How to Connect a Bluetooth Printer

  • Setup your own wireless network for portable printers

  • We show how to connect an Epson POS printer using a Bluetooth virtual connection

  • Using an Epson printer with a Bluetooth interface card? Click here..

Background
Bluetooth is a standard for wirelessly connecting together peripheral devices such as personal
computers, printers, etc. It can be used to easily network together not only personal computers,
but a variety of devices as well.

Bluetooth also uses data encryption and random frequency switching technology to attain a
high level of security and prevent data interception.

 

Bluetooth Networking iPad iPhone Printer
A variety of devices can be used to connect with a Bluetooth Printer

Bluetooth uses a master/slave device relationship to create what is called a piconet. One device within the piconet network is the master device (also called the host) that generates a frequency hopping pattern. A maximum of seven slave devices can participate in a single network.
A slave device can also participate in another different piconet. In addition, the master device of one piconet can act as a slave device for a different piconet. The TM-P60 is a dedicated slave device.

The Bluetooth communication range is approximately 10 meters. The actual communication range differs depending on the surrounding radio wave environment, objects of interference, and the setup location. Make sure to sufficiently test the communication range when setting up a network.

The procedures for connecting the host device to the TM-P60 using Bluetooth are detailed below. The TM-P60 uses SSP (Serial Communication Protocol) to create the Bluetooth connection. Both a Bluetooth-compatible PDA and a Windows based computer are used as examples for connecting an EpsonTM-P60 via Bluetooth. In order to print, you must install a printer application on the PDA or computer.

1  Installation Steps

  1. Install and Enable Bluetooth on the PDA/tablet/computer (host device)
  2. Pair the printer with the host device
  3. Install the driver or application on the host device

 

2  Bluetooth Connection

2.1 Bluetooth Connection Overview
Follow the PDA Bluetooth setup tool instructions for setup operations. One example is indicated below. Use your host device manual for actual operations.


Steps for connecting a PDA to a portable printer


Since the output of Bluetooth radio waves is limited, communication can be affected by the setup location, direction installed, other devices in the area, etc., which may disrupt or decrease the speed of communication. As a result, make sure to thoroughly check device operation prior to using.


Establish the Bluetooth connection by using the PDA’s Bluetooth setup tool. Set up the connection by following the direction indicated by this tool.

 

Steps to Setup

2.2 PDA/Computer Preparation
Prepare a Bluetooth-compatible PDA or Computer to act as a Host.
The required operating environment is indicated below:
❏ Compatible with Bluetooth Ver.1.1
❏ Compatible with SPP (virtual serial connection)
❏ The user must provide and install the actual print application.


2.3 Turning printer power on
Check that a paper roll is loaded and that power is being supplied to the device; press the power button.
Note: If a serial cable (OT-RS60) is connected when the printer power is turned on, wireless communication functions will be disabled. Make sure to remove any serial cables before turning power on.
 

2.4 Starting the Bluetooth Setup Tool
Start up the Bluetooth setup tool from the PDA/Computer setup screen. Continue setup in accordance with this tool’s instructions.
 

2.5 Detecting Communication-ready Bluetooth Devices
Use the Bluetooth setup tool to detect nearby devices. The PDA searches the immediate area for
other devices that can be connected via Bluetooth. If a communication-ready TM-P60 is detected, the TM-P60 device name is displayed. The default name is “TAIYO SPP.”
Note: The device name may differ. Refer to the self-test print results (see below). If multiple devices can be connected, those device names will be listed.
 

2.6 Entering the Passkey
Input a passkey when the Bluetooth setup tool displays an input screen. Refer to the self-test print results for the passkey. The default setting is “4254.”
Note: The device name and passkey may differ. Refer to values shown in the self-test print results.
Some devices may time out if you take too long to enter the passkey. If this occurs, enter the passkey and
return to the previous step to set up.

2.7 Confirming the profiles that can be used
Use the Bluetooth setup tool to confirm the Bluetooth profiles that can be used. The TM-P60 supports only “SPP” (virtual serial communication).
Note: “Service” may be displayed as the profile.


2.8 Completing the Bluetooth Connection
The Bluetooth connection is complete once all setting are completed with the Bluetooth setup tool.
Once communication with a device has been established, some PDAs and Computers add a connection icon to their screen. This allows the user to re-establish connection by clicking the icon.

In Windows open the Bluetooth Settings tab to check to see that the device is listed and registered.


Taiyo SPP is the default name of the TM-TP60 Printer

Making Adjustments

This Bluetooth POS printer is able to be adjusted by the following means:
❏ DIP switch (handshake of serial communication conditions)
❏ Memory switch (buzzer on/off, status notification, serial communication conditions, paper roll width, print density, Bluetooth passkey and device name, other)
❏ Roll paper width (58mm / 60mm)
Adjusting the spacer and memory switch
❏ Change the Bluetooth passkey and device name.
The current settings can be confirmed by a self test. (See “Self test mode” below.)
Note: When you adjust these items, we recommend you to confirm the new settings. You can confirm the settings by running a self-test.
 

