Printer

The Printer API module provides access to find, connect, and print over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB from Android and Windows Mobie/CE devices.

This general API does not provide access to manufacturer-specific features such as those found in the PrintingZebra API. If you wish to have access to general and manufacturer-specific features, you must include this general API as as well as the printer-specific extension in your build.yml file.

Notes

Windows Mobile/CE platforms require the Printing Service application to be running. This is described in the Printing Guide.
Unless using the printer’s ‘line mode’ (for sending raw text strings), Zebra recommends sending ZPL only.
USB printing is supported on Android and Windows Mobile/CE platforms on RMS 5.3 and higher.

Enabling the API

To use this API you must include the following extension in your build.yml:

extensions: ["printing"]

Note: If you are building a Windows Mobile or Windows CE app with this API, you must set your app_type as “rhoelements” in your build.yml as shown in the build-time settings guide.

JavaScript Usage

Be sure to review the JavaScript API Usage guide for important information about using this API in JavaScript.

Ruby Usage

Be sure to review the Ruby API Usage guide for important information about using this API in Ruby.

Methods

connect

(CallBackHandler callback)

Connect to a printer using default options. Works asynchronously; use callback to check the result. If connection is successful printer state and properties are automatically updated. **Note: Default options are defined by printer SDK and platform and may vary between different devices.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

callback : CallBackHandler Optional

Async Callback Returning Parameters: STRING

Synchronous Return:

Void : this method also supports async callbacks - check the Callback tab for callback return parameters.

Method Access:

Instance Method: This method can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.connect(CallBackHandler callback)
Default Instance: This method can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.connect(CallBackHandler callback)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.connect(CallBackHandler callback)

connectWithOptions

(HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)

Connect to a printer with user options. Works asynchronously; use callback to check the result. After this function call, the printer state is automatically updated.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

options : HASH

Connect options.

timeout : INTEGER Optional Default: 15000

Connection timeout in milliseconds. Must be larger than 0.
Platforms:WM, CE, iOS, Android
additionalStringOption : STRING Optional

Any additional info; currently unused.

callback : CallBackHandler Optional

Async Callback Returning Parameters: STRING

Synchronous Return:

Void : this method also supports async callbacks - check the Callback tab for callback return parameters.

Method Access:

Instance Method: This method can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.connectWithOptions(HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)
Default Instance: This method can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.connectWithOptions(HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.connectWithOptions(HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)

disconnect

(CallBackHandler callback)

Disconnect from a printer and release OS resources. Works asynchronously; use callback to check the result.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

callback : CallBackHandler Optional

Async Callback Returning Parameters: STRING

Synchronous Return:

Void : this method also supports async callbacks - check the Callback tab for callback return parameters.

Method Access:

Instance Method: This method can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.disconnect(CallBackHandler callback)
Default Instance: This method can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.disconnect(CallBackHandler callback)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.disconnect(CallBackHandler callback)

enumerateSupportedControlLanguages

(CallBackHandler callback)

Returns an array with languages supported by this printer.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

callback : CallBackHandler Optional

Async Callback Returning Parameters: ARRAY

Object : STRING

Language. See - PRINTER_LANGUAGE_… constants.

Synchronous Return:

ARRAY :
Array of supported printer control languages.
: this method also supports async callbacks - check the Callback tab for callback return parameters.
- Object : STRING
  
  Language. See - PRINTER_LANGUAGE_… constants.

Method Access:

Instance Method: This method can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.enumerateSupportedControlLanguages(CallBackHandler callback)
Default Instance: This method can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.enumerateSupportedControlLanguages(CallBackHandler callback)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.enumerateSupportedControlLanguages(CallBackHandler callback)

enumerateSupportedTypes

(CallBackHandler callback)

Immediately returns an array with supported printer types. The result depends on your build configuration. Each extension is linked to application during build. To add or remove support for any printer type, update extension list in the build.yml.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

callback : CallBackHandler Optional

Async Callback Returning Parameters: ARRAY

Object : STRING

Type of device.

