# Printer set up

# Identifying your Printer Model

### Desktop printers

These printers can easily be identified visually.

#### Zebra ZD500R:

[![image.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/scaled-1680-/bD0image.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/bD0image.png)

#### Zebra ZD621R:

[![image.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/scaled-1680-/6rEimage.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/6rEimage.png)

#### Printronix T800 (T820, T830):

[![image.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/scaled-1680-/AHMimage.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/AHMimage.png)

### Industrial Printers

These printers can be harder to tell apart visually, however you can usually find the model number printed on the front as well.

#### Zebra ZT410:

[![image.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/scaled-1680-/wYbimage.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/wYbimage.png)

#### Zebra ZT411:

[![image.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/scaled-1680-/OC2image.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/OC2image.png)

#### Printronix T4000:

Note: The T4000 has a media cover that can fold when opened, whereas the T6000e does not.

[![t4000.jpg](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/scaled-1680-/t4000.jpg)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/t4000.jpg)

#### Printronix T6000e:

Note: The T4000 has a media cover that can fold when opened, whereas the T6000e does not.

[![image.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/scaled-1680-/svcimage.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/svcimage.png)

# Installing Print Client

<video controls="" style="width: 100%; max-width: 800px;"><source src="https://6577821.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6577821/Upgrading%20to%20printer%20V2_v1.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video>

### ****Step 1. Connect the printer to the device****

<p class="callout info"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The printer can be connected to the PC via </span>****Network**** <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">or </span>****USB****. Network method is generally more reliable, and therefore preferred if possible.</p>

<p class="callout warning">****WARNING: MACOS DEVICES****  
The macOS version of the Print Client is currently in beta. As such it has the following limitations:  
****- The macOS Print Client requires Apple Silicon (M1 or later).**** Macs with Intel processors are not compatible.  
****- The macOS Print Client does not support Printronix printers via USB.**** Zebra printers can be connected via USB, but Printronix printers can only be connected via local network.  
****- The macOS Print Client will not work if certain USB storage devices are connected.**** This can include flash drives, external hard drives, or even mobile phones. If you disconnect these devices, the print client will run.</p>

#### Network method

If connecting via network, use the provided CAT6 cable, or a network cable of your own, to attach the printer to your network.

[![image.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/image.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/image.png)

<p class="callout info">The printer must be on the same subnet as the host PC in order to be detected by the Print Client.</p>

#### USB method

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If connecting via USB, plug the provided USB cable into your PC and printer. The </span>****USB-A**** <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">connector should be plugged into the PC, while the </span>****USB-B**** connecter should be plugged into the printer:

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/157004731761/original/ePWkV0CU8HcvlFTviF8Ka9oXtFWIUC-J1Q.png?1744219506)

<p class="callout warning"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Last, for the USB method, you'll need to </span>[change the Interface setting](https://kb.simplerfid.com/books/printers/page/printronix-change-interface)<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> on the printer to USB.</span></p>

<p class="callout info">Such cable type is often used by regular inkjet/laser printers as well.</p>

---

### ****Step 2. Install Print Client****

<p class="callout warning">If you are connecting a Printronix printer via USB, you must use the Windows version currently. macOS only supports Printronix printers via network connection.</p>

#### ****Download the Print Client:****

1. ****Login**** <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">to the </span>[web portal](https://portal.simplerfid.com/)
2. ****Click**** on your account name in the top-right corner
3. ****Click**** "Resources"
4. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On the resources page, under Printing Utilities, </span>****click**** **"*****Set-up Print Client Windows*****"** ****or**** **"*****Set-up Print Client macOS*****"** to download

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/157004085494/original/otbcpPa62kMbSLSJkHUo8r07MVcXdBWwXg.png?1742590917)<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>[![image.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/scaled-1680-/Bbjimage.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/Bbjimage.png)

#### ****Install Client****

1. ****Open**** the downloaded file (****PrintClient.Updater.Installer.msi****<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> or </span>****PrintClientUpdater.Installer.pkg****). This will launch the installer.
2. ****Follow**** the steps in the installer. You will need to provide Administrator approval to complete the installation.
3. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Enter your </span>****Registration Key****<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> when prompted. You can find this key on the web portal, on the </span>****Customer Profile****<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> page under </span>****Printing Settings****.  
      
