Benefits of Wired Printing
A wired connection offers several advantages over wireless setups:
Enhanced Stability: Reduces the risk of connection drops and interference.
Faster Data Transfer: Ensures quicker transmission of print jobs.
Independence from Wi-Fi Networks: Ideal for environments with unreliable or restricted wireless networks.
Setup for Mac Users
Requirements:
A Mac computer with a USB port
A USB cable compatible with your iPad.
A USB hub or dongle (if your Mac lacks the necessary ports).
Steps:
Connect Your iPad to the Mac:
Use the USB cable to connect your iPad directly to the Mac.
If your Mac only has USB-C ports and your iPad uses a Lightning connector, use an appropriate adapter or hub.
Trust the Connection:
Upon connecting, your iPad may prompt you with a "Trust This Computer?" message.
Tap "Trust" to establish the connection.
Verify the Connection:
Open Finder on your Mac.
In the left sidebar under "Locations," ensure your iPad appears, confirming a successful connection.
Launch the Curator Print Server:
Open the Curator Print Server application on your Mac.
Ensure your printer is properly set up and recognized by the print server.
Configure the Curator Live App:
On your iPad, open the Curator Live app.
Navigate to the printing settings and select the connected printer.
Setup for PC Users
Requirements:
A PC with an Ethernet port
If your PC lacks an Ethernet port, a USB to Ethernet adapter is necessary.
A Cat5 or Cat6 Ethernet cable of suitable length
Adapters for iPad:
Steps:
Prepare the Adapters:
Connect the Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter to your iPad (for older models).
Attach the USB to Ethernet adapter to the Camera Adapter.
For newer iPads, connect the USB-C hub directly to the iPad.
Connect to Power:
Plug your iPad’s charging cable into the adapter or hub to ensure continuous power during operation.
Establish the Wired Connection:
Use the Ethernet cable to connect the adapter or hub on the iPad to the Ethernet port on your PC.
Configure Network Settings:
On your PC, ensure the Ethernet connection is active and set to a private network.
Disable any firewalls or adjust settings to allow communication between the PC and iPad.
Launch the Curator Print Server:
Open the Curator Print Server application on your PC.
Ensure your printer is properly set up and recognized by the print server.
Configure the Curator Live App:
On your iPad, open the Curator Live app.
Navigate to the printing settings and select the connected printer.
Important Considerations
Internet Connectivity:
While the wired connection facilitates printing, the iPad may still require a wireless internet connection for other functionalities, such as delivering photos to Curator.
Adapters and Compatibility:
Ensure all adapters and hubs are compatible with your specific iPad model.
Using official or certified third-party accessories can prevent connectivity issues.
Power Supply:
Maintaining a power connection to the iPad during events is crucial to avoid interruptions.
Firewall and Network Settings:
Adjust firewall settings on your computer to allow the Curator Print Server to communicate with the iPad.
Ensure the network is configured to permit device communication.
By following these detailed steps, you can establish a reliable wired printing setup between your iPad and computer, enhancing the efficiency and dependability of your printing operations during events.