Synchronous Return:

ARRAY :
Array of currently supported printer types. Depends on build settings. May contain PRINTER_TYPE_ZEBRA, PRINTER_TYPE_EPSON, PRINTER_TYPE_APD, PRINTER_TYPE_NATIVE in any combination.
: this method also supports async callbacks - check the Callback tab for callback return parameters.
- Object : STRING
  
  Type of device.

Method Access:

Class Method: This method can only be accessed via the API class object.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.enumerateSupportedTypes(CallBackHandler callback)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.enumerateSupportedTypes(CallBackHandler callback)

getAllProperties

(CallBackHandler callback)

This method will return all of object/value pairs for the propertyNames of the API class.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

callback : CallBackHandler Optional

Async Callback Returning Parameters: HASH

: STRING

Synchronous Return:

HASH :
Map of all available properties
: this method also supports async callbacks - check the Callback tab for callback return parameters.
- : STRING

Method Access:

Instance Method: This method can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.getAllProperties(CallBackHandler callback)
Default Instance: This method can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.getAllProperties(CallBackHandler callback)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.getAllProperties(CallBackHandler callback)

getDefault

()

This method will return an object that represents the default instance of the API Class. For example Camera.getDefault will return a Camera object that represents the default camera.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Synchronous Return:

SELF_INSTANCE :
Default object of Module.

Method Access:

Class Method: This method can only be accessed via the API class object.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.getDefault()
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.getDefault()

getPrinterByID

(STRING printerId)

Returns printer instance specified by printerId. Returns null is no printers contains the ID. To get valid printerId, use searchPrinters function.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

printerId : STRING

Synchronous Return:

SELF_INSTANCE

Method Access:

Class Method: This method can only be accessed via the API class object.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.getPrinterByID(STRING printerId)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.getPrinterByID(STRING printerId)

getProperties

(ARRAY arrayofNames, CallBackHandler callback)

This method will return a set of object/value pairs for the list of the propertyName that is passed in. The propertyNames must be a valid property of the API class.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

arrayofNames : ARRAY

List of properties I want to know about

Object : STRING

callback : CallBackHandler Optional

Async Callback Returning Parameters: HASH

: STRING

Synchronous Return:

HASH :
Map of properties I want to know about
: this method also supports async callbacks - check the Callback tab for callback return parameters.
- : STRING

Method Access:

Instance Method: This method can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.getProperties(ARRAY arrayofNames, CallBackHandler callback)
Default Instance: This method can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.getProperties(ARRAY arrayofNames, CallBackHandler callback)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.getProperties(ARRAY arrayofNames, CallBackHandler callback)

getProperty

(STRING propertyName, CallBackHandler callback)

This method will return the value of the propertyName that is passed in. The propertyName must be a valid property of the API class.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

propertyName : STRING

The property to return info about.
callback : CallBackHandler Optional

Async Callback Returning Parameters: STRING

Synchronous Return:

STRING :
The property to return info about.
: this method also supports async callbacks - check the Callback tab for callback return parameters.

Method Access:

Instance Method: This method can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.getProperty(STRING propertyName, CallBackHandler callback)
Default Instance: This method can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.getProperty(STRING propertyName, CallBackHandler callback)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.getProperty(STRING propertyName, CallBackHandler callback)

printFile

(STRING filePathOnDevice, HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)

Prints file. Works asynchronously; use callback to check the result. File extension is used to determine its type. Supported image types: JPEG and PNG.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

filePathOnDevice : STRING

Full path to local image file on the device.
options : HASH Optional

Providing no properties to this function will print with default settings. Reserved for future use.

propertyWithStringValue : STRING Optional

This is currently not being used.
propertyWithIntValue : INTEGER Optional

Currently unused.

callback : CallBackHandler Optional

Async Callback Returning Parameters: STRING

Synchronous Return:

Void : this method also supports async callbacks - check the Callback tab for callback return parameters.

