Support
How do I connect the printer to my PC and make it print?
To connect your printer with your PC, power on the printer and connect it to your PC using the USB cable. Visit bclinternational.com to download the right BCL driver for your printer (click here to install). Without a driver, you will not be able to use the printer. Double click the downloaded driver and follow the instructions to install it. With the USB cable connected, the driver will automatically detect and set up your printer. Once the printer is connected, you can now choose it as a printer in your desired software.
Can I print from a mobile device?
No, the printer cannot print from a mobile device.
Can you connect the printer via Wi-Fi?
No, the printer cannot connect via Wi-Fi.
Can you connect to the printer via Bluetooth?
No, the printer cannot connect via Bluetooth.
Does this printer work with Google Chrome?
Yes, this printer is compatible with Google Chrome on both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Can I print directly from the internet?
Yes, this printer will print directly from the internet. When you go to print from a web browser, a popup window will show you a PDF to print. Choose your printer from the printer options to print to your BCL 100 series printer. For more information regarding software integrations, search these FAQs to find your desired software.
What label sizes are supported on the printer?
The BCL 100 series printers will support any label size up to 4 inches in width. To calibrate your printer to your label size, press the FEED button for 3 seconds until the status indicator light flashes green twice. After the second flash, release the button to begin calibration. The printer will feed approximately 6 labels through the printer to calibrate. After your printer calibrates, roll back the media and begin printing.
How do I connect to the printer via ethernet on Windows?
Note: Only the BCL 110 can connect to your network via ethernet cable. The BCL 100 will not support ethernet connection. Make sure to have the BCL driver downloaded onto your computer before beginning this process.
To connect via ethernet cable, power on the printer and connect the Ethernet cable to both the printer and your network router. Print a test page and note the “ETH IP” address. Go to the “Devices and Printers” menu and select add a printer. Select “printer that I want is not listed” and choose to “Add a printer using a TCP/IP address”. Type the Ethernet IP address into the “Hostname or IP Address” field. When the device is not immediately detected, select “Generic Network Card”. Once the device is found, the BCL driver will be automatically detected. Select the BCL driver, choose whether you want to share the printer or not, and then click “Finish”. Print a test page to confirm the connection.
How do I connect to the printer via ethernet on Apple Mac?
Note: Only the BCL 110 can connect to your network via ethernet cable. The BCL 100 will not support ethernet connection. Make sure to have the BCL driver for Mac downloaded onto your computer before beginning this process.
To connect via ethernet cable, power on the printer and connect the Ethernet cable to both the printer and your network router. Print a test page and note the “ETH IP” address. On your computer, select “System Preferences" in the Apple menu and click “Printers & Scanners”. Click the add button, select “IP”, and enter the IP information when prompted. Then, click “Protocol” and select “HP Jetdirect – Socket”. Under the option “Use”, select your desired software and click “Add” to complete connection.
How many labels are there in the roll shipped with the printer?
The package includes one label roll that has 40 labels. This is only for configuring the printer initially and for testing the printer.
Does this printer need any kind of ink or toner or ribbon?
No, this printer does not require ink, toner, or ribbons. This is a Direct Thermal printer, which means you simply need to use direct thermal media.
What is included in the package?
Your package will include the printer, an AC adapter, a power cord, a USB cable, one 4” x 6” label roll, and a quick start guide.
Can I connect this printer to 220 V power?
Yes, the power supply that comes with the printer is rated for power between 100 V and 240 V.
Can two computers share one printer?
Yes, one printer can be accessed by multiple computers. If you are using the BCL 110, connect your printer to a local network via ethernet cable. This will allow computers on that network to access your printer.
If you are using the BCL 100, start by connecting your printer to a computer via USB cable. Once connected, other computers will then be able to add the printer as a shared printer. To add a shared printer, follow the steps below:
· From the “Devices and printers” menu, select “Add a printer”
· Select “The print I want isn’t listed”
· Choose the option “Select printer by name” and enter the host computer and printer name to complete connection
Please note the printer will not be available if the host computer is sleeping or turned off.
