Virtual Device-Ax
User Guide
P1079049-003
© 2018 ZIH Corp. All rights reserved. ZEBRA and the stylized Zebra head are trademarks of ZIH Corp.,
registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
For further information regarding legal and proprietary statements, please go to:
COPYRIGHTS: http://www.zebra.com/copyright
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Terms of Use
Proprietary Statement
and its subsidiaries (“Zebra Technologies”). It is intended solely for the information and use of parties
operating and maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used,
reproduced, or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose without the express, written permission
of Zebra Technologies.
This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation
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specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.
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Part Number: P1079049-003 Rev. A
Contents
2 • Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1 • Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Virtual Device-Ax Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Supported Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Configuring Network Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2 • Install, Register, and Enable Virtual Device-Ax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Acquiring the Virtual Device Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Downloading the Virtual Device-Ax Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Adding Printers to the ZDownloader List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Modifying Printers in the List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Deleting Printers from the List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Downloading the Virtual Device App to Selected Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Canceling a Download in Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Registering the Virtual Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
ZDownloader Log File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Enabling the Virtual Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using an SGD Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using the User Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3 • Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Table of Supported Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Set/Get/Do (SGD) Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
apl.enable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
apl.version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
apl.framework_version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
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Contents
4
4 • Supported Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Supported Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5 • ZDownloader Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Downloading the ZDownloader Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Installing the ZDownloader Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
1 • Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
P1079049-003 Virtual Device-Ax User Guide 08/28/2018
Introduction
This section describes the features and functions of a Zebra printer that is running the
Virtual Device-Ax application.
Contents
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Virtual Device-Ax Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Virtual Device-Ax Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Configuring Network Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
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Introduction
6
Overview
Overview
The Virtual Device-Ax application enables Zebra Link-OS printers to work with many
host systems that are using Datamax-O’Neil Apex 3 or Apex 4 printers. In most cases,
no changes will be required to the host application. This feature can help customers to
make a smooth transition to Zebra printers and save them the time and expense of
having to rewrite their host software.
Virtual Device-Ax Features
The Virtual Device-Ax application:
• Uses existing features of Zebra printers, when available.
• Offers fonts similar to the original device. These fonts will use 120 KB or more of
memory space.
• Supports the Bluetooth
• Offers many outline fonts and specific commands and features of target printer
models (see Supported Fonts on page 42).
®
, Serial, Ethernet, WLAN, and USB interfaces.
• Provides support of Datamax-O’Neil commands (see Commands on page 34).
P1079049-003 Virtual Device-Ax User Guide 08/28/2018
Supported Printers
This manual describes the Virtual Device-Ax language for Zebra Link-OS printers and
should be used by any person who needs to support that language on one of the
following Zebra printers:
Printer Firmware
iMZ Series V73.19.6Z and later
QLn Series V68.19.6Z and later
ZT200 Series V72.19.6Z and later
ZT400 Series V75.19.7Z and later
ZT510 V80.20.02Z and later
ZT600 Series V80.20.02Z and later
ZD400 Series V77.19.14Z or V84.20.05Z and later
ZD500 Series V74.19.6Z and later
ZD600 Series V84.20.05Z and later
Introduction
Supported Printers
7
ZQ300 Series V81.20.06Z and later
ZQ500 Series V76.19.10Z and later
Note • The Virtual Device-Ax language is supported only on 203 dpi printers.
For complete printer operation, use this manual in combination with the User Guide
for your printer.
Configuring Network Connectivity
Your printer may be equipped with one or more of the following interfaces:
• Bluetooth—For detailed information to connect a Bluetooth device, refer to the
Bluetooth User Guide.
• Wired print server—For detailed information, refer to the ZebraNet Wired and
Wireless Print Servers User Guide.
• Wireless print server—For detailed information, refer to the ZebraNet Wired and
Wireless Print Servers User Guide.
For other connectivity options, refer to the User Guide for your printer. Copies of these
manuals are available at http://www.zebra.com/manuals.
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Introduction
8
Notes
Notes
• Other command languages are disabled when running Virtual Device-Ax.
However, Set/Get/Do (SGD) commands and file download all operate properly
with Virtual Device-Ax enabled.
• Virtual Device-Ax fonts can only be used with Virtual Device-Ax commands. They
cannot be used with other languages.
• The Virtual Device-Ax mode application will not respond to CPCL, ZPL, or EPL
commands. Instead, commands will be processed by the Virtual Device-Ax
application.
P1079049-003 Virtual Device-Ax User Guide 08/28/2018
Install, Register, and
Enable Virtual Device-Ax
This section provides you with instructions on how to install and enable the
Virtual Device-Ax application on one or more Zebra printers.
