How to assign a Virtual Port to the TSP100LAN Series Printers
Introduction
This application note explains how to assign a Virtual TCP/IP or Serial Port to the TSP100 series printer on Windows.
Supported Printers: TSP100Series
Supported Interfaces: Ethernet (LAN), USB
Supported Environments: Windows 10 (32/64-bit), Windows 8 (32/64-bit), Windows 7 (32/64-bit).
Virtual TCP/IP Port Explanation
The TSP100LAN does not natively support direct to ethernet port printing. Setting up a virtual TCP/IP port allows software applications to send data directly to the TCP/IP output port, “9100” in most cases. The virtual port takes all data sent to port 9100 and redirects it to the TSP100LAN to emulate direct to ethernet printing support.
NOTE: Port 9100 receives data from software applications by designating the IP address of the computer; ensure the software is sending data to the PC’s IP address, and not the printers. The virtual TCP/IP port utility will receive the data and then send it to the printer.
In the above example, the TSP100LAN’s IP address on the network is 192.168.1.10. The PC’s IP address on the network is 192.168.1.73. With the virtual TCP/IP port created, the IP address for print jobs is set to the PC’s IP address (192.168.1.73) in the software application. The TSP100LAN utility intercepts this data, converts it to the TSP100LAN’s native language, and then sends it to the printer.
Assigning a Virtual TCP/IP Port
Ensure the futurePRNT Configuration Utility was installed and the TSP100LAN was added to the Devices and Printers (Printers and Faxes) folder.
Click the Windows Start button and navigate All Programs > StarMicronics > Star TSP100 > Configuration Utility.
Click “Virtual TCP/IP Ports” in the left menu.
Click “Add Port”.
Enter the port number (usually 9100) in the text box and click “OK”. Ensure the port number is not currently in use. If 9100 does not work, try 9101, 9102, and so on.
In the Startup Type dropdown box, select “Automatic”.
Click “Start”.
The Status automatically changes to Running. Click “Apply Changes”.
Highlight the port in the list and click “Check Health”.
futurePRNT confirms the TCP/IP port was added successfully and prints a small test. Click the “OK” button.
Congratulations! You have successfully added a Virtual TCP/IP Port for your TSP100LAN.
Assigning a Virtual Serial Port
Click the windows start button navigate All Programs > StarMicronics > Star TSP100 > Configuration Utility.
Click “Serial Ports” in the left menu.
Click “Add Port”
Enter the desired COM port in the text box and click “OK”.
NOTE: Ensure the port number is not currently in use.
In the “Startup Type” dropdown box, select “Automatic”.
Click “Start”
The status changes to “Running”. Click “Apply changes”
Highlight the COM port and click “Check Health”
futurePRNT confirms the COM port was added successfully and prints a small test. Click “OK”
Congratulations! You have successfully added a Virtual Serial Port for your TSP100. This COM port number can now be used to send print data to the TSP100 from the POS application.
Video Tutorial