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Configuration to connect Scispot with Zebra printer
Configuration to connect Scispot with Zebra printer

Step by step guide to connect Scispot web app with Zebra

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Written by Satya Singh
Updated over a month ago

This article describes how you can configure and connect your Zebra printer to receive print jobs directly from Scispot via the cloud.

Scispot's Cloud Printing Network Architecture

The image above illustrates the network architecture required to connect Zebra printer with Scispot cloud.

Prerequisites

  1. Zebra Printer with Network Connectivity:

    • Ensure you have a Zebra printer model compatible with the SendFileToPrinter API and that it is connected to your local network.

  2. Zebra Developer Account:

    • Create an account on the Zebra Developer Portal to access the SendFileToPrinter API and generate the required API key.

  3. API Keys:

    • Zebra API Key: This key authorizes Scispot to send print jobs to your Zebra printer via the Zebra API.

  4. Network and Firewall Configuration:

    • Configure network and firewall settings to enable secure, API-based communication with Scispot and Zebra’s cloud servers. Detailed steps are provided below.

Step 1: Set Printer Network Configuration

To enable secure, API-based communication between your Zebra printer, Zebra’s cloud, and Scispot, you’ll need to configure your network and firewall as follows:

  1. Outbound Traffic from Zebra Printer to External Services

    • HTTPS (TCP 443):

      • Allow outbound traffic from the Zebra printer to the internet on TCP port 443.

      • Purpose: This allows the Zebra printer to communicate with the Zebra SendFileToPrinter API endpoint (https://api.zebra.com), enabling secure data transfer for print jobs.

    • DNS (UDP 53):

      • Allow outbound traffic on UDP port 53 for DNS resolution.

      • Purpose: DNS access is required for the printer to resolve external domains, such as api.zebra.com.

  2. Inbound Traffic to Scispot’s Callback URL

    • HTTPS (TCP 443):

      • Allow inbound traffic on TCP port 443 to Scispot’s dedicated IP address.

      • Purpose: Zebra’s cloud service will send job status updates to Scispot via the configured callback URL, allowing Scispot to monitor print job status (e.g., completed, error). This inbound rule ensures that Scispot’s servers can receive these callback requests securely.

Step 2: Generate the Zebra API Key

  1. Login to the Zebra Developer Portal:

  2. Create a New API Application:

    • Navigate to API Management and select SendFileToPrinter API.

    • Create a new application specifically for Scispot integration.

  3. Generate and Save the API Key:

    • Within your application settings, generate an API Key. Copy and save this key, as you will use it to authorize print jobs from Scispot to your Zebra printer.

Step 3: Register the Printer in Scispot

  • Access Scispot’s Remote Printing Section:

    • Login to your Scispot account and go to the Remote Printing section.

  • Add New Printer:

    • Click on Add New Printer and enter the following fields:

      • Printer Name: A unique identifier for your Zebra printer.

      • Printer Model: Select the specific Zebra model (e.g., Zebra ZT410).

      • Location: Enter the physical location of the printer for easy identification.

      • API Key: Paste the Zebra API Key generated in Step 1.

  • Save the Printer Configuration:

    • Click Download Config to download the configuration file for your Zebra Printer. This config file will be later imported into your printer to complete the setup details below.

    • Click Add to add the printer to your Scispot account. Scispot will now use the Zebra API Key to securely send print jobs to this printer.

{
  "network": {
    "ip_mode": "Static",
    "hostname": "Scispot_Printer_01",
    "protocols": {
      "tcp_ip": {
        "enabled": true,
        "port_9100": {
          "enabled": true
        }
      },
      "websocket": {
        "enabled": true
      }
    },
    "dns": {
      "primary_server": "8.8.8.8",
      "secondary_server": "8.8.4.4"
    }
  },
  "cloud": {
    "enabled": true,
    "cloud_service": {
      "name": "Scispot",
      "api_url": "https://api.zebra.com/sendFileToPrinter",
      "authorization_token": "sk_live_Qx7nM4kP9vL2tY8fR3wJ5hN6bC1dW0zA"
    },
    "firewall": {
      "allowlist": [
        "232.12.13.14"
      ]
    }
  },
  "printer": {
    "model": "Zebra Direct Thermal Printer ZD411",
    "location": "Seattle Office, WA - S04",
    "status_reporting": {
      "enabled": true,
      "interval": 60
    },
    "job_queue": {
      "max_jobs": 50,
      "retry_failed_jobs": true
    }
  }
}

Step 4: Import the Configuration File to your Zebra Printer

Download and Install Zebra Setup Utilities

  1. Go to the Zebra Setup Utilities Download Page.

  2. Download the installer and follow the prompts to install Zebra Setup Utilities on your computer.

  3. Once installed, open Zebra Setup Utilities.

Connect to Your Zebra Printer

  1. Ensure your Zebra printer is connected to your network and powered on.

  2. In Zebra Setup Utilities, you should see a list of available Zebra printers.

    • If your printer is not listed, click on Install Printer and follow the prompts to add your printer to Zebra Setup Utilities.

  3. Select your printer from the list by clicking on it.

Open Printer Tools

  1. With your printer selected, click on Open Printer Tools.

  2. A new window will open with various options for configuring and managing your printer.

Import the Configuration File (config.json)

  1. In the Printer Tools window, look for an option like Send File or Import Configuration (the exact name may vary based on your printer model).

  2. Click on Send File (or Import Configuration).

  3. A file browser window will open. Navigate to the location on your computer where the config.json file is saved. This is the same configuration file previously downloaded from the Scispot platform

  4. Select the config.json file and click Open to load it.

Send the Configuration File to the Printer

  1. After selecting the config.json file, click Send to upload the configuration file to your printer.

  2. Zebra Setup Utilities will transfer the file to your printer. This process may take a few moments.

  3. Once the upload is complete, Zebra Setup Utilities should confirm that the file was successfully sent.

Verify the Configuration

  1. After the configuration file has been uploaded, it may be necessary to reboot your Zebra printer to apply the new settings.

  2. Print a test page or check the configuration settings in Scispot to confirm that the new settings (like cloud connectivity and callback URL) have been applied correctly.

By following this guide, you can seamlessly set up your Zebra printer to receive print jobs directly from Scispot, enabling efficient and secure cloud printing of barcodes.

If your Zebra printer model does not support the SendFileToPrinter API, Scispot offers a custom middleware solution that can be deployed to enable connectivity and communication with your Zebra printer. This option provides a flexible alternative, ensuring that your printing workflows remain integrated and efficient regardless of your printer's capabilities.

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