Changing Bluetooth Mode
The Changing Bluetooth Mode process outlines how to correctly configure Star Micronics mobile printers to communicate with Android handheld devices. Its primary purpose is to resolve pairing issues caused by the printer being set to the iOS-specific Bluetooth (iAP) mode, ensuring seamless physical ticket printing in the field. This article is intended for OPS-COM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the legacy Android application.
Setup and Configuration
This hardware configuration is performed directly on the physical Star Micronics printer using its hardware buttons. It does not require any backend adjustments within the OPS-COM administrative portal.
Admin Side: Administrators deploying new printers should ensure they are configured to standard Bluetooth mode before issuing them to the field.
User Side (Enforcement Staff): Enforcement officers experiencing pairing failures must manually adjust the internal printer settings using the physical buttons before attempting to connect the hardware to their Android device.
Using this Feature
Enforcement personnel must interact with the physical buttons on the printer's front panel to navigate its internal menus and adjust the operational connection mode.
Adjusting the Printer Settings
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Hold the Power button down for 3 seconds until the printer beeps to power it on.
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Hold down both the Power button and Feed button simultaneously for approximately 5 seconds until the printer enters settings mode (indicated by a flashing LED), then release the buttons.
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Press the Power button to change the currently displayed setting from Bluetooth (iAP) to Bluetooth Mode or Bluetooth (the exact naming varies by model, but ensure the iAP suffix is removed).
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Hold down the Power button and Feed button simultaneously for another 5 seconds to exit and save your changes.
Visual Cues and Status Indicators
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LED Indicator: The correct, updated Bluetooth mode will be displayed directly on the LED indicator screen.
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Settings Receipt: Once you save your changes and exit the configuration area, the device will automatically print a detailed paper list showing your new internal settings.
Button Functions in Settings Mode While navigating the internal printer settings, pressing the Power button changes the currently displayed setting, while pressing the Feed button skips to the next available setting in the menu.
Best Practices and Considerations
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Avoid the iAP mode for Android devices: Never leave the printer in Bluetooth (iAP) mode if you are using an Android handheld. Even if the Android OS appears to successfully pair with the printer in the device's native Bluetooth settings, the OPS-COM application will not be able to communicate with it or print tickets successfully.
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Confirm your configuration with a test print: Always follow the instructions in the Install Bluetooth Printer guide to pair your device and perform a test print after changing the mode. This ensures the hardware is communicating correctly with the OperationsCommander Android application before you begin an active patrol.