How to Install and Configure a Network Receipt Printer

How to Install and Configure a Network Receipt Printer

This guide explains how to install a network (Ethernet/LAN) receipt printer, configure its connection settings, and connect it to ChecKmate POS.

A network receipt printer connects to your local network, allowing compatible devices on the same network to send print jobs without requiring a direct USB connection.

SECTION 1: Installing the Network Receipt Printer

Step 1: Connect the Printer and Insert the Paper Roll

1. Connect the receipt printer to a power outlet using its power adapter.
2. Open the printer's paper compartment by lifting the cover.
3. Insert the thermal receipt paper roll into the compartment, ensuring the paper unwinds toward the front of the printer.
4. Pull a small portion of the paper over the front edge and close the printer cover securely.
5. Connect an Ethernet (LAN) cable to the printer's network port.
6. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your router or network switch.
7. Turn on the printer using its power switch.

Important: Ensure your computer and receipt printer are connected to the same local network.

Step 2: Identify the Printer's IP Address

Before installing the printer, you must identify its IP address.

An IP address is a unique address assigned to the printer on your network. For example: 192.168.1.100.

Print the Network Configuration

Many thermal receipt printers allow you to print their network information.

1. Turn off the receipt printer.
2. Press and hold the FEED button.
3. While holding the FEED button, turn the printer back on.
4. Release the button when the printer begins printing its self-test or configuration page.
5. Locate the IP Address on the printed receipt.

Note: The method for printing the network configuration may vary depending on the printer model. Consult your printer's manual if this method does not work.

Record the IP Address

Write down the printer's IP address.

Example:

• Printer IP Address: 192.168.1.100
• Connection Type: Ethernet/LAN

You will need this information during configuration.

Step 3: Verify the Network Connection

1. Open your Windows computer.

2. Press Windows + R.

3. Type cmd and press Enter.

4. In the Command Prompt window, enter:

   ping 192.168.1.100

   Replace the example address with your printer's actual IP address.

5. Press Enter.

If you receive a response such as Reply from 192.168.1.100, your computer can communicate with the printer over the network.

Important: Some printers do not respond to ping requests even when connected. If the request times out, verify the printer's IP address and network connection before proceeding.

✅ Network Connection Complete!

Your receipt printer is now connected to your local network.

SECTION 2: Configuring the Network Receipt Printer

Step 1: Install the Printer Driver

1. Search online for the printer driver using your printer's exact brand and model number.
2. Visit the manufacturer's official website.
3. Download the appropriate driver for your Windows operating system.
4. If the downloaded driver is compressed, right-click the file and select Extract All.
5. Open the extracted folder and launch the driver installer.
6. Follow the installation instructions.
7. Select Network, LAN, or Ethernet as the connection type, depending on the available options.
8. Enter or select the printer's IP address when prompted.
9. Click Install to complete the installation.

Important: Ensure the IP address entered matches the printer's actual network address.

Step 2: Configure the Printer's IP Address

For reliable network printing, the printer should have an IP address that does not change unexpectedly.

The recommended approach is to reserve the printer's IP address in your router.

Reserve the IP Address

1. Access your router's administration page.
2. Locate the DHCP Reservation, Address Reservation, or Static Lease settings.
3. Find your receipt printer in the list of connected devices.
4. Reserve its current IP address for that printer.
5. Save the changes.

This helps ensure the printer continues using the same IP address after the router or printer restarts.

Note: Router settings vary depending on the manufacturer. If you cannot access these settings, contact your network administrator or IT technician.

Step 3: Configure the Printer Preferences

1. Open Windows Settings.
2. Select Bluetooth & devices.
3. Click Printers & scanners.
4. Select your installed network receipt printer.
5. Open Printing preferences.

Configure the following settings where supported by your printer driver.

A. Paper Size

1. Locate the paper size setting.
2. Leave the default at 80mm for a standard 80mm receipt printer.
3. Save the changes if necessary.