What shipping platforms are supported by this printer?
These printers are compatible with many of the most popular shipping platforms. For help integrating with any of these softwares, search the FAQs for more detailed instructions.
· UPS WorldShip
· FedEx.com
· Stamps.com
· Endicia.com
· UPS.com (ZP500 driver required)
· FedEx Ship Manager (ZP500 driver required)
· Stamps.com desktop application (ZP500 driver required)
· Endicia DAZzle (ZP500 driver required)
· ShipStation with ShipStation Connect
· ShippingEasy with Connect Easy
· Shippo
· PayPal
· Etsy
· Pitney Bowes
· Amazon Seller Central
· Amazon FBA on-site (with 300 dpi printing only)
Which shipping platforms require a special driver?
For most integrations, the BCL driver will be compatible. In some situations, you will need to use a special driver. Below are the shipping platforms that require the Zebra ZP500 driver (download this driver here).
· Endicia DAZzle
· UPS.com
· FedEx Ship Manager
· Stamps.com Desktop Application
For help installing the Zebra ZP500 driver, click here.
How do I install the Zebra ZP500 driver?
To install the Zebra (ZP500) driver, go to bclinternational.com and download the driver. With the printer powered on and connected to the computer, open the Zebra installation package and choose “Install Zebra Printer”. Select “Zebra ZP500(ZPL)", then choose the correct port (USB or Ethernet IP Address for BCL 110 only), click “Next”, then click “Finish”. With the driver installed, your printer will now appear as “ZP500” in the “Devices and Printers” menu. Right click on the printer and select “Printer properties” to print a test page to confirm your new settings.
How do I switch between drivers?
To switch between two installed drivers, right click on the printer from the “Devices and Printers” menu and select “Printer properties”. Choose the “Advanced” tab and click the arrow to the right of your current driver. Select the driver you want to use, then click “Apply”.
How do you integrate with Endicia DAZzle?
Integration with Endicia DAZzle requires the Zebra ZP500 driver. If not already installed, click this link for help installing it.
To integrate with Endicia DAZzle, open DAZzle, click “File”, then select “Printer Setup” from the dropdown menu. Select the ZP500 and then click “OK”. Once this is done, you should be able to select your printer when you go to print.
How do you integrate with ShipStation?
Integration with ShipStation requires the BCL driver. If not already installed, click this link for help installing it.
To integrate with ShipStation, download ShipStation Connect and install it on your computer. Once installed, log into shippingeasy.com and select “settings” in the top right corner. Select “Hardware and Devices”, then select “Printer Configuration”. Select your printer from the dropdown menu, select each of the available labels, and click “Confirm”. Once this is done, you should be able to select your printer when you go to print.
How do you integrate with ShippingEasy?
Integration with ShippingEasy requires the BCL driver. If not already installed, click this link for help installing it.
To integrate with ShippingEasy, download ConnectEasy and install it on your computer. Once installed, log into shipstation.com and click the wrench in the top right corner. Select ShipStation Connect, then select your printer. Once this is done, you should be able to select your printer when you go to print.
How do you integrate with UPS WorldShip?
Integration with UPS WorldShip requires the BCL driver. If not already installed, click this link for help installing it.
To integrate with UPS WorldShip, open the app and select the “Printing activities” tab. Click “printing set up” and set the BCL printer as your default printer. Select the printer type in the drop-down menu, select “Label”, then click “Apply”. When the popup appears, click “Change Label Printer” and choose your desired printer. Select the “Generic Thermal Printer” box, then click “Apply”. Apply all changes and click “OK”. Once this is done, you should be able to select your printer when you go to print.
How do you integrate with UPS.com?
Integration with UPS.com requires the Zebra ZP500 driver. If not already installed, click this link for help installing it.
