Printers¶
OdbavTo sends data directly in the printer's language, without a print driver: TSPL for TSC and compatible printers, raster for Brother QL. Printers are assigned to events in the app, see Printing badges. This page covers the hardware setup.
Verified with TSC TDP-225 (USB) and Brother QL-820NWB (network).
Print backend comparison¶
| WebUSB | Network (TCP/IP) | Agent | Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where it prints | Browser | Server → printer | PC with the agent | Server (Windows) |
| Scanning on a phone | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| App in the cloud | Yes¹ | VPN only | Yes | No |
| Driver | WinUSB (Windows only) | none | regular driver / libusb | regular Windows driver |
| Browser | Chrome / Edge | any | any | any |
¹ The printer is connected by USB to the device running the scanner. WebUSB prints only from the device that scans. When a hostess scans on a phone and the USB printer is at a laptop, you currently need the agent.
WebUSB on Windows: WinUSB driver¶
Windows claims the USB printer with its own print driver, and the browser then cannot see it when pairing. On every Windows PC that should print via WebUSB, replace the driver once:
- Download Zadig.
- Enable Options → List All Devices.
- Select the label printer (e.g. TSC TDP-225).
- Choose the WinUSB driver and click Install (or Replace Driver).
- Unplug and reconnect the printer and pair it in the app.
Warning
After installing WinUSB, neither Windows nor the Direct and Agent backends can print to the printer from that PC. Nothing needs to be installed on macOS and Linux.
TSC (TSPL)¶
- The default label is 40 × 80 mm, 200 DPI, density 15, gap 2 mm.
- For a continuous roll, set the gap to 0 mm.
- For the Direct and Agent backends on Windows, install the TSC driver from the manufacturer's website. Then enter the exact printer name as shown in Printers & scanners into the app.
Brother QL-820NWB (network)¶
What you need¶
- The printer connected to the network (a cable is more stable than Wi-Fi).
- A DK-22225 roll (38 mm, continuous).
- A fixed IP address for the printer (a DHCP reservation by MAC address in the router).
App settings¶
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Print Backend | Network (TCP/IP) |
| Printer Language | Brother QL |
| IP address | e.g. 192.168.1.42 (enter the IP, not a hostname) |
| Port | 9100 |
| Label width × height | 38 × 90 mm |
| DPI | 300 |
Raster mode¶
The printer supports several command modes. OdbavTo switches it to Raster mode with every print. If nothing prints anyway, or a blank label comes out, set the mode permanently:
- Install the Brother Printer Setting Tool (support.brother.com, model QL-820NWB).
- In Command Settings, set Command Mode = Raster.
- Save the setting to the printer.
Troubleshooting¶
| Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|
| Nothing prints / blank label | Set Command Mode = Raster (see above). |
| Connection error / timeout | Check ping <IP> from the server, port 9100, and that no firewall between the server and the printer filters it. |
| Shifted or cut-off print | Check the DK-22225 roll and the 38 × 90 mm size in the app. |
| Mirrored or distorted text | The printer is not in raster mode, see above. |
Network printers and the cloud
The Network backend sends data from the server. When OdbavTo runs in the cloud and the printer is on the venue's local network, the server cannot reach it. Use the print agent on a PC on the same network as the printer.