Search

Setting Up a Practical Automation Ticket Printer

Jessica Abejar
Jessica Abejar
  • Updated

In this article we’ll guide you through setting up and installing a Practical Automation Ticket Printer for use with Spektrix.

To connect a Practical Automation Ticket Printer to Spektrix:

  • Work through each step in the article, following the instructions in each step
  • Pass each checkpoint to ensure successful installation

Please allow some time to complete the installation.

WARNING: Mistakes made during installation can be time consuming to rectify. Even if you’ve installed a printer before, we recommend following this article closely, observing any changes to the process since you last completed an installation.

 

A Quick Look at Hardware and Software Requirements

Learn about the requirements and capabilities of printing with a Practical Automation Ticket Printer through Spektrix. A full listing of hardware and software requirements is included later in this article.

  • Connecting your Ticket Printer

    This article is for Practical Automation Ticket Printers that connect to a PC via Ethernet using a static IP address.

  • PC Requirements

    This installation requires a PC with Windows 11 Professional connected to the Ticket Printer on the same network.

  • Ticket Design & Cutting Settings

    Practical Automation Ticket Printers can print Tickets from Spektrix that contain:

    1. FGL Fonts
    2. Barcodes only

    Tickets will only be cut at the end of the entire Order. This can't be changed.

 

How Printing Works with Spektrix

TIP: This section explains how printing works with Spektrix. Learning how the process works can help you understand the importance of each step in the setup process. For more information on Ticket Printers and Spektrix, read Introduction to Ticket Printers.

Jump to Hardware and Software Checklist if you’d like to skip this section and begin the installation process.

Connecting a Ticket Printer to your Spektrix system lets your organization print physical Tickets each time an Order is confirmed. This is typically for Orders with a CoBO/Will Call or Postal Delivery. In addition, you can print Tickets in batches for multiple Orders and Instances.

TIP: Other items you can print include Address slips for Tickets and Merchandise, Chip & Pin receipts, Gift Vouchers and Gift Memberships. For the purpose of this article, we’ll  refer to printing Tickets.

As Spektrix is a cloud-based system that is accessible from a web browser, you’ll need to connect your Ticket Printer to Spektrix using the Spektrix Box Office App. Unlike the cloud-based Spektrix software, the Box Office App must be installed on a PC where the Ticket Printer is also installed.

When printing Tickets from Spektrix, your Spektrix system sends a print command (together with Ticket Design and Order information) to your Box Office App on a PC. The PC communicates the command using a print driver to your Ticket Printer.

Take a look at the illustration below to see how the various software and hardware communicate with each other to print Tickets.

The process of how printing works with Spektrix.

When printing a Ticket from your Spektrix system, the print command goes from:

Spektrix system (Order and TIcket Design) > Box Office App > Windows PC (using a print driver) > Ticket Printer

It’s important to note that you’ll need to configure each part of the process.

 

Hardware and Software Checklist

Make sure you have the following hardware and software for the installation. Click each box below for more information on hardware and software requirements.

 

  • Practical Automation Ticket Printer
    • The Ticket Printer will need a power source.

    • You’ll need to connect your Ticket Printer to your network using an Ethernet cable.

    • The Ticket Printer will need a static IP address. This is mandatory if you’re connecting more than one Ticket Printer to the same network and/or PC.

    • The Ticket Printer and PC will need to be connected to the same network.

    • You’ll need to load ticket stock to perform several test prints during setup.

 

  • Spektrix system and User Account
    • You’ll need credentials to log into your system to confirm Orders and print Tickets.

    • You’ll also need your system name and a set of credentials to register with the Box Office App.

 

  • Ticket Designs

 

  • PC Hardware Requirements
    • You’ll need a PC with Windows 11 Professional to install the Spektrix Box Office App and Ticket Printer using a generic print driver.

    • The PC must be on the same network as the Ticket Printer.

    • You’ll need Administrator privileges on the PC. Without these, you may not be able to install new print drivers or software. If you’re unsure, please check with your IT team before proceeding.

    • This PC will need to be powered on and connected to the Internet in order to send print commands from Spektrix to your Ticket Printer.

    REMINDER: You won’t need to install the Spektrix Box Office App and the Ticket Printer print driver on every computer you plan on selling Tickets from.

    As Spektrix is a cloud-based system, you’ll be able to make print commands from any browser from any physical location including other PCs not connected to the printer.

 

  • Spektrix Box Office App
    • On the PC, you’ll need to install the Spektrix Box Office App before connecting your Ticket Printer.

    • You’ll need to register the Box Office App to your Spektrix system using a User Account.