Method Access:

Instance Method: This method can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.printFile(STRING filePathOnDevice, HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)
Default Instance: This method can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.printFile(STRING filePathOnDevice, HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.printFile(STRING filePathOnDevice, HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)

printImageFromFile

(STRING filePathOnDevice, INTEGER x, INTEGER y, HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)

Prints an image from a device’s file system to the connected printer as a monochrome image. Works asynchronously; use callback to check the result. Images larger than 1024x768 might take a long time or print incorrectly. Consult printer documentation for image printing parameters.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

filePathOnDevice : STRING

Full path to local image file on the device. (The image must be either a PNG or JPG, all other types are platform depend).
x : INTEGER

Horizontal starting position in dots.
y : INTEGER

Vertical starting position in dots.
options : HASH Optional

Provide a set of optional parameters.

width : INTEGER

Desired width of the printed image. Passing -1 will preserve original width.
height : INTEGER

Desired height of the printed image. Passing -1 will preserve original height.
isInsideFormat : BOOLEAN

Boolean value indicating whether this image should be printed by itself (false), or is part of a format being written to the connection (true).

callback : CallBackHandler Optional

Async Callback Returning Parameters: STRING

Synchronous Return:

Void : this method also supports async callbacks - check the Callback tab for callback return parameters.

Method Access:

Instance Method: This method can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.printImageFromFile(STRING filePathOnDevice, INTEGER x, INTEGER y, HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)
Default Instance: This method can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.printImageFromFile(STRING filePathOnDevice, INTEGER x, INTEGER y, HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.printImageFromFile(STRING filePathOnDevice, INTEGER x, INTEGER y, HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)

printRawString

(STRING command, HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)

Send raw string to printer. Works asynchronously, use callback to check the result. **Note: This method will not print ZPL commands from Windows Mobile/CE devices to Zebra printers; compatible with line mode or raw text only.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

command : STRING

Raw string to print. Could be any valid command in printer supported programming language.
options : HASH Optional

Providing no properties to this function will print with default settings.

propertyWithStringValue : STRING Optional

This is currently not being used.
propertyWithIntValue : INTEGER Optional

Currently unused.

callback : CallBackHandler Optional

Async Callback Returning Parameters: HASH

status : STRING

PRINTER_STATUS_SUCCESS, PRINTER_STATUS_ERROR.
message : STRING Optional

Error message, only if status = ERROR.
stringResponce : STRING Optional

Response from printer if received, converted to string from byteArray(original data)
Platforms:Android, WM
byteArrayResponce : ARRAY Optional

Response from printer if received.
Platforms:Android

Object : INTEGER

Synchronous Return:

Void : this method also supports async callbacks - check the Callback tab for callback return parameters.

Method Access:

Instance Method: This method can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.printRawString(STRING command, HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)
Default Instance: This method can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.printRawString(STRING command, HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.printRawString(STRING command, HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)

requestState

(ARRAY listOfParameters, CallBackHandler callback)

Requests printer state with a list of parameters. Works asynchronously and uses the callback to check the result. Returns hash with status and parameters as keys. **

On the Windows Mobile / Windows CE platform, this method does not work in the case of a Bluetooth and USB connection.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

listOfParameters : ARRAY

List of parameters for request from printer device.

Object : STRING

Parameter name - see constants with PRINTER_STATE_…

callback : CallBackHandler Mandatory

Async Callback Returning Parameters: HASH

status : STRING

PRINTER_STATUS_SUCCESS, PRINTER_STATUS_ERROR.
message : STRING Optional

Error message, only if status = ERROR.
propertyWithIntValue : INTEGER Optional

Currently unused.

Synchronous Return:

Void : this method also supports async callbacks - check the Callback tab for callback return parameters.