2.9 How to Confirm Current Settings
You can use a self-test to confirm the current settings (see below).
 

2.10 DIP switch
This printer has DIP switches 1~4. These are located as shown in the figure below.
1. Make sure the printer is turned off.

2.11 To access the DIP switches, remove the DIP switch cover by hand (pull out the cover and then pull it upward to release the projection.)

3. After set the DIP switch, attach the DIP switch cover

Note: Serial communication settings are assigned with the Memory Switch (baud rate, parity). Use the memory switch utility included with the Epson driver to set the values.
 

3.1 Confirming the Current Settings of the Printer
This printer has two functions to confirm the current setting of the printer.
❏ Self test mode
This mode prints all settings of the printer and a character printing test on roll paper.
(Ex: serial communication condition, Bluetooth setting, memory switch setting, etc...)

3.2 Self test mode
The self test lets you know if your printer is operating properly. It checks the control circuits, printer mechanisms, print quality, control software version, and DIP switch settings.
This test is independent of any other equipment or software, so it is a good idea that run it when you first set up the printer. If the self test works correctly, it suggests the problem may be with the other equipment or the software, not the printer.

To Run the Self Test
1. Make sure the printer is turned off and the roll paper cover is closed properly.
2. While holding down the FEED button, turn on the printer using the switch on the top front of the printer. The self test prints the printer settings and then prints the following, cuts the paper, and pauses.


If you want to continue SELF-TEST printing, please press
FEED button.

3.3 Resetting the Bluetooth Settings in the Printer
You can reset the printer to the default settings by following this procedure. This will reset the printer’s Bluetooth settings (passkey, device name).
1. Open the paper roll cover.
2. Turn the printer On while pressing the FEED button.
3. Press the FEED button 6 times.
4. Close the paper roll cover.
5. The reset instructions are printed. (Open the paper roll cover, press the FEED button once or twice, close the paper roll cover.)
The reset begins after “Initialize” prints and the paper roll has been cut. The printer restarts after initialization.
Note: For the TM-P60, initialization completes 30-60 seconds after the paper roll is cut.

Tips for Use

❏ See “Communication Range” below for information about Bluetooth communication range.
❏ Place Bluetooth compatible devices away from other electrical devices. Do not operate near automatic doors, fire alarms, etc., as a malfunction could occur. Using a device such as a microwave oven that emits strong high-frequency energy may cause interference. If this occurs, relocate the Bluetooth device(s) to a location with less interference.
❏ If a device that uses the same frequency range is located nearby, improper communication may result. If this occurs, relocate the printer device(s) to a location with less interference.
❏ Bluetooth and wireless LAN use the same frequency range (2.4GHz). Using both types of devices near each other can cause interference. Make sure to separate by 10 meters or more

Windows Driver Installation

The Epson Windows driver provides the communication link to the TM-P60 printer. It is not possible to use the printer without installing the driver.

Install the Epson Advanced Printer Drivers for Windows. Select the printer and port type used. For a TM-P60 Receipt printer, use TM-P60 Receipt and Serial Port options.


The first step in installing the driver is Adding the Printer


Choose the Printer from the Pull Down - It's easy to get lost here!

 


Common Settings for a TM-P60 Printer with Bluetooth (SPP Serial)


The printer should appear in the Printers Folder of the Control Panel when you're done

Note: The Tayio SPP Bluetooth device will appear as an unspecified device even after the printer is installed. 

Details on Installing the Windows Driver

Troubleshooting

Steps to try first
Try the following basic troubleshooting steps first. They may quickly resolve your issue.

  1.  If your Bluetooth device(s) uses batteries, make sure that your batteries are charged.
  2. If your Bluetooth device uses a transceiver that connects to your computer through a USB port, try connecting the transceiver to another USB port on your computer.
  3. If there are multiple Bluetooth devices connected to your computer, temporarily remove the devices that you are not troubleshooting. If there are additional USB devices, try removing any USB devices that you do not have to have installed during the troubleshooting process. If you have multiple devices that are connected by using USB, this can interfere with a Bluetooth transceiver.
  4. Verify that the Bluetooth device that you are troubleshooting is powered on and that it is enabled.
  5. Printing requires an application and/or driver designed for this printer. In the case of Windows the Epson Windows printer driver provides the communication link to the TM-P60 printer. It is not possible to test or use the printer without first installing the driver.
     

Printer Troubleshooting

Q I can't print; the green power light is flashing; printer shows as 'Not Available' in the printers folder
 A flashing green power light on the TM-P60 indicates that the printer is not connected with the host. A solid light indicates that the printer has established a network connection with the host. Specifically it shows that the Epson Port Communication Service has established a connection with the printer.