    • The Box Office App requires an Internet connection to connect to your Spektrix system.

    • The Box Office App should be installed on your PC and connected to the Internet before installing and configuring the Ticket Printer.

    • The Box Office App will only need to be installed on the PC that is connected to the Ticket Printer.

    • You may need Administrator privileges and permissions to install the software.

    • If your organization uses a proxy server or a firewall, you may need to set exceptions for the Box Office App.

    TIP: Follow the instructions on Installing the Spektrix Box Office App and ensure that the Box Office App is properly installed before continuing.

 

Installation Steps and Checkpoints

Each step in the installation process corresponds to a step in the print command communication chain.

REMINDER: The Spektrix print command goes from: Spektrix system (Order and Ticket Design) > Box Office App > PC (using a driver) > Ticket Printer.

There are five main steps to setting up a Ticket Printer with Spektrix.

  1. Turning on your Ticket Printer and Retrieving the IP Address
  2. Installing the Print Driver on the Windows PC
  3. Configuring Ticket Stock Form Size on the Windows PC
  4. Adding and configuring the Ticket Printer in the Spektrix Box Office App
  5. Selecting the Ticket Printer in your Spektrix system

To ensure you successfully complete each step, there are corresponding checkpoints that you should pass before moving onto the next step. If you fail any checkpoint, there are troubleshooting steps that you can follow, including specific steps for common issues.

TIP: Throughout the installation process, you may need to restart your PC or contact our Support Team for assistance. Keep track of what step or checkpoint you’re currently in by taking a look at the In this Guide sidebar on the right side of this article. You can use this to return to your current step or inform our Support Teams where you may need assistance.

 

Installation Prep

Before you begin the installation process, you may want to check if your Ticket Printer is already installed.

 

Connecting an already installed Ticket Printer to the Spektrix Box Office App

If your Ticket Printer is already installed on your PC, you may be able to connect it to the Box Office App straight away.

 

Removing the Print Driver from your PC

If you need to remove the print driver from the PC, follow these instructions.

    1. From your PC’s search bar or Start Menu, or by pressing the Windows key, search for and open the Control Panel.

    2. Under Hardware and Sound, click View device and printers.

      View device and printers under Hardware and Sound in the Control Panel in Windows 11.

       

    3. From the Bluetooth & devices screen, click Printers & scanners.

      Printers & scanners from Bluetooth & devices in Windows 11.

       

    4. From the Printers & scanners screen, select your Ticket Printer.

      The Ticket Printer under Printers & scanners in Windows 11.

       

    5. From the Ticket Printer screen, click Remove on the top right. Follow any prompts to remove the Ticket Printer from your PC.

      The Remove button from the Ticket Printer settings.

       

    Next, remove the Ticket Printer from the Device Manager. It may already be removed after uninstalling the print driver. If so, you can skip this step.

    1. From your PC’s search bar or Start Menu, or by pressing the Windows key, search for and open the Device Manager.

    2. Under Print Queues, select your Ticket Printer. Right-click on the Ticket Printer and click Uninstall Device.

      Uninstalling the Ticket Printer in the Device Manager.

       

    The print driver for your Ticket Printer should now be uninstalled.

 

Step 1: Turning on your Ticket Printer and Retrieving the IP Address

In this step we’ll guide your through turning on and loading ticket stock into your Practical Automation Ticket Printer and retrieving the Ticket Printer’s IP Address to complete its print driver installation.

By the end of this step, you should be able to pass:

 

These are the parts for this step:

  1. Connecting the Ticket Printer to your network
  2. Loading Ticket Stock
  3. Retrieving your Ticket Printer’s IP Address
  4. Checking for a static IP Address

TIP: The following instructions will take place on your Practical Automation Ticket Printer.

 

1.1 Connecting the Ticket Printer to your network

  1. Connect an ethernet cable from your network into the Ticket printer
  2. Plug the Ticket Printer into a power source.
  3. Turn the printer ON.

 

1.2 Loading Ticket Stock

You are now ready to load Ticket Stock into your Ticket Printer.

  1. The Ticket Printer will automatically load the ticket stock onto the drive roller.

  2. For auto-loading, the printhead lever, located on the front left side of the Ticket Printer mechanism, must be closed (in the fully downward position).

  3. After powering on the Ticket Printer, you’ll hear a long beep. This indicates the Ticket Printer is ready to accept ticket stock.

  4. Feed the ticket stock into the rear paper guide until the print mechanism prevents further loading.

  5. After a few seconds, the ticket stock will be loaded.

 

1.3 Retrieving your Ticket Printer’s IP Address

Installing your Ticket Printer on your PC requires the Ticket Printer’s IP address. If you don’t know your Ticket Printer’s IP address, you can retrieve this information by printing a System Status Report. 

