Filter
Top Products
Interfacing to a Host Computer
IrDA Interface
In addition to the standard Serial interface, your MLP 3040 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 23.
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 12.
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 12 – Wireless Indicator & IrDA Window
Bluetooth
®
Interface
In addition to the standard Serial interface, your MLP 3040 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 24.
The Bluetooth interface uses wireless, radio frequency signals to communicate, which eliminates the line-of-
sight requirement imposed by the IrDA interface.
The MLP 3040 Bluetooth interface acts as a “serial port adapter” operating as a “server”. Being a serial port
adapter means, 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.
34