Irda interface, Bluetooth® interface, Bluetooth – Printek MTP300 User Manual

Page 38: Interface

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Interfacing to a Host Computer

IrDA Interface

In addition to the standard Serial interface, your MtP300 may be equipped with an optional IrDA interface.
IrDA interfaces are commonly found on many PDA’s and notebook computers. To communicate using the
IrDA interface, “IrDA” must be selected in the Interface Menu as described on page 22.

The IrDA interface uses infrared light to provide a cable free, short range interface. Since the communications
medium is light, it is “line-of-sight” and requires that the interfaces on the printer and the host device be aligned
with, or pointed at, each other. The printer’s transmitter and receiver are located behind an “IrDA Window” as
indicated in Figure 11.

Whenever a host computer has established a connection with the printer, the

Wireless Indicator will

illuminate.

Note: The printer’s IrDA implementation makes use of IrCOMM rather than IrLPT. As a result, some host

systems will require that the printer connection be established using a “COM” port rather than
selecting “IrDA”. In most PDA’s, for instance, this will be “COM3”.

LCD Display

Wireless Indicator

IrDA Window

Figure 11 – Wireless Indicator & IrDA Window

Bluetooth

®

Interface

In addition to the standard Serial interface, your MtP300 may be equipped with an optional Bluetooth interface.
Bluetooth interfaces are built into some PDA’s and may be added to most others. Bluetooth interfaces may also
be added to notebook or desktop computers. To communicate using the Bluetooth® interface, “Bluetooth”
must be selected in the Interface Menu as described on page 22.

The Bluetooth interface uses wireless, radio frequency signals to communicate, which eliminates the line-of-
sight requirement imposed by the IrDA interface.

The MtP300 Bluetooth interface acts as a “serial port adapter” operating as a “server”. Being a serial port
adapter means that the printer may appear as a “Serial Device” when discovered, rather than as a “Printer”.
Operating as a server, other devices such as a PDA or other host computer may initiate the connection to the
printer.

When discovered, the default name that will appear will be “MtP300-xxxx” where “xxxx” is the last four digits
of the Bluetooth interface’s hardware Address. To obtain the printer’s Bluetooth name, you may use the

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