Follow these steps:

  1. Turn the Ticket Printer off.

  2. While turning the Ticket Printer on, hold down SELECT/F0 on the Ticket Printer until the Ticket Printer beeps or prints.

This will print a System Status Report with information about the Ticket Printer including the IP Address. The Ticket Printer’s default IP Address is 192.186.1.1. However, if your Ticket Printer has been previously set up, it may be different.

 

1.4 Checking for a static IP Address

It is recommended to use a static IP address with your Ticket Printer. A static IP Address ensures that your PC can connect with your Ticket Printer every time it is restarted.

A static IP Address is also recommended if you use more than one Practical Automation Ticket Printer (they’ll have the same default IP Address of 192.186.1.1).

To test to see if your Ticket Printer has a static IP address follow these steps:

  1. Power on your Ticket Printer.

  2. Perform a ping test for the Ticket Printer’s IP address. From your PC’s search bar or Start Menu, or by pressing the Windows key, search for and open the Command Prompt.

  3. In the Command Prompt window, type “ping” followed by a space and the IP address of the Ticket Printer.

  4. Press Enter.

  5. If your Ticket Printer has a static IP address, it should return data.

  6. Turn the printer off.

  7. Ping the Ticket Printer’s IP address again. This test should fail as the Ticket Printer is powered off.

If it returns more data then it means another device is using that network. You’ll need to change the IP address.

Once you’ve powered on your Ticket Printer, loaded up the ticket stock and retrieved the IP address, move onto Checkpoint 1: Test Print from the Ticket Printer.

 

Checkpoint 1: Test Print from the Ticket Printer

To check that the Ticket Printer is working, run a test print from the Ticket Printer.

  1. Press SELECT/F0 to place the Ticket Printer offline. The READY LED will go out.

  2. Press TEST/F1 and a test ticket will be printed.

  3. Press SELECT/F0 to place the printer online again.

Once you have successfully performed a test print from your Ticket Printer, you can move onto Step 2: Installing the Print Driver on the PC.

If you didn’t pass Checkpoint 1, take a look at Checkpoint 1 Troubleshooting.

 

Checkpoint 1 Troubleshooting

If you weren’t able to print a test ticket, take a look at the following issues:

 

  • The Ticket Printer is beeping

  • Refer to the following for Practical Automation error codes:

    S = Short Beep

    L = Long Beep

    Error beep sequence Error code description
    L-S-S Ticket Not Taken Condition
    S-L-S Ticket Not Present
    L-L-S Printhead Too Hot/Cold - wait
    S-S-L Average Power - wait
    L-S-L Data Communication Error - warning
    L-S-S-S Paper Path Jam/Error
    S-L-S-S Cutter Operational Error
    L-L-S-S Transport Presenter Error
    S-S-L-S Paper Output Error

    L-S-L-S

    		 Registration Mark Detection Error
    S-L-L-S Printhead Pressure Release Level Error
    L-L-L-S Out of Paper Error
    S-S-S-L Interface Data Error
    L-S-S-S-S MPU/System Error
    S-L-S-S-S RAM Fault Error
    L-L-S-S-S EEPROM Checksum Error
    S-S-L-S-S FLASH Memory Error
    L-S-L-S-S Character Generator Memory Error
    S-L-L-S-S IMAGE Memory Error
    L-L-L-S-S Analog to Digital Converter Error
    S-S-S-L-S FPGA/ASIC Error
    L-S-S-L-S Voltage Error
    S-L-S-L-S Printhead Thermistor Error
    S-S-L-L-S Printhead Data Error
    L-S-L-L-S Printhead Print Resistor Error
    L-S-L-L-S Cutter Initialization Error
    S-L-L-L-S Configuration Strap Error
    L-L-L-L-S Miscellaneous Error

If you are having trouble printing a test ticket, return to Step 1: Turning on the Ticket Printer and Retrieving the IP Address to make sure the Ticket Printer is powered on.

 

Step 2: Installing the Print Driver on the Windows PC

In this step, we’ll guide you through installing the print driver for your Practical Automation Ticket Printer. We’ll use a Generic/Text Only print driver.

By the end of this step, you should be able to pass:

 

TIP: The following instructions will take place on your PC. Your Ticket Printer must be powered on and connected to your PC. If using an Ethernet connection, both your PC and Ticket Printer must be connected to the same network.