B. Graphics Properties

1. Select the Graphics tab.
2. Locate Graphics Properties.
3. Select Adaptive Threshold, if available.

C. Paper Cutter

1. Select the Printer Settings tab.
2. Locate Paper Cutter.
3. Select Cut Per Job.

This allows the printer to cut the receipt after each print job, if supported.

D. Printer Density

1. Select the Printer Density tab.
2. Locate the density setting.
3. Set the printer density to 7, if this is the recommended setting for your printer model.

E. Save Printer Preferences

1. Click Apply.
2. Click OK to save the configuration.

Step 4: Verify the Network Printer Port

1. Return to Printers & scanners.
2. Select your network receipt printer.
3. Open Printer properties.
4. Select the Ports tab.
5. Locate the port assigned to your network printer.

The connection should typically use a Standard TCP/IP Port associated with the printer's IP address.

For example:

Important: Port 9100 is commonly used for network receipt printing, but it is not supported by every printer. Confirm the correct port and protocol in your printer's documentation.

If the correct port is missing, use Add Port → Standard TCP/IP Port → New Port and follow the wizard to configure the printer using its IP address.

Step 5: Test the Printer in Windows

1. While in Printer properties, open the General tab.
2. Click Print Test Page.
3. Confirm that the receipt printer prints successfully.

If the test page prints, the printer has been successfully installed and configured in Windows.

✅ Printer Configuration Complete!

Your network receipt printer is now ready to be connected to ChecKmate POS.

SECTION 3: Configuring the Network Printer in ChecKmate POS

Step 1: Open ChecKmate Printer Settings

1. Launch the ChecKmate POS application on your supported device.
2. Navigate to Settings.
3. Select Operations.
4. Click Printers.
5. Select the option to add a new printer.

Step 2: Add Your Network Receipt Printer

Enter the printer information using the following settings:

Note: The available fields may vary depending on your ChecKmate application version and printer connection method.

Step 3: Enter the Printer's IP Address

1. Select Network Printer as the printer type.

2. Enter the printer's IP address.

   Example: 192.168.1.100

3. Enter the network port number if required.

   Example: 9100

4. Verify that the printer and device are connected to the same network.

Important: The IP address entered must match the address assigned to your receipt printer.

Step 4: Select the Printer Role

Choose how the printer will be used in ChecKmate POS.

• Receipt Printer: Prints customer receipts.
• Order Printer: Prints order tickets.
• Both: Prints customer receipts and order tickets.

Select the option that best suits your business operations.

Step 5: Save the Printer

1. Confirm the printer name is correct.
2. Verify that Network Printer is selected.
3. Confirm the IP address and port number.
4. Select the appropriate printer role.
5. Set the paper width to 80mm, unless your printer uses a different size.
6. Enable Default Printer if applicable.
7. Click Add Printer.

Step 6: Perform a Test Print

1. Locate the newly added printer in ChecKmate POS.
2. Select Test Print.
3. Confirm that the printer successfully prints the test receipt.
4. Verify that the receipt text is clear and properly aligned.
5. Confirm that the receipt cuts automatically, if supported.

✅ Setup Complete!

Your network receipt printer is now installed, configured, and ready to use with ChecKmate POS.

Troubleshooting

Printer Not Responding

Ensure the printer is powered on and connected to your router or network switch using an Ethernet cable.

Printer Not Printing

Verify that the printer is connected to the network and that its IP address matches the address configured in ChecKmate POS.

Printer IP Address Changed

Check the printer's current IP address using its network configuration printout. Update the address in your printer settings if necessary.

To prevent this issue, configure a DHCP reservation on your router.

Printer Not Detected on the Network

Confirm that your computer and printer are connected to the same local network and that network security settings are not blocking communication.

Receipt Not Cutting Automatically

Open Printing preferences → Printer Settings → Paper Cutter and select Cut Per Job, if available.

Receipt Printing Too Light

Check the printer density settings and adjust them according to your printer model.

Test Print Works in Windows but Not in ChecKmate

Verify the printer type, IP address, port number, and printer role configured in ChecKmate POS. Also confirm that your ChecKmate application supports the selected network printing method.

ChecKmate POS | Network Receipt Printer Installation & Configuration Guide