Printers, printer spindle assemblies, and methods for determining media width for controlling media tension

Printer spindle assembly is provided including media spindle having first end and second end, a commutator disposed circumferentially at first end, at least two brushes in electrical contact with commutator and connected to voltage source, a plurality of electrically conductive springs serially disposed on media spindle in electrical communication with commutator, and a continuous electrically conductive path formed of electrically resistive material disposed along longitudinal axis of media spindle and configured to be in electrical contact with first spring end of one or more electrically conductive springs in the compressed state to form series circuit. Voltage source, brushes, and commutator form closed electrical circuit. Each electrically conductive spring is configured to be in uncompressed state in absence of media on media spindle and one or more of electrically conductive springs is configured to be in compressed state in presence of media on media spindle.