Method Access:

Instance Method: This method can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.requestState(ARRAY listOfParameters, CallBackHandler callback)
Default Instance: This method can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.requestState(ARRAY listOfParameters, CallBackHandler callback)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.requestState(ARRAY listOfParameters, CallBackHandler callback)

searchPrinters

(HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)

Searches for printers connected to the device via Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi or USB. To reduce search times, it is highly recommended that searches for wireless connections be done by specific MAC address (Bluetooth) or IP address (Wi-Fi). This method also can be used to retrieve the printerID for a known Bluetooth or network printer specifying the deviceAddress options parameter. Result is returned asynchronously using a callback called for each discovered printer. Search is finished if printerID is not set in callback hash. Note that discovery is not guaranteed to return all the available devices. It is therefore recommended that this method run 2-3 times for maximum accuracy.

                **NOTE**: On certain Android devices, calling searchPrinters() over Bluetooth or TCP can cause the application to freeze momentarily or to display an alert that "The application has stopped responding." In such cases, it is recommended that the user tap the "Continue waiting" button.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

options : HASH Optional

Options for discover.

printerType : STRING Optional Default: PRINTER_TYPE_ANY

Printer types to search. Make sure that Printer type is supported by calling enumerateSupportedTypes method.
connectionType : STRING Optional Default: CONNECTION_TYPE_ANY

Interfaces for search (Bluetooth/TCP/All).
timeout : INTEGER Optional Default: 30000

Maximum search interval in milliseconds, applies to network discovery. This is the maximum interval for wait during connection attempt. Note that if no printer was found, even with timeout property, status will be set to PRINTER_STATUS_SUCCESS, but without any printerId.
deviceAddress : STRING Optional

Printer address (MAC, device serial number or IP address) can be used for setting either subnet mask or full address of printer. For TCP if address is not specified /8 subnet will be used for search.
devicePort : INTEGER Optional Default: 6101

Override default printer port number. Applicable for network discovery only.

callback : CallBackHandler Mandatory

Async Callback Returning Parameters: HASH

status : STRING

Status of network discovery, can be the following: * PRINTER_STATUS_SUCCESS - when printer is discovered or operation is finished; * PRINTER_STATUS_ERROR - general error * PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_UNSUPPORTED - in case if printer type is not supported * PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_NOT_CONNECTED - in case if deviceAddress was specified in options and device was unable to connect to printer.
printerID : STRING Optional

**Printer ID, valid only if status equals = ‘PRINTER_STATUS_SUCCESS’. If no more printers are available, printerID will be undefined.
message : STRING Optional

Error message if status = ERROR**.

Synchronous Return:

Void : this method also supports async callbacks - check the Callback tab for callback return parameters.

Method Access:

Class Method: This method can only be accessed via the API class object.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.searchPrinters(HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.searchPrinters(HASH options, CallBackHandler callback)

setDefault

(SELF_INSTANCE: Rho::Printer defaultInstance)

This method allows you to set the attributes of the default object instance by passing in an object of the same class.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

defaultInstance : SELF_INSTANCE: Rho::Printer

An instance object that is of the same class.

Synchronous Return:

Void

Method Access:

Class Method: This method can only be accessed via the API class object.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.setDefault(SELF_INSTANCE: Rho::Printer defaultInstance)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.setDefault(SELF_INSTANCE: Rho::Printer defaultInstance)

setProperties

(HASH propertyMap)

This method will set the values of a list of properties for the API class. The propertyName must be a valid property for the class and must also not be read only.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

propertyMap : HASH

Map of properties I want to set

Object : STRING

Synchronous Return:

Void

Method Access:

Instance Method: This method can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.setProperties(HASH propertyMap)
Default Instance: This method can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.setProperties(HASH propertyMap)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.setProperties(HASH propertyMap)

setProperty

(STRING propertyName, STRING propertyValue)

This method will set the value of a property for the API class. The propertyName must be a valid property for the class and must also not be read only.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Parameters

propertyName : STRING

The one property name that I want to set
propertyValue : STRING

The one property value that I want to set

Synchronous Return:

Void

Method Access:

Instance Method: This method can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.setProperty(STRING propertyName, STRING propertyValue)
Default Instance: This method can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.setProperty(STRING propertyName, STRING propertyValue)
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.setProperty(STRING propertyName, STRING propertyValue)

stopSearch

()

Immediately stops all active search requests and cancels pending search requests. Does not return a result.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad

Synchronous Return:

Void

Method Access:

Class Method: This method can only be accessed via the API class object.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.stopSearch()
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.stopSearch()

Properties

: STRING Read Only

Description
Access

Unique printer ID during application lifetime.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Property Access:

Instance: This property can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.ID
Default Instance: This property can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.ID
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.ID

connectionType

: STRING Read Only

Description
Access

Type of connection to printer.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Property Access:

Instance: This property can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.connectionType
Default Instance: This property can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.connectionType
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.connectionType

deviceAddress

: STRING Read Only

Description
Access

IP address for Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth® MAC address or device serial number. Note: iOS uses device serial number instead of MAC address. If you need to get device MAC you can use CPCL command ! U1 getvar “bluetooth.address”

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Property Access:

Instance: This property can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.deviceAddress
Default Instance: This property can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.deviceAddress
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.deviceAddress

deviceName

: STRING Read Only

Description
Access

Bluetooth/Network name of printer.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Property Access:

Instance: This property can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.deviceName
Default Instance: This property can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.deviceName
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.deviceName

devicePort

: INTEGER

Description
Access

Default port when connecting with TCP/IP.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Property Access:

Instance: This property can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.devicePort
Default Instance: This property can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.devicePort
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.devicePort

isConnected

: BOOLEAN Read Only

Description
Access

Connection status flag. All other properties are valid only if isConnect = true. Note: This property does not guarantee a real connection, because all real device functionality is processed in separate thread asynchronously. If you want a real physical connection, use requestState() method with receive result in the callback. This is the only guaranteed method of processing real requests to the device and analyzing answers from the device.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Property Access:

Instance: This property can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.isConnected
Default Instance: This property can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.isConnected
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.isConnected

printerType

: STRING Read Only

Description
Access

Type of printer - see PRINTER_TYPE_… constants.

JavaScript Ruby Android iphone, ipod touch, ipad Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Windows Embedded

Property Access:

Instance: This property can be accessed via an instance object of this class:
- myObject.printerType
Default Instance: This property can be accessed via the default instance object of this class.
- JavaScript: Rho.Printer.printerType
- Ruby: Rho::Printer.printerType

Constants

PRINTER_LANGUAGE_ZPL: Printer control language ZPL
PRINTER_LANGUAGE_CPCL: Printer control language CPCL
PRINTER_LANGUAGE_EPS: Printer control language EPS. Not Supported in RMS 4.1
PRINTER_TYPE_ANY
PRINTER_TYPE_NATIVE: Not supported in RMS 4.1
PRINTER_TYPE_ZEBRA
PRINTER_TYPE_EPSON: Not supported in RMS 4.1
PRINTER_TYPE_APD: Not supported in RMS 4.1
CONNECTION_TYPE_ANY
CONNECTION_TYPE_ON_BOARD: Not supported in RMS 4.1
CONNECTION_TYPE_USB: Supported in RMS 5.1, EB 1.3
CONNECTION_TYPE_BLUETOOTH
CONNECTION_TYPE_TCP
PRINTER_STATUS_SUCCESS
PRINTER_STATUS_ERROR
PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_IO
PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_MEMORY
PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_NETWORK
PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_NOT_CONNECTED
PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_NOT_FOUND
PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_PARAM
PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_PROCESSING
PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_RESPONSE
PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_TIMEOUT
PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_UNSUPPORTED
PRINTER_STATE_IS_READY_TO_PRINT: Use this name for requestState(), return true if printer ready to print.
PRINTER_STATE_IS_COVER_OPENED: Use this name for requestState(), return true if cover is opened.
PRINTER_STATE_IS_DRAWER_OPENED: Use this name for requestState(), return true if drawer is opened.
PRINTER_STATE_IS_PAPER_OUT: Use this name for requestState(), return true if paper out.
PRINTER_STATE_IS_BATTERY_LOW: Use this name for requestState(), return true if battery low.