    ****If you don't have access to the key, reach out to your manager.****  
      
    ****If you are not prompted to enter the key, finish the installation, then**** [****reach out to Simple RFID support****](https://support.simplerfid.com/support/tickets/new) ****to connect your printer.****  
      
    [![Screenshot 2026-02-16 at 3.11.50 PM.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/fBqscreenshot-2026-02-16-at-3-11-50-pm.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/fBqscreenshot-2026-02-16-at-3-11-50-pm.png)  
    [![image.png (noshadow)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/fYzimage.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/fYzimage.png)
4. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When the installation is completed successfully, you can </span>****close**** the installer.

---

### ****Step 3. Assign Location****

<p class="callout warning">Please ask your manager to assign the location.</p>

Here are the steps for manager:

1. ****Go to****<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> User Menu (click on the name on the top right)</span>
2. ****Select**** Printers
3. ****Find**** the new Print Station (often on top, will have "**Not assigned**" under the location column)
4. ****Click**** the gear icon ([![image.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-03/scaled-1680-/BO8image.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-03/BO8image.png)) on the right from the Print Station[)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-03/zoZimage.png)
5. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the Location dropdown, </span>****set**** the desired location
6. ****Click**** Apply

<p class="callout success">Once the printer is connected, it will appear on the Printers page, and in the Available Printers menu.</p>

# Configuring your Printronix Printer after a reset

<p class="callout warning">**When you update the firmware on your Printronix printer, or if you have to reset its settings during troubleshooting, you'll need to configure a few settings for the printer to work with Simple RFID.**</p>

1. First, **navigate** to the Home screen of the printer by pressing the Pause button. You should see this screen:  
      
    ![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/157004088100/original/vafe5G8GV2ZkQt4qXRWIcOq9WG7gi0kPtQ.png?1742595806)
2. **Click** the *Settings* button
3. Within the *Settings* menu, **set** the following values: <p class="callout info">If you see an **ENTER SWITCH LOCKED** error, just press the Up and Down keys once, at the same time. You should then see **ENTER SWITCH UNLOCKED** and then you can perform the calibration.</p>

- **Media &gt; Image**
    - Print Intensity: **15**
- **Sensors &gt; Control  
    
    - Gap/Mark Sensor: **Gap**
- **Sensors &gt; Calibrate  
    
    - Power-Up Action: **Disable**
    - Head Close Action: **Seek TOF**
    - Threshold Range: **50%**
    - Label Window: **Enable**
- **Host I/O &gt; Control**
    - Interface: **USB** or **Ethernet** depending on how the printer is connected
- **Application**
    - **Control**
        - Active IGP Emul: **ZGL**
    - **ZGL Setup**
        - Preparser: **Enable**

After changing these settings, press the green **Pause** button to unpause the printer, then select **"Save permanently in Active Config"**.  
When all the steps have been completed the printer should show "**ONLINE**" in the top-right corner of the screen:

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/157004088162/original/VQkdtApc7iv0-qO9H5QchlAoG-kalBa-9g.png?1742596015)

You should now be ready to print.

# Printer Setup Instructions

## ****Set up your printer****

##### Watch the video corresponding to your printer model for setup instructions, then continue for instructions to install the Print Client.

##### ****Make sure you do both of these steps before your first onboarding call!****

### ****Desktop Printers****

#### ****Zebra Printer (ZD621R, ZD500R)****

<video controls="" style="width: 100%; max-width: 800px;"><source src="https://storage.googleapis.com/msgsndr/2ztu8COPyUXvKrxfxzBR/media/67dddb184bc20a23c609c048.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video>

---

#### ****Printronix Printer (T800)****

<video controls="" style="width: 100%; max-width: 800px;"><source src="https://storage.googleapis.com/msgsndr/2ztu8COPyUXvKrxfxzBR/media/67f69ebd4f87ea012bdf427a.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video>

### ****Industrial Printers****

#### ****Zebra Printer (ZT411, ZT410)****

<video controls="" style="width: 100%; max-width: 800px;"><source src="https://storage.googleapis.com/msgsndr/2ztu8COPyUXvKrxfxzBR/media/67dddb18d8aa9e9da6da8b79.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video>

---

#### ****Printronix Printer (T6000e)****

<video controls="" style="width: 100%; max-width: 800px;"><source src="https://storage.googleapis.com/msgsndr/2ztu8COPyUXvKrxfxzBR/media/67dddf9d0a772876a27805ae.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video>