Follow these instructions to install the print driver on your PC:

  1. From your PC’s search bar or Start Menu, or by pressing the Windows key, search for and open the Control Panel.

  2. Under Hardware and Sound, click View device and printers.

    View device and printers under Hardware and Sound in the Control Panel in Windows 11.

     

  3. From the Bluetooth & devices screen, click Printers & scanners.

    Printers & scanners from Bluetooth & devices in Windows 11.

     

  4. From the Printers & scanners screen, click the Add Device Button.

    The Add device button in Printers & scanners in Windows 11.

     

  5. Next to the option The printer that I want isn’t listed, click the Add manually link.

    The Add manually link for the option The printer that I want isn’t listed.

     

  6. From the Find a printer by other options screen, select Add a Printer Using an IP Address or Hostname and click Next.

    Selecting to add a printer using an IP address.

     

  7. From the Type a printer hostname or IP address, find the Device Type dropdown and select TCP/IP Device.

    Adding the Ticket Printer’s IP Address.

     

  8. Under Hostname or IP Address, add the static IP assigned to the Ticket Printer.

  9. Under Port Name, enter PA Printer. If you are installing additional Ticket Printers, give each Ticket Printer a different Port Name. For example, PA Printer 1 or PA Printer Box Office 2. Click Next.

  10. From the Additional port information required screen, under the Device Type  section, select Custom and click Settings.

    Adding additional port information.

     

  11. From the Port Monitor screen, under the Raw Settings section, for Port Number, enter 10001. Click OK to save the settings.

    Setting the Port number for the Ticket Printer.

     

  12. When you return to the Additional port information required screen, click Next.

  13. From the Install the printer driver screen, under the Manufacturer box, select Generic. Under the Printers box, select Generic / Text Only. Click Next.

    Installing the printer driver.

     

  14. If prompted, select Use the Driver that is Currently Installed and click Next.

  15. Enter a Printer Name. For example PA Printer. If you are installing additional Ticket Printers, give each Ticket Printer a different Port Name. For example, PA Printer 1 or PA Printer Box Office Click Next.

    Entering a name for the Ticket Printer.

     

  16. From the Printer Sharing screen, select Do not share this printer. Click Next.

    Selecting Do not share this printer.

     

  17. Once you’ve successfully added the Ticket Printer, you can click Print a test page. Once the test page has printed, click Finish.

    Successfully added a Ticket Printer.

     

  18. Restart your computer.

Once you’ve restarted your computer, move onto Checkpoint 2: Checking for the Ticket Printer on the PC.

 

Checkpoint 2: Checking for the Ticket Printer on the Windows PC

To check that the Ticket Printer has been successfully installed on your PC, locate the Ticket Printer in your PC’s Control Panel/Settings.

 

  • Printers & Scanners in Windows 11
    1. From your PC’s search bar or Start Menu, or by pressing the Windows key, search for and open the Control Panel.

    2. Under Hardware and Sound, click View device and printers.

      View device and printers under Hardware and Sound in the Control Panel in Windows 11.

       

    3. From the Bluetooth & devices screen, click Printers & scanners.

      Printers & scanners from Bluetooth & devices in Windows 11.

       

    4. From the Printers & scanners screen, you should see your newly installed Ticket Printer.

      The Ticket Printer under Printers & scanners in Windows 11.

       

 

  • Device Manager
    1. From your PC’s search bar or Start Menu, or by pressing the Windows key, search for and open the Device Manager.

    2. Under Print Queues, you should see your newly installed Ticket Printer.

      The Ticket Printer under the Print queues in the Device Manager.

       

 

Once you have successfully located your Ticket Printer, you can move onto Step 3: Configuring Ticket Stock Form Size.

 

If you didn’t pass Checkpoint 2, take a look at Checkpoint 2 Troubleshooting.

 

Checkpoint 2 Troubleshooting

If you are having further trouble locating your Ticket Printer, return to Checkpoint 1: Test Print from the Ticket Printer.

If you pass Checkpoint 1, but still can’t locate your Ticket Printer, you’ll need to reinstall the Ticket Printer. Follow the instructions in Installation Prep: Removing the Print Driver from your PC to uninstall the print driver and then follow the instructions in Step 2: Installing the Print Driver on the PC.

 

Step 3: Configuring Ticket Stock Form Size on the Windows PC

In this step, we’ll guide you through configuring your Ticket Printer to work with your Ticket Stock.

By the end of this step, you should be able to pass:

 

These are the parts to this step:

  1. Creating a Ticket Stock Form in Print Server Properties
  2. Selecting the New Ticket Stock Form in Printing Preferences
  3. Setting Printing Defaults in Printer Properties

TIP: The following instructions take place on your PC. Your Ticket Printer must be powered on and connected to your PC.