Examples

Printing via Bluetooth

To print to the Zebra printer, your app must first search for the device. In this example we are using the searchPrinters method and passing in options to limit the search to Bluetooth and also look for Zebra printers only. If we knew the printer Bluetooth address we could have added the ‘deviceAddress’ parameter. The callback function will be executed for each printer found. When a printer is found the callback object will contain a ‘printerID’ property. This ID is an internal RhoMobie ID used. If no printerID property is there for the successful callback object, then it means that the search has finished.

JavaScript
Ruby

var printers = [];

Rho.Printer.searchPrinters({
    connectionType:Rho.Printer.CONNECTION_TYPE_BLUETOOTH,
    printerType: Rho.Printer.PRINTER_TYPE_ZEBRA
    }, function (cb){
        if(cb.status == 'PRINTER_STATUS_SUCCESS')
        {
            if (typeof cb.printerID != "undefined")
            {
                console.log('Found: ' + cb.printerID)
                printers.push(cb.printerID);
            }
            else
            {
                console.log('Done Searching');
            }
        }
        else
        {
            console.log(cb.status);
        }
    }
);

@printers = []

Rho::Printer.searchPrinters({ connectionType  => Rho::Printer::CONNECTION_TYPE_BLUETOOTH,
                              printerType     => Rho::Printer::PRINTER_TYPE_ZEBRA },
                              url_for(:action => :printer_callback) )

def find_printer_callback
  if @params['status'] == 'PRINTER_STATUS_SUCCESS'
    if defined? @params['printerID']
      puts "Found: #{@params['printerID']}"
      @printers.push @params['printerID']
    else
      puts "Done Searching"
    end
  else
    puts @params['status']
  end
end

Now that we have found a printer. The printers array will contain the printerID we need to create an instance object that we will use for all communications. Upon first connection to the printer via Bluetooth, you may see a prompt to enter the Bluetooth PIN. Check the manufacturers guide for details. Normally the default is ‘0000’ or ‘1111’ or ‘1234’. Once it is connected, you should see some indication in the printer (like a blue light).

JavaScript
Ruby

var myPrinter = Rho.Printer.getPrinterByID(printers[0]);

// Let's try connecting
myPrinter.connect(function (cb){
    console.log(cb);
    // This will be the Zebra's `Friendly Name`
    // by default it is the serial number
    console.log(myPrinter.deviceName);

    // This will be the BT MC Address
    since we are connecting via BlueTooth
    console.log(myPrinter.deviceAddress);
});

@my_printer = Rho::Printer.getPrinterByID printers[0]

# Let's try connecting
@my_printer.connect url_for(:action => :printer_connect_callback)

def printer_connect_callback
  puts @params.to_s

  # This will be the Zebra's `Friendly Name`
  # by default it is the serial number
  puts @my_printer['deviceName']

  # This will be the BT MAC Address
  # since we are connecting via BlueTooth
  puts @my_printer['deviceAddress']
end

Now we can just print a test string and read some properties of the printer to make sure the communications is working.

JavaScript
Ruby

// If my printer was in line mode I would see this text printed
myPrinter.printRawString('This is a test print');

// Example of sending a Zebra CPCL Command
// changing from linemode to ZPL mode
myPrinter.printRawString('! U1 setvar "device.languages" "ZPL"\r\n');

// Get state - this is real-time status of printer.
// reading a property of the myPrinter instance will
// show last known status
myPrinter.requestState(['PRINTER_STATE_IS_READY_TO_PRINT',
    'PRINTER_STATE_IS_PAPER_OUT'],function (cb){
        console.log(cb.status);
        console.log(cb.PRINTER_STATE_IS_PAPER_OUT);
        console.log(cb.PRINTER_STATE_IS_READY_TO_PRINT);