To integrate with UPS.com, go to UPS.com and create your shipment. When you reach the print page, do not print using the popup window. Instead, X out of that popup and print using the “Print Shipping Documents” window. Select “Print labels using my UPS thermal printer”, then select “Yes”. Select the ZP500 printer from the dropdown menu, then click “Print”.
How do you integrate with FedEx Ship Manager?
Integration with FedEx Ship Manager requires the Zebra ZP500 driver. If not already installed, click this link for help installing it.
To integrate with FedEx Ship Manager, open FedEx Ship Manager and select the “Utilities” tab. Click “Printer Setup” and select the ZP500 printer. Once this is done, you should be able to select your printer when you go to print.
How do you integrate with FedEx.com?
Integration with FedEx.com requires the BCL driver. If not already installed, click this link for help installing it.
To integrate with FedEx.com, log into FedEx.com, create your shipment, and select “Ship”. Select “Print labels” and use the popup to choose “Print”. Select the BCL printer and click “Print”.
How do you integrate with the Stamps.com desktop application?
Integration with Stamps.com requires the Zebra ZP500 driver. If not already installed, click this link for help installing it.
To integrate with Stamps.com, begin by installing the Zebra (ZP500) driver. Once installed, open the Stamps.com desktop app, click “Tools”, then select “Configure Printer” from the dropdown menu. Choose the ZP500 printer, then click “Next”. Once this is done, you should be able to select your printer when you go to print.
How do you integrate with Pitney Bowes?
Integration with Pitney Bowes requires the BCL driver. If not already installed, click this link for help installing it.
To integrate with Pitney Bowes, go to the Pitney Bowes website, create a shipment, and click “Print”. A PDF will open in a separate tab. Choose to print in your PDF view, select your desired printer, then click “Print”.
What versions of Windows are compatible with this printer?
This printer is compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. Additionally, the printer works with Windows Server 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, and 2016.
How do I download printer drivers?
To download printer drivers, visit bclinternational.com and select the right driver. Download the driver, double click it, and follow the instructions to install the driver. Once the driver is installed, your printer should appear in the “Devices and Printers” menu.
How do I install the BCL driver?
Visit bclinternational.com and download the right BCL driver. With the printer plugged into the computer, double click on the driver to begin installation. Read and agree to the licensing agreement, and then click “Next”. The driver will automatically detect and set up the printer so long as the printer is plugged into the computer. After installation, click “Finish”. Your printer should now display in the “Devices and Printers” menu.
Why can’t I find my printer as a device?
If you cannot find your printer as a device, you may need to install a driver. Visit bclinternational.com to download and install the proper driver (click here to download drivers). With the driver installed, you should be able to find your printer in the “Devices and Printers” menu.
Does this printer work with Mac OS? What Mac OS versions are compatible?
Yes, this printer works with Mac OS. BCL offers a driver that is compatible with Mac Catalina 10.15. You can download the BCL Mac driver at this link.
Why isn’t my printer working?
There are a few things to check first if your printer is not working.
- Make sure the power supply is properly connected to the printer and plugged into an appropriate outlet. The power light will be green to indicate the printer is on.
- Make sure the driver you need is properly installed. Without a driver, your computer will not be able to communicate with the printer.
- Make sure the printer has media properly loaded into it. If the printer is out of media, the status light will be orange.
- Make sure the printer is connected to the computer. You can do this through a USB cable or an Ethernet cable (BCL 110 only). For Ethernet connections, make sure that both the printer and computer are connected to the same network router.
How do I fix a paper jam?
A paper jam occurs when media gets caught somewhere other than the proper media path. When a paper jam occurs (indicated by a flashing red light), open the body of the printer and remove the jammed media. After the media is properly put back into the media path, close the printer body fully to continue printing.
What does the orange light mean?
If the orange light stays on, the printer has run out of media. Power off the printer, open the printer body, and insert a new media roll. If the orange light is slowly flashing, printing has been paused. Press the FEED button once to continue printing.
What does the red light mean?