You’ll first need to navigate to your Ticket Printer’s settings in your PC’s Control Panel/Settings.

    1. From your PC’s search bar or Start Menu, or by pressing the Windows key, search for and open the Control Panel.

    2. Under Hardware and Sound, click View device and printers.

      View device and printers under Hardware and Sound in the Control Panel in Windows 11.

       

    3. From the Bluetooth & devices screen, click Printers & scanners.

      Printers & scanners from Bluetooth & devices in Windows 11.

       

    4. From the Printers & scanners screen, you should see your newly installed Ticket Printer.

      The Ticket Printer under Printers & scanners in Windows 11.

       

 

3.1 Creating a Ticket Stock Form in Print Server Properties

To print Tickets, you’ll need to create a form for your ticket stock, where you’ll set the dimensions of your ticket stock . You’ll create this form in Print Server Properties and is available for any Ticket Printers you install on this PC.

TIP: You’ll need the measurements of your ticket stock. If you don’t have them, measure your ticket stock, including any stub. Measurements should be in centimeters or inches as preferred. In Print Server Properties, the Width is the short edge and Height is the long edge.

  1. From the Printers & scanners screen, scroll down to the section Related Settings and click Print Server Properties.

    The Print server properties button from the Printers & scanners screen in Windows 11.

     

  2. From the Print Server Properties screen, select the Forms tab and check the Create a new form box.

    Creating a new form for ticket stock in Print Server Properties in Windows 11.

     

  3. Above the checkbox for Create a new form, enter a Form name, for example, Spektrix Ticket.

  4. Select a unit of measurement, Metric (centimeters) or English (inches), and input the Width (short edge) and Height (long edge). Leave all Printer area margins at 0.

  5. Click OK to save the new form.

 

3.2 Selecting the New Ticket Stock Form in Printing Preferences

Once you’ve created a new ticket stock form, select the new form in Printing Preferences for your Ticket Printer.

  1. Return to the Printers & scanners screen.

  2. From the Printers & scanners screen, select the Ticket Printer.

    The Ticket Printer under Printers & scanners in Windows 11.

     

  3. From the Ticket Printer screen, under Printer settings, click Printing Preferences.

    The Printing preferences button in the Ticket Printer’s settings.

     

  4. From the Printing Preferences screen, select the Layout tab and click on the Advanced button on the bottom right.

    The Advanced button from the Printing Preferences screen in Windows 11.

     

  5. From the Advanced Options screen, expand the Paper/Output section.

    The Advanced Options for Printing Preferences in Windows 11.

     

  6. From the Paper/Output section, find the Paper Size dropdown and select your newly-created form.

  7. Click OK to save the Advanced Options.

  8. Return to the Printing Preferences screen and click OK to save.

TIP: If your new ticket stock form does not appear in the dropdown list, you may have entered the dimensions incorrectly. In this case, follow the instructions in 3.1 Creating a Ticket Stock Form in Print Server Properties to set the form size correctly.

 

3.3 Setting Printing Defaults in Printer Properties

Once you’ve selected your new ticket stock form, set the Printing Defaults in Printer Properties.

  1. Return to the Printers & scanners screen.

  2. From the Printers & scanners screen, click the Ticket Printer.

    The Ticket Printer under Printers & scanners in Windows 11.

     

  3. From the Ticket Printer screen, under Printer settings, click on Printer Properties.

    The Printer Properties button in the Ticket Printer’s settings.

     

  4. From the Printer Properties screen, select the Advanced tab and click on the Printing Defaults button on the bottom left.

    The Printing Defaults button in Printer Properties in Windows 11.

     

  5. From the Printing Defaults screen, select the Layout tab and click the Advanced button on the bottom right.

    The Advanced button in Printing Defaults.

     

  6. From the Advanced Options screen, expand the Paper/Output section.

    The Advanced Options for the Ticket Printer.

     

  7. From the Paper/Output section, find the Paper Size dropdown and select your newly-created form.

  8. Click OK to save the Advanced Options.

  9. Return to the Printing Defaults screen and click OK to save.

  10. Return to the Printer Properties screen and click OK to save.

 

Checkpoint 3: Test Print from Windows PC

To check that the Ticket Printer is connected to your PC, run a test print from the Windows print driver.

  1. Return to the Printers & scanners screen.

  2. From the Printers & scanners screen, select the Ticket Printer.

    The Ticket Printer under Printers & scanners.

     

  3. From the Ticket Printer screen, under Printer settings, click Print test page.

    The Print Test Page button for the Ticket Printer in Windows 11.