    });

# If my printer was in line mode I would see this text printed
@my_printer.printRawString 'This is a test print'

# Example of sending a Zebra CPCL Command
# changing from linemode to ZPL mode
@my_printer.printRawString '! U1 setvar "device.languages" "ZPL"\r\n'

# Get state - this is real-time status of printer.
# reading a property of the @my_printer instance will
# show last known status
@my_printer.requestState([Rho::Printer::PRINTER_STATE_IS_READY_TO_PRINT,
                          Rho::Printer::PRINTER_STATE_IS_PAPER_OUT],
                          url_for(:action => :request_state_callback));

def request_state_callback
  puts @params['status']
  puts @params['PRINTER_STATE_IS_PAPER_OUT']
  puts @params['PRINTER_STATE_IS_READY_TO_PRINT']
end

Remarks

iOS Notes

To use a Bluetooth connection on iOS devices, take into account the following preconditions:

Zebra printer must have ‘Made For iPod/iPhone’ certification.
Before using Bluetooth printer, pair it using the iOS system’s Bluetooth settings.
Your project must include the External Accessory framework (automatically added when iPhone projects are generated).
Project must include the Zebra printer protocol string “com.zebra.rawport” in the info.plist file ([project root]/project/iphone/Info.plist) under “Supported external accessory protocols”: UISupportedExternalAccessoryProtocols com.zebra.rawport
You must set the key ‘Required Background modes’ to ‘App Communicates with an accessory’ in your app’s plist file. UIBackgroundModes external-accessory

Android Notes

When calling searchPrinters() with Bluetooth search (CONNECTION_TYPE_ANY or CONNECTION_TYPE_BLUETOOTH), all local Bluetooth devices–including non-printers–will be discovered and send pairing requests. Just cancel or ignore them. This happens because the software cannot detect non-printers until after the device is paired. It is recommended that the BT or Wi-Fi MAC address also be used when searching for printers.
When calling searchPrinters() with USB search (with CONNECTION_TYPE_ANY or CONNECTION_TYPE_USB), all USB Printers connected to the device will be discovered. If USB printers are not supported by SDK or device, searchPrinters function should return PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_UNSUPPORTED.

Windows Mobile/CE Notes

Requires a Printing Service application to be running. This is described in the Printing Guide.
You should avoid navigating from the current page using the printer without disconnecting from the printer first. You can use the window.onunload event:
```
    window.onunload = function(){
      printer.disconnect();
  }
```
When calling searchPrinters() with Bluetooth search (CONNECTION_TYPE_ANY or CONNECTION_TYPE_BLUETOOTH), all local Bluetooth devices–including non-printers–will be discovered and send pairing requests. Just cancel or ignore them. This happens because the software cannot detect non-printers until after the device is paired. It is recommended that the BT or Wi-Fi MAC address also be used when searching for printers.
Before calling searchPrinters() with USB search (CONNECTION_TYPE_ANY or CONNECTION_TYPE_USB), you should configure the device’s USB controller for “USB Host mode” and reboot.
When calling searchPrinters() with USB search (with CONNECTION_TYPE_ANY or CONNECTION_TYPE_USB), all USB Printers connected to the device will be discovered. If USB printers are not supported by SDK or device, searchPrinters function should return PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_UNSUPPORTED.
USB connection is not supported on QLn320; printer.searchPrinters should return no non-printer devices. If USB printers are not supported by SDK or device, searchPrinters function should return PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_UNSUPPORTED; For example, executing searchPrinters on Android device with connectionType set to CONNECTION_TYPE_USB should return PRINTER_STATUS_ERR_UNSUPPORTED.

Printer

Methods - Class

Methods - Instance

Instance Properties

Notes

Enabling the API

JavaScript Usage

Ruby Usage

Methods

Properties

Constants

Examples

Remarks