If the red light stays on, either the printer body is open or media has run out. Fully open the body of the printer, make sure media is properly inserted, and close the body of the printer completely. If the red light is flashing quickly, there is a paper jam or label separation. Open the body of the printer, remove the jam, make sure media is properly inserted, and close the body of the printer completely.
How do you change the orientation of printing?
To change the orientation of printing, find your printer in the “Devices and Printers” menu, right click on the printer, and select “Printing preferences”. On the page menu, use the rotate option to change the orientation by 90-270 degrees.
Is there a way to make the prints darker or lighter?
Yes, you can adjust the brightness of your prints. To do so, find your printer from the “Devices and Printers” menu, right click and select “Printing preferences”, and choose the tab “Halftone”. There you will see a brightness adjuster to darken or lighten your prints.
Why is my print quality dropping?
As you use your printer, the thermal printhead will get dirty. If you notice your print quality decreasing, power the printer off, give it 2 to 3 minutes to cool, and clean the printhead.
How can I make the printed text even better? Should I use 203 dpi or 300 dpi printing?
300 dpi printing is a higher resolution than 203 dpi and will give you sharper images. In most shipping situations, 203 dpi printing will suffice. If you are looking to increase the quality of the print, 300 dpi printing is recommended.
General
Direct Thermal printing does not include ink or toner. The printhead heats up in the desired areas to alter chemically treated, heat-sensitive media. If your labels are not direct thermal labels, the heat from the printhead will not create the image you want on the label.
Direct Thermal printing is a method of printing that uses heat-sensitive media to create an image directly on a label. The printhead generates heat that alters the media and turns it black in the desired areas. Direct Thermal printing has grown in popularity because it does not require ink or toner. The low maintenance costs and simple design make it perfect for printing shipping labels, receipts, name tags, event tickets, and more.
To change your printer settings, find your printer in the “Devices and Printers” menu, right click on it, and select “Printing preferences”. In that menu, you can change the paper type, the print orientation, speed, and brightness. You can also change the media handling so that the label is peeled off or cut.
The Printer Utility Tool is an application that allows you to see and change the printer settings. This tool lets you change connection settings, view the printer status, change the printer font, print an image, update the firmware, and perform various function tests. You can download the Printer Utility Tool at Utility Page here.
To download the Printer Utility Tool application, visit Printer Utility Tool page. Double click the downloaded folder and open “BCLutility”. Follow the instructions to install it.
To update the printer firmware, open the Printer Utility tool and select the “Firmware” tab. Click the “Check for firmware update” button to see if a new version is available. If there is, an option will appear to download and install it. Follow the screen prompts to complete the process.You can also visit bclinternational.com/pages/firmware and download the newest firmware. Once downloaded, open the Printer Utility tool, and select the “Firmware” tab. Click the “…” button next to the “File Name” box and select the downloaded firmware file. Then, click “Upgrade” to install the firmware.
BarTender Ultralite is a label making software that contains some of the most frequently used label design features. Some features include complete design capabilities for text, graphics, and barcodes. To download the software, visit bclinternational.com. To purchase a BarTender software license, visit segullscientific.com. For details on how to install this software, refer to Chapter 8 of the user manual.
To print a configuration page, press the FEED button rapidly and continuously. After the indicator light flashes green once, you can stop pressing the FEED button and the configuration page will begin printing.
No, an ethernet port cannot be added to a printer. You will need to purchase a printer with an Ethernet port already included to utilize this feature. To view our ethernet ready printers, click here.
Yes, fanfold labels are compatible with this printer. They can be fed into the printer from the back.
Yes, this printer can use labels from other companies so long as they are direct thermal labels.
A printer driver is a piece of software that takes a print command and translates it so that your printer can receive it. Without a printer driver, your computer will not be able to communicate with your printer. You can download the BCL driver at bclinternational.com/pages/drivers. You may need to use the Zebra ZP500 driver for certain shipping software platforms.
Yes, the printer can work with Linux. For further support, please contact our customer service team.
To have labels automatically separated, you will need to purchase a peeler which is an attachment to the printer.