     

 

The test print should look similar to this:

A Test Ticket sample from printing from Windows 11.

 

Once you have successfully printed a test print from your Windows PC, you can move onto Step 3: Adding and Configuring the Ticket Printer in the Box Office App.

 

If you didn’t pass Checkpoint 3, take a look at Checkpoint 3 Troubleshooting.

 

Checkpoint 3 Troubleshooting

 

  • The print job shows in the print queue but isn’t printing

 

If you are having further trouble printing a test print from your PC, return to Checkpoint 2: Checking for the Ticket Printer on the PC. 

 

If you pass Checkpoint 2, but still can’t run a test print from your PC, return to Checkpoint 1: Test Print from the Ticket Printer.

 

If you pass Checkpoints 1 and 2, but still can’t run a test print from your PC, you may need to reinstall the Ticket Printer’s print driver.

  1. Follow the instructions in Installation Prep: Removing the Print Driver from your PC.

  2. Reinstall the print driver by following the instructions in Step 2: Installing the Print Driver on the PC.

  3. Work through following each installation step and passing each checkpoint until the issue is resolved.

 

Step 4: Adding and Configuring the Ticket Printer in the Spektrix Box Office App

REMINDER: Install or update the Box Office App before adding the Ticket Printer.

In this step, we’ll guide you through adding the Ticket Printer to the Box Office App and configuring its settings to work with your Spektrix system.

By the end of this step, you should be able to pass:

 

TIP: The following instructions take place on your PC. Your Ticket Printer must be powered on and connected to your PC.

Follow these instructions to add and configure your Ticket Printer in the Box Office App:

  1. From the PC’s system tray, right-click on the Spektrix icon and click Open.

    Opening the Box Office App.

     

  2. From the Printers screen, under the Available printers box on the left side, you should see the Ticket Printer. If you can’t see your Ticket Printer, return to Checkpoint 2: Checking for the Ticket Printer on the Windows PC to make sure your Ticket Printer has been properly installed.

    The Printers screen in the Box Office App.

     

  3. Under the Available printers box on the left side, select the Ticket Printer.

  4. Click the > (right arrow) button to add it to the Spektrix printers box on the right side.

  5. Before the Ticket Printer moves to the Spektrix printers box, an Add/Edit Printer screen will pop up:

    The Add/Edit Printer screen for the new Ticket Printer.

     

  6. Add a Spektrix printer name so that you can identify the Ticket Printer in Spektrix. This can’t be left blank.

  7. Under Ticket layout, keep Translate by X and Translate by Y as 0. Keep Print reversed unchecked.

  8. Under FGL, check Print using FGL.

  9. Under Printer DPI, select Printer DPI.

  10. Click OK to add the Ticket Printer. You’ll now see your new Ticket Printer under Spektrix printers.

    The new Ticket Printer under Spektrix printers.

     

  11. Click Ok to close the Box Office App and save the new Ticket Printer.

  12. Restart the Box Office App by either restarting your PC or the Box Office App itself. Follow the instructions in Restarting the Box Office App.

 

Once you’ve restarted the Box Office App, move onto Checkpoint 4: Test Print from the Box Office App.

 

Checkpoint 4: Test Print from the Spektrix Box Office App

To check that the Ticket Printer has been successfully added to the Box Office App, run a test print from the Box Office App.

TIP: Test prints from the Box Office App are done without FGL. For the Practical Automation Ticket Printer, we’ll need to change its settings before running a test print.

  1. From the PC’s system tray, right-click on the Spektrix icon and click Open.

    Opening the Box Office App.

     

  2. From the Printers screen, under Spektrix printers on the right side, select the Ticket Printer.

  3. Click Edit Printer.

    The Edit Printer button highlighted.

     

  4. From the Add/Edit Printer screen, under the FGL section, uncheck Print using FGL.

    Unchecking the Print usingFGL box.

     

  5. Click OK to save.

  6. Click Ok to close the Box Office App and save the new setting.

  7. Restart the Box Office App by either restarting your PC or the Box Office App itself. Follow the instructions in Restarting the Box Office App.

  8. After the Box Office App is restarted, reopen the Box Office App. From the PC’s system tray, right-click on the Spektrix icon and click Open.

    Opening the Box Office App.

     

  9. From the Printers screen, under Spektrix printers on the right side, select the Ticket Printer.

  10. Click Test printer in the bottom left corner.

    The new Ticket Printer selected with the Test Printer button highlighted.

     

  11. Restart the Box Office App by either restarting your PC or the Box Office App itself. Follow the instructions in Restarting the Box Office App.

