PrintBridge for Hosonsoft
The purpose of Printbridge is to allow print job submission for automatic printing through TCP/IP. Alternatively, there is a folder output option, where the jobs are then opened in the Hosonsoft software for job submission.
The Hosonsoft controller does not allow direct access from a RIP not installed on the same computer as the Hosonsoft controller.
To allow remote access to the controller the PrintBridge service needs to be installed on the computer that drives the printer; where the Hosonsoft controller is installed.
PrintBridge will open port 9200 at the computer and divert all incomming traffic to the port 9100 at 127.0.0.1 where the Hosonsoft controller is registered.
Installing PrintBridge
- When loading the driver in the RIP, there is a link to this page to download the Installer: Download PrintBridge Installer
- Copy the installer to the computer where the Hosonsoft controller is installed (the computer connected to the printer)
- Run the installer
- Allow admin rights to open the firewall for PrintBridge (at port 9200)
Using PrintBridge
- Open the PrintFactory RIP
- Add a new printer
- Where TCP/IP shows 127.0.0.1 fill in the IP address of the computer where Hosonsoft is installed
- Add ":9200" to the IP address
- Click OK
For example if the Hosonsoft computer it's IP address is 192.168.10.9 then fill in 192.168.10.9:9200 instead of the default 127.0.0.1
Diagnosing issues
- Check if PrintBridge is visible in the services tab of the Task Manager on Windows
- Check if the service state is "Running"
- The log can be found at C:\Users\Public\PrintFactory\Logs\PrintBridge.log. Errors are listed there. If the file is not present this means the service if fully blocked by the OS. Consult your IT.
- If the connection if refused on the RIP check the following:
- Is the correct IP address used
- Has :9200 been added to the address
- If the firewall or any anti-malware blocking access. Check by temporarily switching off the firewall and anti-malware
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