Configuration Tools
Printer setup can potentially be time-consuming and intimidating, especially for the untrained operator. Also, many Datamax printers do not have a display, which keeps the cost of the printer down but can complicate the set-up process. Configuration Tools address this issue by providing setup tools that reside outside the printer and simplify the configuration process. Through the use of Configuration Tools, a printer’s proper configuration can be defined and shared among many printers, even across a network or at remote locations. These tools can allow a printer to send alerts to administrators notifying them of the printer’s current status and allowing changes to the configuration to be made from a remote location.
Device Drivers
The Microsoft Windows™ computing environment has provided the end user community with literally thousands of software applications addressing as many business problems and data manipulation challenges. Rather than restrict each individual software developer to printer support that he or she could add internally to the application, the Microsoft Windows™ operating systems provide a robust and universally supported print manager. In order to take advantage of the Windows™ print manager; printer manufacturers must face a decision as to whether or not they will have a true Windows™ printer driver developed. The alternative is to depend on the individual application developers to include support for a given printer model in a given application.
Datamax has partnered with Seagull Scientific for the development and maintenance of Windows™ printer drivers for the full line of current Datamax thermal printers. This ensures that applications that are Windows™ compliant can take advantage of Datamax thermal printers through the use of the Windows™ compliant Seagull Windows™ driver for that particular Datamax model. The Seagull Windows™ printer drivers for Datamax printers are distributed on the Datamax Accessories CD-ROM with each Datamax printer, and are also available for download through this website.
Additionally, a number of application developers have included support for Datamax printers in their own “internal” printer drivers for their specific application software. For more information on software application support, refer to the Datamax Software Resource Directory (DSRD).
DMXConfig
Datamax printers operate under a variety of parameters and variables that combine to optimize the printer’s performance with a given set of ribbon and/or label characteristics. All of these parameters and variables are adjustable so that any printer operator can optimize performance regardless of the performance requirements. Adjusting these variables is an important component of proper printer setup and operation. The sheer number of parameters and variables that can be adjusted can be overwhelming, and with a printer that has no display, this process can seem quite complex.
The DMXConfig configuration utility is a PC-based tool that simplifies the process. It allows operators to query their printer, adjust the printer’s configuration, define the optimal configuration for the application, store this configuration and share it with other printers over a network or via e-mail, and send the new configuration to additional printers. This tool also allows users the option to identify the files stored in the printer’s memory modules, download files and formats to the printer, and even download fonts to the printer.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Originally developed for the UNIX operating system by the U.S. military to allow computers to talk to each other over long distance networks. TCP/IP moves packets of data between nodes and verifies delivery from client to server. TCP/IP forms the basis of the Internet, and is integrated into operating system such as Unix, Mac OS, and the latest versions of Windows.
Standard TCP/IP allows the use of SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) for rich status and error reporting, providing powerful printer management tools from remote locations. SNMP allows administrators in remote locations to access the printer’s IP address at their location and perform management functions on the printer such as querying the printer for status and altering the printer’s configuration. This tool has been a great help in situations where a global corporation has a number of printers deployed in many locations around the world and wants to minimize administrative costs. If a local user experiences a problem with the printer, the administrator can query the printer to find out what is wrong and provide a solution to the local user, even though the administrator is 2,000 miles away. Click here for Datamax SNMP enabled products.