The Ticket Printer should output a test print that should look similar to this, a Ticket with the word “Test” on it:

A test print from the Box Office app with the word “Test” on the ticket stock.

REMINDER: Make sure to return your Ticket Printer to FGL mode.

    1. From the PC’s system tray, right-click on the Spektrix icon and click Open.

      Opening the Box Office App.

       

    2. From the Printers screen, under Spektrix printers on the right side, select the Ticket Printer.

    3. Click Edit Printer.

      The Edit Printer button highlighted.

       

    4. From the Add/Edit Printer screen, under the FGL section, check Print using FGL.

      Checking the Print using FGL box.

       

    5. Restart the Box Office App by either restarting your PC or the Box Office App itself. Follow the instructions in Restarting the Box Office App.

 

Once you’ve successfully printed a test print from the Box Office App, you can move onto Step 5: Selecting the Ticket Printer in Spektrix.

 

If you didn’t pass Checkpoint 4, take a look at Checkpoint 4 Troubleshooting.

 

Checkpoint 4 Troubleshooting

 

  • The Ticket Printer isn’t showing up in the list of Spektrix printers

 

  • The print job shows in the print queue but isn’t printing

 

  • Troubleshooting issues with the Spektrix Box Office App

  • The Box Office App should start automatically after turning on your PC and should appear green in your system tray.
    If you’re having any issues with the Box Office App, such as the app icon appearing yellow or not at all in your system tray, read through Troubleshooting the Spektrix Box Office App.

 

If you’re still having trouble printing a test print from the Box Office App, return to Checkpoint 3: Test Print from Windows PC.

 

If you pass Checkpoint 3, but still can’t pass Checkpoint 4 and print a test print from the Spektrix Box Office app, check that your Box Office App is properly installed and connected. Read through Troubleshooting the Spektrix Box Office App.

 

Step 5: Selecting the Ticket Printer in your Spektrix system

In this step, we’ll guide you through selecting the Ticket Printer in Spektrix.

By the end of this step, you should be able to pass:

 

TIP: The following instructions take place in your Spektrix system. You can log in from any web browser. Your Ticket Printer must be powered on and connected to the PC with the Box Office App running.

 

  1. Log into Spektrix and from the Control Panel, click Change local settings.

    Changing the local settings from the Control Panel in Spektrix.

     

  2. From the Select BoxOffice App screen, under the Select your printer box, highlight the Ticket Printer. Click OK to make this the default Ticket Printer for that Spektrix account.

    Selecting your Ticket Printer in Spektrix.

     

Each Spektrix User Account that would like to select this Ticket Printer should repeat these steps.

TIP: Once you’ve installed a Ticket Printer, any Spektrix User in your organization can send a job to the Ticket Printer from any web browser where they’re logged into Spektrix. Your Ticket Printer must be powered on and connected to the PC with the Box Office App running.

Once you’ve selected your Ticket Printer in Spektrix, move onto Checkpoint 5: Test Print from your Spektrix system using the Ticket Design Tool.

 

Checkpoint 5: Test Print from your Spektrix system using the Ticket Design Tool

To check that the Ticket Printer has been successfully added to Spektrix, run a test print from the Ticket Design Tool.

TIP: The Ticket Design Tool is in the Admin Interface. To access the Admin Interface, you’ll need the General Administrator Role. If you don’t have this Role, ask the Spektrix administrator in your organization to add this Role to your User Account.

  1. Navigate to the Admin Interface > Document Designs > Tickets.

    Ticket Designs in Spektrix from the Admin Interface.

     

  2. Under Tickets Designs, find the name of your Ticket Design and click Edit.

    The Edit button for ticket designs.

     

  3. From the Ticket Design Tool, click Print.

    The Print button for the Ticket Design Tool.

     

Once you have successfully printed a test Ticket from the Ticket Design Tool, you’ll be able to print Tickets from Spektrix.

 

If you didn’t pass Checkpoint 5, take a look at Checkpoint 5 Troubleshooting.

 

Checkpoint 5 Troubleshooting

 

  • The Test Ticket won’t print from the Spektrix Ticket Design Tool

  • Check to make sure that the Ticket Printer is connected to Spektrix. Follow the instructions to pass Checkpoint 4: Test Print from the Spektrix Box Office App.

    If you pass Checkpoint 4, the issue may be with your Ticket design.

    • Check to make sure your Ticket design doesn’t include an element your Ticket Printer can’t recognize. You can check what elements you can use under Ticket Designs in the Hardware and Software Checklist.

    • Check that your Ticket design has the same dimensions as your ticket stock form size set up in Step 3: Configuring Ticket Stock Form Size on the Windows PC.