---

#### ****Printronix Printer (T4000 series)****

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WuINpotOlMc?si=mB4dfFdY7YqKTmu0" style="width: 100%; max-width: 800px; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;" title="YouTube video player" width="795"></iframe>

---

## ****Install the Print Client****

<video controls="" style="width: 100%; max-width: 800px;"><source src="https://6577821.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6577821/Upgrading%20to%20printer%20V2_v1.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video>

### ****Step 1. Connect the printer to the device****

<p class="callout info"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The printer can be connected to the PC via </span>****Network**** <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">or </span>****USB****. Network method is generally more reliable, and therefore preferred if possible.</p>

<p class="callout warning">****WARNING: MACOS DEVICES****  
The macOS version of the Print Client is currently in beta. As such it has the following limitations:  
****- The macOS Print Client requires Apple Silicon (M1 or later).**** Macs with Intel processors are not compatible.  
****- The macOS Print Client does not support Printronix printers via USB.**** Zebra printers can be connected via USB, but Printronix printers can only be connected via local network.  
****- The macOS Print Client will not work if certain USB storage devices are connected.**** This can include flash drives, external hard drives, or even mobile phones. If you disconnect these devices, the print client will run.</p>

#### Network method

If connecting via network, use the provided CAT6 cable, or a network cable of your own, to attach the printer to your network.

[![image.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/image.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/image.png)

<p class="callout info">The printer must be on the same subnet as the host PC in order to be detected by the Print Client.</p>

#### USB method

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If connecting via USB, plug the provided USB cable into your PC and printer. The </span>****USB-A**** <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">connector should be plugged into the PC, while the </span>****USB-B**** connecter should be plugged into the printer:

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/157004731761/original/ePWkV0CU8HcvlFTviF8Ka9oXtFWIUC-J1Q.png?1744219506)

<p class="callout warning"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Last, for the USB method, you'll need to </span>[change the Interface setting](https://kb.simplerfid.com/books/printers/page/printronix-change-interface)<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> on the printer to USB.</span></p>

<p class="callout info">Such cable type is often used by regular inkjet/laser printers as well.</p>

---

### ****Step 2. Install Print Client****

<p class="callout warning">If you are connecting a Printronix printer via USB, you must use the Windows version currently. macOS only supports Printronix printers via network connection.</p>

#### ****Download the Print Client:****

1. ****Login**** <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">to the </span>[web portal](https://portal.simplerfid.com/)
2. ****Click**** on your account name in the top-right corner
3. ****Click**** "Resources"
4. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On the resources page, under Printing Utilities, </span>****click**** **"*****Set-up Print Client Windows*****"** ****or**** **"*****Set-up Print Client macOS*****"** to download

![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/157004085494/original/otbcpPa62kMbSLSJkHUo8r07MVcXdBWwXg.png?1742590917)<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>[![image.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/scaled-1680-/Bbjimage.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/Bbjimage.png)

#### ****Install Client****

1. ****Open**** the downloaded file (****PrintClient.Updater.Installer.msi****<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> or </span>****PrintClientUpdater.Installer.pkg****). This will launch the installer.
2. ****Follow**** the steps in the installer. You will need to provide Administrator approval to complete the installation.
3. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Enter your </span>****Registration Key****<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> when prompted. You can find this key on the web portal, on the </span>****Customer Profile****<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> page under </span>****Printing Settings****.  
      
    ****If you don't have access to the key, reach out to your manager.****  
      
    ****If you are not prompted to enter the key, finish the installation, then**** [****reach out to Simple RFID support****](https://support.simplerfid.com/support/tickets/new) ****to connect your printer.****  
      
    [![Screenshot 2026-02-16 at 3.11.50 PM.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/fBqscreenshot-2026-02-16-at-3-11-50-pm.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/fBqscreenshot-2026-02-16-at-3-11-50-pm.png)  
    [![image.png (noshadow)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/scaled-1680-/fYzimage.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-02/fYzimage.png)
4. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When the installation is completed successfully, you can </span>****close**** the installer.