Try stopping then restarting the Print Spooler in the Services section of the Windows Control Panel to reset the connection. Allow 1-2 minutes to the connection to be reset after restart,

Try restarting the computer and turning the printer on and off to to a cold reset. 

Q I cannot connect the TM-P60 to Bluetooth. What should I do?
A 1 Check the TM-P60 and host device’s Bluetooth settings.
Use an admin utility to confirm the host device’s Bluetooth settings. Print a TM-P60 self test to confirm if the device is recognized. The passkey, device name, and Bluetooth address are printed on the self test. See above on details on how to run a self test.
A .2 Another network is causing radio wave interference.
Radio wave interference can occur if a wireless LAN network is operating in the same area.
Move the devices to a different area if this is the case.
A 3 There is an electrical noise source near the TM-P60.
Communication may be impeded if a microwave oven or motor is operating in the same
vicinity. Move the host device or TM-P60 and check that communication is possible farther
away from the noise source.
A 4 Check that the TM-P60 power is On.
Turn on power to the TM-P60 device.
A 5 Reset the TM-P60 device to its default settings.
Reset the TM-P60 to its default settings. (See “Resetting the Printer” above). Reset all
communication settings after doing so.
A 6 There is a problem with the host device.
If available, replace the host device with another functioning host device.

Q The device is disconnected from the network after connecting for several minutes.
A .1 The host device may be using a power management or suspend function.
Check that the power management and suspend functions on the host device are turned off.
 

Q. Power to the TM-P60 shuts off after being on several minutes.
A .1 The TM-P60's automatic power off interval is incorrectly set.
If an “Automatic Power Off Interval” is set for the memory switch, the TM-P60 will automatically shut off in no data is received during the specified interval. Check the TM P60’s power management function. (See “Memory Switches” (page 2-15).)
 

Q. I cannot print.
A .1 TM-P60 power is off.
Turn on power to the TM-P60.
A .2 Power shuts off during printing.
The battery has no charge. Replace or charge the battery, or plug in the AC adapter.

Windows Troubleshooting

 Make sure that your Bluetooth device is discoverable and that your computer is set to enable Bluetooth devices to connect to your computer
1. Right-click the Bluetooth icon in the notification area, and then click Open Bluetooth Settings.
 

Note If the Bluetooth icon is not in the notification area, click Start, click Run, type bthprops.cpl, and then click OK. To use the bthprops.cpl command, make sure that your version of Windows supports your Epson Bluetooth adapter and the Bluetooth adapter has been successfully installed on your Windows based computer.
 

2. On the Bluetooth Options tab, click to select the Turn discovery on check box, and then click Apply.

3. To enable Bluetooth devices to connect to your computer, click to select the Allow Bluetooth devices to connect to this computer check box, and then click OK.

4. Check the ports settings in the Ports Tab of the Printer Properties tab in the TM-P60 Printer in the Printers Folder. Compare it to the COM port listed in the Bluetooth Settings.


Find the COM Port used in the Bluetooth Settings


Check the COM Port used in the Printer Properties Tab in the Printers Folder

Advanced troubleshooting
•What you can do if your Bluetooth devices do not function
•What you can do when your device is not detected

What you can do when your device is not detected
1.In Device Manager in the Windows Control Panel, locate Bluetooth Radios, and then verify that the radio is listed.

To do this, open the Device Manager or  follow these steps to open from the Run command:
a. Click Start, and then click Run.
b. Type devmgmt.msc, and then click OK.
c. Locate and then click the Bluetooth radio device.


2.Determine what other USB devices are currently connected. The Bluetooth device may not have enough power.
 

  • If there are no entries in Device Manager or in Control Panel, the transceiver is not obtaining enough power for detection. Try unplugging other USB devices.
  • If Device Manager and Control Panel entries exist for a device, but the device is not detected or it is not connecting correctly, the device may not have been authenticated through the software.
     

Notes

  • When the transceiver is unplugged, Windows will remove the Bluetooth Radios category in Device Manager, but the Bluetooth Devices icon will remain in Control Panel.
  • Bluetooth devices typically require 500 milliamps (mA). Determine what other USB devices are connected. You may have to add a self-powered hub to support additional devices on the USB port.
  • If the device does not authenticate during the detection process, remove the device, and then add it again without a passkey.
  • If previous steps do not resolve the issue, try the device on another computer. If the device does not work on another computer, the issue is in Windows.
     

For More Information

Epson TM-P60 Printer
Epson TM-P60 Printer App for iOS
Epson TM-P80 Printer
Epson Bluetooth Desktop Adapter Card
Epson mPOS Printers
Star Bluetooth Portable Printers
Zebra Bluetooth Portable Printers
Wireless Printing
How to connect an Ethernet Interface


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