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.
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The Bluetooth Interface Card Installs
Easily Into an Epson TM Series Printer |
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 procedure for connecting the host device
to the TM series printer using Bluetooth is detailed below. The
Epson Bluetooth Interface Card
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 Epson printer via Bluetooth. In order to print, you
must install a printer application on the PDA or computer.
Device Support
There is support for
connecting Epson printers with Bluetooth to Android devices,
Windows devices and Apple devices (see note).
Note: If you are trying to connect
an Apple iOS device to an Epson receipt printer you must use
the iOS compatible version of the Epson TM-T88V printer.
Contact us for details.
Windows: The Epson Advanced Printer
Driver, contains support for connecting some printers via
Bluetooth. Check the current list of supported drives at
epson.com
Android: The Epson TM Utility application
will communicate with the Bluetooth interface on some TM series
printers. This is available for free at Google Play. |
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1 Installation Steps
- Install and Enable Bluetooth on the
PDA/tablet/computer (host device)
- Pair the printer with the host device
- 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 an Epson TM-T88V
- On TM-T88V printer - set DIP switch bank 2, position
4 (2-4) to
ON. All other switches stay OFF
- Place Serial Connect-It interface card in printer
and connect to computer with Null Modem cable. May need
to restart system if cable was not plugged in at boot.
- Run Epson TM-T88V Utility - included on disc that
comes with printer.
- Select/Add Serial printer to the list of available
printers - baud rate will be at 38400.
- Choose "Communication I/F" from the list on the left
of the window under the [Advanced] section.
- Select baud rate 115200 from the dropdown menu and
click Apply.
- Exit the program.
- Power off the printer and replace the Serial
interface card with the Bluetooth interface card.
- Hold the power button down and turn printer on to
run a self-test. Printout from the self-test should say Serial interface and confirm
baud rate at 115200.
- Cycle printer power off and on.
- Pair printer with Bluetooth device (non iOS) and
print a test page
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.
- If the USB interface was used previously on the
TM-T88V then the Memory Switch setting may need to be
changed from USB to UIB (Universal
Interface Board).
See here for details.
For More Information
Epson Bluetooth Portable Printers
Star Bluetooth Portable Printers
Zebra Bluetooth Portable Printers
Wireless Printing
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