How to Enable ZPL or Line Print Mode on Mobile Printers

Description

Enabling ZPL printing or Line Print mode on Mobile printers.

Applies To

Zebra Mobile Printers. excluding the MZ Series, EM220 Seies, ZQ110

Note: ZQ500 Printers do not support EPL. QLn Printers support EPL starting with firmware version V68.19.7Z.

Requirements

Zebra Setup Utilities should be installed for procedure to be followed properly.  You can also use any other utility that allows you to send a file down to the printer as the procedure requires a command to be sent to the printer to enable ZPL print mode or Line print mode.

Procedure

Zebra's lines of mobile printers come with several different language capabilities.  By default, CPCL is always enabled even if another language is enabled.  Note: CPCL is not supported if set to "epl_zpl". This is the default for healthcare QLns.

You can choose to monitor for additional languages depending on your specific project needs.  Zebra tabletop and desktop printers use ZPL, so it may be advantageous to have your printer monitor for ZPL.  Alternatively, line print mode allows for immediate print outs of all received text without the need to worry about formatting or formal language commands.  

To enable device languages the following commands should be issued.  You can send these commands to any listening port on your printer (USB, TCP/IP port 6101, Bluetooth, etc.).  In this example, we use Zebra Setup Utilities (available at www.zebra.com) and a USB connection.

1. Connect the printer to the desktop via USB cable.  Open up Zebra Setup Utilities, select your printer, and hit "Open Communication with Printer".
   
   
   
    
2. Enter any of the following commands, followed by the enter key (to insert a carriage return), and then press the "Send to Printer" button on top.
   
   
   • ! U1 setvar "device.languages" "zpl"
   • ! U1 setvar "device.languages" "line_print"
     
     
     
3. You can check the currently set language with "! U1 getvar "device.languages", followed by a carriage return:
   
    

Note: When enabling the ZPL language support you will have to calibrate the printer using the ~JC command. (The printer media must be loaded and ready to feed labels before calibrating.)

Use the communications window to send the following after the ZPL calibration and save parameters command.

        ~jc^xa^jus^xz 

The printer will feed labels and calibrate to the label length saving the values.