Contents
Acquiring the Virtual Device Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Downloading the Virtual Device-Ax Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Using ZDownloader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Adding Printers to the ZDownloader List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Auto-Detect Printers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Manually Add Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Modifying Printers in the List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Deleting Printers from the List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Downloading the Virtual Device App to Selected Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Registering the Virtual Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Enabling the Virtual Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using an SGD Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using the User Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
QLn420 Printers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
QLn320 and QLn220 Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Supported ZTxxx and ZDxxx Printers with a Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
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Getting Started
10
Acquiring the Virtual Device Application
Acquiring the Virtual Device Application
To get the Virtual Device app, perform the following from your computer:
1. Open a web browser and navigate to http://www.zebra.com/virtualdevices.
2. Locate your printer type in the list of printers, and then click Download Now.
3. Fill out the information on the Virtual Device Download Request form.
4. Click Submit.
5. Read the End User License Agreement.
6. Click Accept and Begin Download Now.
Your browser prompts you to open or save the archive containing the Virtual
Device app.
7. Save and store the Virtual Device app archive file to your computer.
The archive file contains the following:
• The Virtual Device .NRD file to be downloaded to a Zebra printer.
•A .txt file that contains the SGD command for immediately activating the
Virtual Device app.
8. Extract the files from the archive to your computer.
P1079049-003 Virtual Device-Ax User Guide 08/28/2018
Downloading the Virtual Device-Ax Application
Downloading the Virtual Device-Ax Application
Zebra provides two options to download the Virtual Device-Ax app to the printer.
• On a computer with the ZDownloader Utility
The ZDownloader Utility is the only method shown in this manual. For instructions
on how to download and install the ZDownloader Utility, see ZDownloader Utility
on page 45.
• On an Android device with the Zebra Printer Setup Utility for Android Devices
(available for free on Google Play™)
For information on using the Zebra Printer Setup Utility for Android Devices and to
download the user guide, navigate to http://www.zebra.com/setup.
Using ZDownloader
The ZDownloader application can update Virtual Device-Ax files in Zebra printers
connected by Serial, Parallel, USB, and IP Ethernet networks.
Getting Started
11
Figure 1 • Initial ZDownloader Screen
Adding Printers to the ZDownloader List
There are two ways to add printers to the list:
• Auto-Detect (use for USB or IP Ethernet interfaces)
• Manual add (use for Serial, Parallel, or IP Ethernet interfaces)
If your printer is connecting via the serial or parallel interfaces, or is not detected by
using the Auto-Detect method, use the Manual Add method.
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Getting Started
12
Downloading the Virtual Device-Ax Application
Auto-Detect Printers
Use Auto-Detect for USB or IP Ethernet interfaces.
Note • Ethernet connected printers are detected by the application broadcasting a
UDP packet out onto the network. UDP port number 4201 is used for the
discovery process. Some networks filter out UDP packets. This means that the
ZDownloader utility may not be able to detect all of the printers on your network.
See your network administrator for more information. If you are not able to AutoDetect your network printers, follow instructions for manually adding a printer.
USB printers can only be added by using Auto-Detect. The ZDownloader utility can
support as many USB printers as your computer can support (most computers
typically can support up to 255).
P1079049-003 Virtual Device-Ax User Guide 08/28/2018
Getting Started
Downloading the Virtual Device-Ax Application
To Auto-Detect printers connected via the USB or IP Ethernet interfaces,
perform the following steps:
1. In the ZDownloader toolbar, select Printer > Auto-Detect.
OR
Right-click in the ZDownloader window and select Auto-Detect Printers.
The printers detected are added to the printer list.
13
Manually Add Printers
To manually add printers connected via the Serial, Parallel, or Network
interfaces, perform the following steps:
1. In the ZDownloader toolbar, select Printer > Add….
OR
Right-click in the ZDownloader window and select Add Printer….
The following window appears.
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Getting Started
14
Downloading the Virtual Device-Ax Application
2. Add a printer name and your printer model in the appropriate fields.
3. What type of printer are you adding?
If you are adding a… Then…
Serial Printer Go to Adding a Serial Printer.
Parallel Printer Go to Adding a Parallel Printer on page 16.
Network Printer Go to Adding a Network Printer on page 17.
Adding a Serial Printer
4. Select the serial port to which the printer is connected.
P1079049-003 Virtual Device-Ax User Guide 08/28/2018
5. Click Port Settings.
The following window appears.
Getting Started
Downloading the Virtual Device-Ax Application
15
6. Adjust the settings as necessary. The printer’s serial port settings must match the
computer’s serial port settings. For more information about the settings, refer to
the User Guide for your printer.
7. Click OK to save the port settings.
8. Click OK to add the printer.
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Getting Started
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Downloading the Virtual Device-Ax Application
Adding a Parallel Printer
9. Set Communication Type to Parallel.
The available parallel ports will be shown in the Port drop-down box.
10. Select the port to which the printer is connected. No additional configuration is
necessary.
11. Click OK to add the printer.
P1079049-003 Virtual Device-Ax User Guide 08/28/2018
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