling the printhead to the printer and performing conversion functions.