The Zebra Printer configuration process allows enforcement officers to properly pair and format Zebra mobile Bluetooth printers for use with the legacy Android enforcement application. Its primary purpose is to ensure the Android device communicates correctly with the printer hardware and formats tickets accurately for a standard 3x7 receipt roll. This article is intended for OPS-COM administrators and field enforcement personnel configuring their handheld devices.
## Setup and Configuration Before configuring the printer within the OPS-COM application, the physical printer must be paired to the Android device, and its media settings must be configured using a specialized Zebra utility application. **Admin Side:** Administrators must ensure that field tablets are updated to at least Android Version 12 to successfully pair with Zebra printer models (e.g., ZQ520BT). **User Side (Enforcement Staff):** Enforcement officers must download the official [Zebra Printer Setup Utility](https://www.zebra.com/us/en/support-downloads/software/printer-software/printer-setup-utilities.html?downloadId=2c1cd23f-c1e5-4d08-92b0-1941416084ca) from the Google Play Store to configure the printer's specific media settings. ## Using this Feature Enforcement personnel must first pair the hardware via the Android operating system, then configure the print dimensions using the downloaded utility app. ### Pairing the Printer Tap **Connections** within the Android device settings, then tap **Bluetooth**. Tap the specific **printer name** (e.g., ZQ520BT) from the list of available devices to begin pairing. Verify the pairing code that appears on both the printer screen and the Android device. Tap the **check mark** button on the physical printer to confirm the code. Tap the confirmation message on the Android device to finalize the pairing. ### Setting up the Printer for Use - Open the installed Zebra Printer Setup Utility on your Android device. - Tap the **Media Settings** menu. Tap **Media Settings** again on the subsequent screen. - Enter **Receipt** for the format to begin setting up the 3x7 printer roll. Enter **3.1** for the width and **7.85** for the length. - Select **Inverted** for the orientation. - Tap **Next** to proceed to the next configuration screen. - Select **Continuous** for the Media Type. - Select **Direct Thermal** for the Type of Transfer. - Select **Rewind** for the Mobile Handling setting. Tap **Next**. - Tap **Apply** on the final screen to save your configuration to the printer. - Tap **Print Test Label** from the main Media Settings screen to verify that the print is centered and oriented properly. --- ## Best Practices and Considerations - **Verify your Android OS version:** **Ensure your tablet is running at least Android Version 12 before attempting to pair.** Older versions of the Android operating system may struggle to maintain a stable Bluetooth connection with modern Zebra hardware. - **Always print a test label:** **Do not skip the Print Test Label step within the utility app.** Confirming the physical alignment of the 3x7 formatting saves time in the field and prevents wasted receipt paper from misaligned citations. - **Complete the software setup:** **Remember to select the newly configured Zebra printer within the OPS-COM app.** Once this hardware configuration is complete, you must still log into the legacy enforcement app and select the Zebra driver under the internal system settings. --- ### Supporting References - [Zebra Tech Docs](http://techdocs.zebra.com/) - [Zebra Setup Utility Downloads](https://www.zebra.com/us/en/support-downloads/software/printer-software/printer-setup-utilities.html?downloadId=2c1cd23f-c1e5-4d08-92b0-1941416084ca) - [Zebra RW Series Manual](https://opscom.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/755937/Zebra_RW_Series.pdf?version=1&modificationDate=1440410993000&cacheVersion=1&api=v2) - [ZSDK Demos Android](https://opscom.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/755937/ZSDK_DemosAndroid.zip?version=1&modificationDate=1537362104000&cacheVersion=1&api=v2)