---

### ****Step 3. Assign Location****

<p class="callout warning">Please ask your manager to assign the location.</p>

Here are the steps for manager:

1. ****Go to****<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> User Menu (click on the name on the top right)</span>
2. ****Select**** Printers
3. ****Find**** the new Print Station (often on top, will have "**Not assigned**" under the location column)
4. ****Click**** the gear icon ([![image.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-03/scaled-1680-/BO8image.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-03/BO8image.png)) on the right from the Print Station[)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-03/zoZimage.png)
5. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the Location dropdown, </span>****set**** the desired location
6. ****Click**** Apply

<p class="callout success">Once the printer is connected, it will appear on the Printers page, and in the Available Printers menu.</p>

# Zebra Printers: Loading Media & Ribbon

### ZD500R &amp; ZD621R

##### Ribbon &amp; Media

<iframe height="475" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6R697-_Nc_s?" width="848"></iframe>

### ZT410R &amp; ZT411R

##### Ribbon &amp; Media

<iframe height="470" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fJwHG10JYmo?" width="839"></iframe>

# What Needs to Be Plugged Into a Printronix Printer?

## 1. Power Connection (Required)

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The first and most critical connection is the </span>****power supply****.

- <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The T800 uses an </span>****AC power cord****<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> connected to a standard electrical outlet.</span>
- The power cable plugs into the back of the printer.
- Once connected, the printer can be turned on using the power switch.

Without power, none of the other connections matter—the printer will not initialize or respond.

[![IMG_4421.jpg](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-03/scaled-1680-/KPzimg-4421.jpg)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-03/KPzimg-4421.jpg)

---

## 2. Media and Ribbon (Required for Printing)

Although not “cables,” these are essential physical components:

- ****Label roll (media)****<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> – the material the printer prints on</span>
- ****Thermal ribbon (for thermal transfer models)****<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> – required for certain print types</span>

These are loaded inside the printer. Without them, the printer may power on but cannot produce labels.

<p class="callout info"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you need help with loading media you can visit this article: </span>[https://kb.simplerfid.com/books/printer-set-up/page/printer-setup-instructions](https://kb.simplerfid.com/books/printer-set-up/page/printer-setup-instructions)</p>

## 3. Data / Communication Cables

To send print jobs, the printer must be connected to a computer or network. The T800 supports several connection types:

<p class="callout warning">Simple RFID recommends using an Ethernet (LAN) connection for the best stability. USB connections can be used, but Ethernet will provide a more reliable connection.</p>

### Ethernet (LAN) Connection (Most Common)

- <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Uses an </span>****RJ-45 Ethernet cable****
- Connects the printer to a router, switch, or network wall port
- Allows multiple users to access the printer over a network

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This is one of the most widely used setups in warehouses and offices. The printer supports </span>****10/100 Ethernet LAN connectivity****

[![IMG_4422.jpg](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-03/scaled-1680-/oKHimg-4422.jpg)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-03/oKHimg-4422.jpg)

<p class="callout danger"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Printer will not work if the connection interface is set up incorrectly in the printer settings! Follow this </span>[article](https://kb.simplerfid.com/books/printers/page/printronix-change-interface)<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to configure the interface properly.</span></p>

### USB Connection

- <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Uses a </span>****USB Type-B cable****<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (printer port) to a computer</span>
- <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Plug one end </span>****USB-B****<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> into the printer and the other </span>****USB-A****<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> into a PC</span>
- Ideal for direct, single-computer setups

The T800 includes USB as a standard interface

[![usb a to usb b.png](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-04/scaled-1680-/usb-a-to-usb-b.png)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-04/scaled-1680-/usb-a-to-usb-b.png)

[![IMG_4424.jpg](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-03/scaled-1680-/img-4424.jpg)](https://kb.simplerfid.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-03/img-4424.jpg)

# Printronix Printers: Loading Media & Ribbon

Load media &amp; ribbon into your:

## *****Printronix Printers*****

### *****T800 Models :***** 

<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" class="align-right" height="565" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1176335825?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" title="T820 Ribbon" width="318"></iframe>

<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" height="563" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1176336626?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" title="T820 Labels" width="316"></iframe>

### *****T6000 Model:***** 

<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" class="align-right" height="562" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1176337529?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" title="T6000 Ribbon" width="316"></iframe>

<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" height="558" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1176338366?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" title="T6000 Labels" width="314"></iframe>

### *****T4000 Model :***** 

<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" class="align-right" height="559" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1176339450?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" title="T4000 Ribbon" width="315"></iframe>

<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" height="554" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1176630196?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" title="T4000 Labels" width="312"></iframe>