PouchNATION kitchen printing is simple yet powerful. Print commands are sent directly over your local network to printers with fixed IP addresses. In order for this to function properly you need:

  • Network enabled printer that is capable of receiving raw print commands via port 9100 (this is standard protocol on most network thermal printer)
  • Printer must maintain a static IP Address
  • To make sure printer is reachable by PouchVENUE system, it must be on the same network with the same Subnet Mask and IP Address range

            IF Network IP  of a Pouch Device is 192.168.1.99  then Kitchen printer should be 192.168.1.xxx

            IF Subnet Mask of a Pouch Device is   255.255.255.0 then Subnet Mask of Kitchen Printer should also be     255.255.255.0

 

*Client is responsible for their own Network Configuration

 


Initial printer Configuration


New Printers:

  • If printer comes with its own setup software, please run the software on your computer and set the IP Address for the printer within the IP Address range of your router for the POS Network
  • Note IP Address as it will be input in the PouchVENUE System. 
  • Some printer models require that software is run on the first time.

 

How to get your Printer Configuration (Most Printer Models):

  • Whilst turn off, hold the feed button for 2 seconds. Turn the kitchen printer on whilst continuing to press the feed button. Configuration should print immediately



How to set a static IP address for your printer


Printers must maintain the same, static IP address constantly, in order for connected PouchNATION devices to always be able to connect and print. 

There are 2 ways to set a static IP address. Setting static IP via router is required. Setting static IP via printer is optional but may enhance stability 


Set static IP via router (required):

  • Log into the main router for your POS network (The router that provides IP addresses for all connected devices) 

  • Find the section to set static IP addresses. This could be labeled “static IP”, “MAC address reservation”, “Leases”, “IP address Reservation” or something similar, based on your router model

  • Set the printer to have a fixed, static IP address. This is done by entering the MAC address of your printer, and the IP address you want it to always have. 

    • You can find the printer MAC address from the printer configuration printout

    • The MAC address is essentially the “ID” of the printer and it is how your router recognises the printer. 

    • By setting a static IP address for your printer, your router will always give the printer the same IP address on the network. 

    • This is also a good opportunity to verify that your printer is connected and configured. You should be able to see the printer’s MAC address in the list of connected devices

  • Restart the printer, allow it to reconnect, then print configuration settings to ensure it has the correct Static IP address

 

Set static IP via Printer (optional):

  • In a browser, enter the IP address of the kitchen printer. This should bring up the printer configuration screen

  • Set the desired IP address of the printer. 

  • Ensure that the printer is set to “static IP address”, or similar. 



Common Issues


Problem: Printer cannot be reached

Likely cause: Network configuration or connection issue

Solution:

  1. Verify that the printer is connected to ethernet. There is often a green light and yellow light at the ethernet port of the printer that will flash if connected. This can be verified by checking the ethernet connection at the router end to see if it is connected. If the lights are not on, check the cable and make sure everything is plugged in correctly

  2. Verify the Ip configuration of the printer. Print a configuration slip (see above). Check the IP address of the printer. Is the IP address of the printer a valid IP address for the network? Invalid Ip configurations can occur when the printer is moved to a new network but keeps its old settings, the network configuration has changed, or if it is first time use. 

    1. If first time use, run the configuration software that came with the printer. Set the IP address of the printer to a valid IP address for the network. 

    2. If not first time use and the printer or network have changed, perform a factory reset. This can be done by long pressing the factory reset button, usually located at the back of the printer as a small red button. You may need to hold the button down for approximately 1 minute with power on. Upon factory reset, the printer will retrieve the network configuration again based on what it detects from ethernet. 

  3. Verify that your device is on the same network as the printers. This is a common issue for places with multiple wifi networks. Verify that the device you are using to set up printers, and print orders, are connected to the same network that the printer is on. 



Problem: Network is configured but orders do not print

Likely cause:  Configuration issue

Solution:

  1. Verify network configuration is good. (See above)

  2. Verify your device is connected to the same network as the printer

  3. Verify that the IP address of the printer matches the IP address you entered in the PouchNATION app

  4. Verify that the item you are printing is configured to be sent to that printer (dashboard)

  5. Check the steps on how to Create, Edit and Printer Profile here.