How do I control a ZPL label printer via USB

[Greg_NTI]

Hello,

I need to control a Zebra GX430t label printer via the USB interface, using ZPL II commands. While creating the ZPL II code is not a problem, I kind of get stuck on how to transfer the commands to the printer.

I can not use the Zebra GX430t as my standard printer, because it is used by another task.

I was searching for a way to connect trough NI-VISA, but cannot find the printer there as a resource.

Do I have to use the Windows SDK?

Can anyone please point me to the right direction?

Thanks,

Greg

[James-B]

Hi Greg,

Check out these two links.  They do a pretty good job describing how to use VISA drivers to control a USB device.

https://knowledge.ni.com/KnowledgeArticleDetails?id=kA00Z0000019La2SAE&l=en-US

https://knowledge.ni.com/KnowledgeArticleDetails?id=kA03q000000x1qzCAA&l=en-US

-Jim B

[DanielDu]

Hi Greg,

   I also encountered the same issue, could you show me the solution how you solved it.

  Thanks!

  Daniel

[Greg_NTI]

Hello Daniel,

sorry for the late reply. The solution I found is quite easy:

1) Install the Windows driver for the ZPL printer

2) Make that printer to the Windows default printer

3) in CVI, use the "PrintTextBuffer(..)" command from User Interface Library

4) This way, you can send ZPL commands directly to the printer.

I hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Greg

[DanielDu]

Hi Greg,

   Thanks for your replying.

   Have you ever try some commands in Labview?

BR

Daniel

[Greg_NTI]

Hello Daniel,

I am not very familiar with LabView, but I assume there is a VI that does the equivalent to the PrintTextBuffer() function in CVI.

Best Regards.
Greg

[Lemongrab]

Hello Daniel,

Have you been able to connect your ZPL label printer to NI MAX using the instructions in this white paper? 

http://www.ni.com/white-paper/4478/en/

Once connected through NI MAX you can then programmatically interact with it through LabVIEW: If the ZPL label printer conforms to the USB Test and Measurement Class (USBTMC) then LabVIEW can communicate with it using the NI-VISA USB INSTR class. If the label printer does not conform to this standard, then it is considered a USB RAW device and likely operates using its own communication protocol. In this case you will have to contact the manufacturer to learn the details of the device's specific communication protocol. I hope this answers your question and helps you get started!

[DanielDu]

Hi Earl C,

     Sorry for so lately reply.

     VISA usb driver for printer has been successfully installed based on this guide. NI MAX can detect this device. However, it's still very difficult to control printer because I haven't any experience for USB protocal.

     In fact, I have read carefully on the pinter programming guide, what I need to do is just send the file to printer, for example, following file "Printing.txt" send to printer, the label will automatically print out. But I don't know how to send it to printer by USB or Serial com.

<Printing.txt>

^XA

^PR1

^FO100,100

^GB70,70,70,,3^FS

^FO107,110^CF0,70,93

^FR^FDREVERSE^FS

^XZ

  attachment is programming guide,could you give me some more suggestion. Thanks!

[DanielDu]

Hi Earl C,

     Sorry for so lately reply.

     VISA usb driver for printer has been successfully installed based on this guide. NI MAX can detect this device. However, it's still very difficult to control printer because I haven't any experience for USB protocal.

     In fact, I have read carefully on the pinter programming guide, what I need to do is just send the file to printer, for example, following file "Printing.txt" send to printer, the label will automatically print out. But I don't know how to send it to printer by USB or Serial com.

<Printing.txt>

^XA

^PR1

^FO100,100

^GB70,70,70,,3^FS

^FO107,110^CF0,70,93

^FR^FDREVERSE^FS

^XZ

  attachment is programming guide,could you give me some more suggestion. Thanks!

[DanielDu]

 I have solved it by using serial 232 communcation. For USB control, I have successed install VISA driver , But I don't know how to send out the commands in the VISA interactive control, because there are many USB protocal related settings.