Android Question Print ZPL to Zebra printer (Bluetooth, USB, and WiFi) - testers needed

[Mark Stuart]

Hi y'all,

I'm not sure if this is the correct place in the forum to ask the following...

I've finished development of a prototype app that allows a user to print to a Zebra printer, with 3 different connection methods.
Connection Methods: Classic Bluetooth, USB cable, and the printer connected to a LAN, making a WiFi connection.

This app was developed in the Activity method. No B4XPages.

This app does an exemplary example of CallBacks from one class to another class and onto the Activity. The callbacks "report" the success or failure of the connection as well as the printing success.
All manifest entries have been entered. Permissions have been made in the code as needed.

I need folk from the forum here that are willing to do testing with this app. You are also welcome to use the code and classes and methods in your apps as much as you want.

BUT - you will need the following Zebra printer capabilities for testing:
Bluetooth - a Zebra printer that supports Classic Bluetooth, not BTE (I have tested this method and was successful)

USB - a Zebra printer that does not have to have Bluetooth capabilities. But you will need a OTG to USB cable that can connect the printer and the Android device. Check your Android device for the USB Type (I have tested this method and was successful)

WiFi - you will not need Bluetooth for this method. But the Zebra printer will need to be connected to a Network and the printer should report an IP Address. You will need the printer IP Address in the app to make the connection. Go to the Settings page to enter the IP Address. Use the TEST CONNECTION button to test if the IP Address is valid. (I do not have a Network and therefore unable to test this method. This is the testing of the connection method and printing I need most)

Find the complete zipped app attached.

Thank you and please let me know of your testing results. I will be very thankful of your time and understanding.
Mark Stuart


EDIT: no takers for testing? Removed the project zip file.

 

[Mark Stuart]

So I'm wondering why there was no interest in my post here, especially after a recent post to list your name and email address as testers?
Then I thought that I really don't want to give away my app code and Callback methods that I discovered that always report back to the user any errors and completion status'.
These Callbacks come back from 2 layers of class code. Very cool.

I might put up the .apk if anyone is interest.
If you are interested, let me know by creating a reply post.
Mark

 

[aeric]

I don't own a printer that support zebra ZPL command. So I couldn't test it without purchasing one.

 

[Solutions Development]

Zebra printers are less widespread than ESC/POS printers which come in different brands and even at negligible costs, the majority of developers work with ESC/POS printers.
Those who work with Zebra have certainly already created their own class, exactly like you did. There are many examples on the forum useful for creating your own class and Zebra's documentation on the ZPL language is very clear and simple.
If you had been the first to create a class for Zebra in b4a then I too would have been surprised at the lack of interest even if it is a niche product, but since there are so many examples and classes I find it rather normal

 

[aeric]

I checked shopping platform, usually a Zebra printer costs 10x the price of a cheap ESC/POS compatible thermal printer.

 

[Mark Stuart]

I checked shopping platform, usually a Zebra printer costs 10x the price of a cheap ESC/POS compatible thermal printer.

Here in the U.S.A. you can buy a new Zebra printer for anywhere starting at about $300 - $500.
So aeric, you can buy one of your type printers for $30 - $50, based on your 10x? And how long does it last?

My customer has been using Zebra printers for over 10 years, so that's the path I've taken for them.

 

[Mark Stuart]

Zebra printers are less widespread than ESC/POS printers which come in different brands and even at negligible costs, the majority of developers work with ESC/POS printers.
Those who work with Zebra have certainly already created their own class, exactly like you did. There are many examples on the forum useful for creating your own class and Zebra's documentation on the ZPL language is very clear and simple.
If you had been the first to create a class for Zebra in b4a then I too would have been surprised at the lack of interest even if it is a niche product, but since there are so many examples and classes I find it rather normal

In what country are you specifically mentioning here?

 

[aeric]

If you ask about ESC/POS thermal printer,
a portable 58mm thermal printer support Bluetooth, BLE, USB cost below $20
while a 80mm thermal printer with auto cutter and support Wifi, Lan, cash drawer cost below $40 here.
Shipping to South East Asia or Malaysia.

