How to set up printers

In this article we'll explain how to setup printers for VenueSumo.

Summary:

• VenueSumo uses cloud printing software PrintNode which allows VenueSumo POS to print directly to your thermal printer;
• For uninterrupted printing we advise installing PrintNode on a 24/7 operational computer, like one used for security cameras and install printer drivers via ethernet network;
• For printing to work, a computer connected to the printer drivers must be logged into PrintNode

What you'll need:

• A thermal printer (connected cash drawer optional)
• Networked computer to run PrintNode and Install Printer Driver
• PrintNode account credentials
• VenueSumo Back Office credentials

The diagram below illustrates VenueSumo POS's printing process and cash drawer operations.

1.How to install printer drivers

Setting up your printer drivers and the PrintNode application is crucial for seamless integration with VenuSumo.

** We recommend you install PrintNode on a computer that is always on and install all printer drivers on that computers.

If PrintNode is not installed and logged in, your thermal printers will not get print jobs from VenueSumo **

This video guide will walk you through the process, focusing on the Epson TM-M30 printer as an example.

Step 1: Downloading Printer Driver:

1. Navigate to support.epson.net/setupnavi.
2. Type in your printer name (TM-M30 or TM-M30-II).
3. Agree to the license and select "Epson Advanced Printer Driver 6 for TM-M30" for download.

Step 2: Installing Printer Driver:

1. Unzip the downloaded file.
2. Run the application to install the driver.
3. Agree to the license and wait for the installation to complete.

Step 3: Connecting Printer to a Windows Device:

1. Ensure your printer is connected to Windows device.
2. Install drivers for other printer brands if needed.

Step 4: Configuring Printer Settings:

1. Open printer settings and rename printers accordingly (e.g., Epson Front of House).
2. Set the port type to Ethernet.
3. Enter the IP address (printed by the printer).
4. Save settings and perform a test print.

Step 5: Setting Up Multiple Printers:

1. For multiple printers, name them appropriately (e.g., Epson Kitchen).
2. Enter respective IP addresses.
3. Set a default printer for the point of sale.

** NOTE **

We have noticed some thermal printers print out an additional foot of paper. You may need to adjust your "Printer Preference" and "Paper Size" to "72mm x 200mm" from the default "72mm x Receipt" to stop this from happening.

2.Add printers with PrintNode

VenueSumo works with Printnode, which allows you to print to thermal printers in your venue. 

PrintNode is free to use for VenueSumo customers.

**You DO NOT need to create a PrintNode account, login credentials for free useage will be suppplied by VenueSumo**

As mentioned above, for optimal performance and uninterrupted service, we recommend connecting PrintNode to a dedicated computer that operates continuously, such as one used for video security surveillance 24/7. This ensures PrintNode remains active at all times, unlike office computers or POS systems which may be switched off, requiring that you reconnect to PrintNode. 

PrintNode Video Setup instructions:

1. Check the printers you would like to use for VenueSumo are installed first.

Make sure that your printer devices are installed on the computer/tablet device you wish to use for your POS. 

2. Download PrintNode

Go to https://www.printnode.com/en/download 

Follow the instructions to set up PrintNode on your workstation’s computer here - https://www.printnode.com/en/docs/installation

2 (a) - Download printnode for your device client version

2 (b) - follow the installation prompts on your device

2 (c) - once installed you will come to a login screen for Printnode

Your PrintNode Account Login Details

The VenueSumo customer support team will create your account for PrintNode. They will send you an email with the necassary login details.

If you have not received this email, please submit a support ticket through the help system (above).

Once you have your login details, you can log into the PrintNode software you have just installed on your computer/tablet.

3.Adding PrintNode details to VenueSumo to connect your printers

To set up PrintNode printers within your VenueSumo software, you will need the PrintNode ID numbers for the printers you would like to use.

To find the printer ID numbers;

• Login to your PrintNode program on your computer/tablet or login via - https://api.printnode.com/app/print;
• Within your account, select the Printers tab or "Devices" if you're checking online;
• From the list of all printers you will see an ID number assigned against each device;

Within VenueSumo printer settings:

• Login to your VenueSumo Backoffice account

  
  
• Go to Settings > Locations > [YOUR LOCATION NAME] > Printers
  • Click "Add Printer"
  • Write a printer name in "Name" field;
  • Change "Printer API" to "PrintNodeAPI"
  • Add the ID number into "External Reference"
  • Add the "Open Cash Drawer Command"
  • Change "Login Types" to "POS Terminal"
  • Change "Printer Group" to "Coffee", "Pizza", "Counter" or "Kitchen" depending on where the thermal printer is located in the venue;
  • Leave "username" and "password" blank

4.Open Cash Drawer Command Configuration

Different thermal printer brands and models can require different open cash drawer commands.

Generic command that will work with 80% of Thermal Printers

• \x1b\x70\x00\x19\xfa

EPSON

• \x10\x14\x01\x00\x08

Star

• TSP 100, TSP 100ii = 7
• TSP 100IIU, SP200, SP200-2, SP212, TSP 200 = 27,7,11,55,7

Source - https://keyhut.com/popopen.htm

5.Test printing is working!

Once you have completed printer setup, please test your thermal printers are working using commands from the POS with these tests:

• POS Printer Test - https://help.venuesumo.com/article/150-how-to-test-pos-terminal-is-printing-correctly
• POS Open Cash Draw Test - https://help.venuesumo.com/article/151-how-to-test-the-cash-draw-opens-from-the-pos

If you are having any issues, please lodge a support ticket with VenueSumo support (above).