Raw printing directly to a USB printer, bypassing Windows spooler

Question

I\'m experimenting with a Zebra TTP8200 thermal printer. For my application I need to print plotter type traces continuously until the user hits a stop button. I\'ve had a p

Answer 1

Is there a way to bypass the spooler and output data straight to this USB printer?

Yes, absolutely. It's built into most OSs, printing raw via USB is just a bit less obvious than Ethernet and COM/LPT. Note, many applications, such as notepad are incapable of printing raw, so your application needs to support this as well.

1. Install the appropriate driver for your USB printer. Check the printer properties to see which USB port it is using. It may be USB001, etc.
2. Using the Devices and Printers, add a second printer. Local Port, Select the port just created (i.e. USB001) Note: Some versions of Windows have a checkbox to autodetect, if it's there, uncheck this.
3. Manufacturer: Generic, Printer: Generic / Text Only
4. Use the driver that is currently installed
5. Give the printer a name that differentiates it from the one already created, i.e. Zebra TTP8200 Raw.
6. Do not share
7. Do not print test page, Finish

Now with your raw printing application, use the newly created printer.

P.S. These instructions are also available here, with screenshots, as part of a Java open source raw printing tutorial. The project provides tutorials for other platforms (Ubuntu, OS X) as well.

http://qzindustries.com/TutorialRawWin

-Tres