HMI Supported Printers

23.1. The Supported Printer Types

HMI supported printer drivers include the following types:

23.2. Steps to Add a New Printer and Start Printing

This section details how to add a printer and initiate printing.

1. Add printer type

   Navigate to [System Parameter Settings] » [Model] and select the printer type, then set the relevant parameters. This dialog allows configuration of printer type, COM port, baud rate, parity, and pixels of width.

   For connecting a Remote Printer Server, configure the parameters within [System Parameter Settings] » [Printer/Backup Server]. This dialog allows setting up network communication parameters like IP address, port, username, and password, as well as output settings and printer size.

2. Start printing

   Printing can be initiated using a Function Key:

   • Configure the "New Function Key Object" dialog. Key settings include: Comment, Activate after button is released, Change full-screen window, Keyboard input (e.g., [Enter]), Execute macro, Window title bar.
   • For screen hardcopy functionality, select "Screen hardcopy". Options include: Output to (e.g., SP-M, D, E, F), Mode (e.g., grayscale), Rotate image 90 degrees.
   • Note: For custom filenames, the [PLC Control] object should be used.
   • Additional options include: Import user data/Use [USB Security Key], and Notification (Enable).

   Alternatively, printing can be started using PLC Control [Screen hardcopy] by specifying a designated bit address. The PLC Control dialog allows setting the device, type (Screen hardcopy), trigger address, source window, and output settings.

23.3. Installing Network Printer on cMT / cMT X HMI

By accessing system settings on a cMT / cMT X Series model and selecting [Install network printer], you can install printers beyond those listed in the preceding chapters.

1. Tap the [Settings Icon] to open system settings and log in. Navigate to [Printer] » [Install network printer].
2. The HMI will search for network printers on the same network for a few seconds. The screen will display a list of discovered printers with their network addresses.
3. Select a network printer from the discovered list and tap [Install] to install its driver. Note that the new printer driver will replace any previously installed driver, as only one printer can be installed at a time. A confirmation dialog may appear.
4. Once the installation is complete, the network printer is ready for use.

23.4. Installing PPD File on cMT / cMT X HMI

It is also possible to install the PPD file from a printer driver on a cMT / cMT X Series model.

1. Navigate to [System Parameter Settings] » [Model] tab. The System Parameter Settings dialog will appear, allowing selection of various device parameters.
2. Select a printer type. To add a new printer, place the printer's PPD file into the ppd folder located within the EasyBuilder Pro installation directory, and then click [Refresh]. This action updates the printer list, making the new printer available for selection. The printer list dialog shows manufacturers and printer models.
3. Use the Status Address to monitor the printer's status and the Control Address to dynamically update connection parameters. The Status/Control dialog allows configuring addresses for status monitoring (e.g., not ready, ready, printing) and control commands (e.g., update, enable), as well as interface and IP settings.

Notes:

• PPD file installation is not supported on cMT-SVR and cMT Gateway models.
• HP printers are recommended for their potentially better compatibility with cMT / cMT X models. It is advisable to test printers beforehand.
• The preferred method for installing a printer on a cMT / cMT X Series model is via [Install network printer] in the system settings. If this method does not work, installing the PPD file is the alternative option.
• To ensure the printer selected in the project file is used, avoid selecting the [Use printer on HMI first (if existed)] option if a printer driver is already installed on the HMI. By setting the control address command to '1: update', the printer specified in the project file will be utilized.

23.5. Using Printers on cMT X HMI via IPP Protocol

The cMT X Series supports printer usage through the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). It is crucial that the printer itself also supports the IPP protocol.

For comprehensive information regarding the IPP protocol, please consult the following resource: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Printing_Protocol

Typically, you can verify a printer's IPP protocol support within its network settings. For instance, with HP printers, enabling Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) or Bonjour in the network configuration is a necessary step. This involves accessing the printer's embedded web server.

Once these options are enabled, printers compatible for installation will appear in the "Install network printer" list within the HMI system settings. The "(IPP)" designation indicates that the printer is utilizing this protocol for communication.

23.6. CUPS Printing Support

The cMT / cMT X Series models process print jobs using CUPS (Common UNIX Printing System). Consequently, any printer installed on a cMT/cMT X Series model must have CUPS support.

For detailed information about CUPS, please visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CUPS

Here are two methods to determine if a printer supports CUPS:

• Consult your printer's manufacturer for compatibility information.
• Test your printer on a PC running Linux and install a PPD file by following these steps:
  1. Install CUPS on a Linux PC and confirm that CUPS is functioning correctly. Access http://localhost:631 in your web browser.
  2. Navigate to the Home tab and select [Adding Printers and Classes].
  3. Under the "Printers" section, select [Add Printer].
  4. In the subsequent window, choose [AppSocket] as the connection type.
  5. Enter the printer's IP address, for example: socket://10.3.9.55:9100. Common connection URI formats include:
     • http://hostname:631/ipp/
     • http://hostname:631/ipp/port1
     • ipp://hostname/ipp/
     • ipp://hostname/ipp/port1
     • lpd://hostname/queue
     • socket://hostname
     • socket://hostname:9100
  6. Enter a descriptive name for the printer.
  7. Select the printer's manufacturer and model name from the provided lists. If your specific printer model is not listed, you may need to contact the manufacturer to identify a suitable PPD file for replacement.
  8. After successfully adding the printer in CUPS, locate its PPD file within the /etc/cups/ppd directory on your Linux system. Import this PPD file into EasyBuilder Pro (refer to section 23.4 for instructions) and then download the project to your HMI.
  9. If you encounter any issues or the printer does not function as expected, please contact your nearest Weintek distributor for assistance.