    • To test and edit your Ticket design, we recommend you make a copy of the Ticket Design and make any edits on the copy. Make small changes to each element and click Print after each edit. Continue until you’ve identified the issue and replicate the changes to the original design.

 

  • The Test Ticket printed the wrong way

  • If your Test Ticket printed incorrectly for example vertically instead of horizontally:

    If your Tickets still print incorrectly, check the document orientation in the Ticket Design Tool:

    1. From the Ticket Design Tool, click Document Properties.

      The Document Properties of a Ticket design.

       

    2. In the Document Properties screen under Orientation, select either Landscape and Reverse Landscape:

      The Orientation dropdown in Document Properties showing Landscape and Reverse Landscape.

       

    3. Click Print to print a Test Ticket (Checkpoint 5: Test Print from your Spektrix system using the Ticket Design Tool).

    4. Repeat these steps to change the Orientation and run a test print until the Ticket prints correctly.

    5. Click Save to save any changes to the Ticket Design.

     

    If your Ticket still prints incorrectly, check the Ticket Printer orientation in the Box Office App:

    1. From the PC’s system tray, right-click on the Spektrix icon and click Open.

      Opening the Box Office App.

       

    2. From the Printers screen, under Spektrix printers, select the Ticket Printer.

    3. Click Edit Printer.

      The Edit Printer button highlighted.

       

    4. From the Add/Edit Printer screen, under Ticket layout, check or uncheck Print reversed.

      The Add/Edit Printer screen for the Ticket Printer with “Print reversed” highlighted.

       

    5. Click OK to save the changes.

    6. Restart the Box Office App by either restarting your PC or the Box Office App itself. Follow the instructions in Restarting the Box Office App.

    7. Follow the instructions to pass Checkpoint 5: Test Print from your Spektrix system using the Ticket Design Tool.

    8. Repeat these steps to change the orientation and run a test print until the Ticket prints correctly. You can also edit both the Ticket layout settings in the Box Office App and the Document properties Orientation in the Ticket Design Tool until the Ticket prints correctly.

 

  • The Ticket Design isn’t aligned on the Ticket Stock

 

  • The Test Ticket isn’t printing the correct font

  • Ensure that the Ticket Printer and Ticket Design are in FGL mode.

    1. From the PC’s system tray, right-click on the Spektrix icon and click Open.

      Opening the Box Office App.

       

    2. From the Printers screen, under Spektrix printers, select the Ticket Printer.

    3. Click Edit Printer.

      The Edit Printer button highlighted.

       

    4. From the Add/Edit Printer screen, under the FGL section, check Print using FGL.

      Checking the Print using FGL box.

       

    5. Click OK to save the changes.

    6. Restart the Box Office App by either restarting your PC or the Box Office App itself. Follow the instructions in Restarting the Box Office App.

    7. Return to your Ticket Design in Spektrix. Navigate to the Admin Interface > Document Designs > Tickets.

      Ticket Designs in Spektrix from the Admin Interface.

       

    8. Under Tickets Designs, find the name of your Ticket Design and click Edit.

      The Edit button for ticket designs.

    9. From the Ticket Design Tool, click Document Properties.

      The Document Properties of a Ticket design.

       

    10. In the Document Properties screen under Printing Mode, select FGL:

      The Printing Mode dropdown in Document Properties showing Generic, FGL Basic and FGL Extended.

       

    11. If you are switching from Generic Mode to FGL Basic or FGL Extended, you may need to change your fonts as they’ll now be incompatible. Click a text element then select a new font. Usable fonts will appear above your current font from the dropdown.

      Changing the font of a text element in the Ticket design.

       

    12. Click Print to print a Test Ticket (Checkpoint 5: Test Print from your Spektrix system using the Ticket Design Tool).

    13. When you are satisfied with your test print, click Save to save the Ticket design.

 

  • The Ticket or Address Label isn't cutting after every Test print or after every Ticket

  • Due to how Spektrix works with Practical Automation printers over Ethernet and sending information via a language called FGL, it's not possible for these Ticket Printers to cut after every Ticket. Spektrix will cut tickets at the end of each Order; this is the only time Spektrix will send a command for the Ticket Printer to cut.

    Test Ticket designs printed in the Ticket Design Tool and Address Labels printed in the sales Interface won't cut following printing; these will have to be manually torn from the Ticket Printer.

 

  • The print job shows in the print queue but isn’t printing

 

Further Reading

This article should give you the information to set up and install your Practical Automation Ticket Printer. To learn more about hardware, visit the Set up and troubleshoot hardware section of the Support Centre.