These are no specific brand or brand like Xprinter, bixolon, aibecy from shopee, alibaba.

I don't know how long it last, I also have Epson TM-T88IV still working I get used. I think it is more than 15 years old.

 

[f0raster0]

Same here, we use the:

• Mini Bluetooth ESC/POS (no really brand)
• Epson TM-T88,
• Xprinter XP-T80 (Favorite #2)
• Epson TM-m30II (Favorite #1, because the compatibly with my POS and my Online Order system, and others order-online system like Uber etc..)

All them over 10years (except TM-m30II, we started using this one in ~2023), busy is relative but we print: 100+ receipts /each printer/day

if I got some Zebra happy to send feedback

 

[Mark Stuart]

If you ask about ESC/POS thermal printer,
a portable 58mm thermal printer support Bluetooth, BLE, USB cost below $20
while a 80mm thermal printer with auto cutter and support Wifi, Lan, cash drawer cost below $40 here.
Shipping to South East Asia or Malaysia.

These are no specific brand or brand like Xprinter, bixolon, aibecy from shopee, alibaba.

I don't know how long it last, I also have Epson TM-T88IV still working I get used. I think it is more than 15 years old.

Hey aeric and all,
My customer has been using the Zebra printer for way longer than they have been a customer of mine.
They use the Zebra 4000D 2-up (2 across) sticker labels that peel and stick right on to the product they sell in their many retail locations. Each location has their own Zebra printer in the back office.
They use a different printer at the cash register to print receipts from the POS system, which I'm not involved with.

I searched for the Xprinter XP-T80 printer. I can't believe they are that cheap. Are they specifically used for receipt printing? Could it be used to print on the sticker labels I referenced?
Because one day they will have to replace these printers and it would be a good proposal to switch them out for the Xprinter model instead.
Mark

 

[TILogistic]

I searched for the Xprinter XP-T80 printer. I can't believe they are that cheap. Are they specifically used for receipt printing? Could it be used to print on the sticker labels I referenced?

Xprinter XP-420B and the Xprinter XP-410B


If you compare print quality between Xprinter and Zebra printers, the Zebra brand is much better.

Xprinter XP-420B versus Zebra 4000D

 

[Mark Stuart]

Xprinter XP-420B and the Xprinter XP-410B


If you compare print quality between Xprinter and Zebra printers, the Zebra brand is much better.

Xprinter XP-420B versus Zebra 4000D

Can the XPrinter settings change the light and darkness of what is printed?
Even thou my scan app can sometimes read old faded barcodes, it needs to be consistent in its quality when printing the barcode.

 

[TILogistic]

Can the XPrinter settings change the light and darkness of what is printed?
YES.

Xprinter XP-420B

Emulatión

TSPL, ZPL, EPL, DPL, ESC/POS Optional

You should keep in mind that there are printers depending on their use, such as label printers or ticket printers.

Note:
If your application prints on Zebra machines and you decide to use other, less expensive machines, your application will not be affected if those printers emulate ZPL (Zebra programming language) and EPL (Eltron programming language).

 

[Mark Stuart]

Can the XPrinter settings change the light and darkness of what is printed?
YES.

Xprinter XP-420B

Emulatión

TSPL, ZPL, EPL, DPL, ESC/POS Optional

You should keep in mind that there are printers depending on their use, such as label printers or ticket printers.

Do you know how well this printer emulates sending it ZPL commands?
So if I use my app that prints to a Zebra printer, and then connect my app to this printer would I expect any problems?

 

[TILogistic]

Do you know how well this printer emulates sending it ZPL commands?
So if I use my app that prints to a Zebra printer, and then connect my app to this printer would I expect any problems?

You won't have any problems if your app is using ZPL or EPL for printing.

Printers tend to use print emulations such as Esc/pos (Epson) and now ZPL or EPL (Zebra), and other emulations.