How to configure printer with LabCollector? - LabCollector

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SUMMARY:

LabCollector allows you to create barcodes for all the records, using their unique ID’s. These barcodes help to gather all the information related to the specific record. You can create barcodes for all samples, reagents, etc.

To set up and use the printer, follow the below steps:-

1. Types of printers & compatible printers

2. Set up the printer

  • USB printer
  • Network printer

3. Configure printer & label settings in LabCollector

  • USB printer
  • Network printer

1. Types of printers & compatible printers

  • There are two types of printers, namely, USB and a Network printer.
  • USB printers: It is a local printer that is only connected to one PC. It cannot be connected to other PC simultaneously.
  • Network printer: These kinds of printers can be used over a ‘print server’ (a device that manages incoming requests & sends print jobs to the appropriate printer.) or with direct printer IP (Internet Protocol). For such printers, you need to know the IP address of the printer and the port number if assigned any.
  • You need to know before the purchase, which type of printer you are going to use.
  • LabCollector supports direct printing with printers like Brady, Zebra & CAB printers.
  • Please read our KB on compatible label printers with LabCollector.
  • You can easily purchase compatible printers with LabCollector from our website storage accessories.

2. Set up the printer

  • Once the new printer arrives at your place, please open it carefully.
  • Thoroughly read the manual that comes with the printer to understand how it functions.
  • You can also find a Youtube video for the introduction of the printer you purchased. For example, for a Brady BBPP12 printer, check this link to see the video.
  • Similar way you can find specific video related to your printer.
  • Once you are aware of how the printer parts function, switch on the printer.
  • Install the drivers of the printers from the CDs or from the website of the printer that you have bought. The driver, if already installed will be available by the name and series of your printer.

    Note
    For Zebra & Brady we recommend the drivers from SeagullScientific/Bartender

  • USB printer set up

    • As stated above, the USB printer is a printer that is only connected to one PC. It cannot be connected to other PC simultaneously.
    • To know which printer you have you can either check it in the manual that comes with the printer or google the printer’s specific series name. For example, there are several Brady printers, each has a specific series name like BBPP12-34L.
    • If you are connecting the printer for the first time, you need to install the relevant printer drivers.
    • For further information on how to connect USB printers to your computer & LabCollector.
    • You need to configure settings for the USB printer in LabCollector, which is explained below in section 3.

 

  • Network printer setup

    • As explained above the network printer is a one that can have connections over a network to various computers.
    • For example, a computer in your institute or department where everyone can print anything on it using their own PCs.
    • To know which printer you have you can either check it in the manual that comes with the printer or google the printer’s specific series name. For example, there are several Brady printers, each has a specific series name like BBPP12-34L
    • To set up such a printer you need to first install the relevant drivers for the printer that you purchased.
    • You can find these drivers either on the CD that comes with the printer or from the relevant printer website.
    • To connect your computer with a network you need information such as IP address and the port number.
    • IP address: You can find the IP address for your network printer by using various methods or asking the IT person in your institute
      • Another way to find the IP address is by using third-party software like “Advanced IP Scanner”. You can download this and install it on your computer and click on the “Scan” button to scan all the IP address in your computer’s network. After the scanning is finished you will see the name of your printer and its IP address.
      • *“Internet Protocol” (IP) — is a string of numbers, separated by dots, that identifies a computer or device on the internet or its local network. 
    • Port: The port 9100 is usually the default port for printing.
      WARNING: Leave it untouched unless you have a good reason to change it.
    • You need to configure settings for the network printer in LabCollector, which is explained below in section 3.

3. Configure printer & label settings in LabCollector 

  • For your printer to connect to the LabCollector you need to set up the printers and labels settings in LabCollector.
  • You need to define the port and IP address for the printers to connect to LabCollector.

  • USB Printer

    • To print using the USB printer (Zebra & Brady) you need a raw printer bridge utility to be installed on your computer.
    • You can download this utility from the client area.
    • You need to define the port and IP address (Check section 2 above for IP address & port).
    • For further information on how to connect USB printers to your computer & LabCollector.
    • You can directly print, once the printer driver and printer is connected to your computer.
    • For barcode label printing, you need to define the label roll and dimensions in LabCollector, in order to properly print the barcodes.
      – For labels settings in LabCollector, you need to go to ADMIN-> OTHER -> SETUP -> PRINTERS & LABELS -> LABEL ROLL TYPES
    • Please check our KBs on:-
      – Label network printers and roll types
      – How to print Barcode labels
      – Barcode label generation and printing

  • Network Printer

    • You need to configure the IP address and port number for network printers.
    • You need to add this IP address and Port number by login into the LabCollector on your computer and going to ADMIN-> OTHER -> SETUP -> PRINTERS & LABELS -> NETWORK LABEL PRINTERS (EPL/JSCRIPT)
    • When you go to Network label printer you will see the below options
    • 1. Here you can add the printer name. For example, we have added a Brady printer name.
    • 2. Here you need to add the IP address or your domain and the port which is by default 9100.
    • 3. You can choose the printer resolution according to your printer. You generally know this when you purchase a printer.
      * You can check the resolution in the printer manual. You can find the manual online too by typing the printer name with series on google.
    • 4. You can select the language of your printer. You generally know this information when you purchase it, or you can contact our technical support and enquire.
      * You can check the resolution in the printer manual. You can find the information online too by typing the printer name, series & searching for language on google.
    • You also need to set the dimensions of the labels for your printer.
      *Please check our KB to see how to set up network printer & labels and roll type.

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