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Using the iOS/Android™ version of Mobile Deploy to Perform Multiple Settings on the Printer

Summary

Mobile Deploy is a new Brother app that is easy to use and helps save both time and money by completely configuring printers in the field eliminating the need to configure or update in the office or instruct over the phone.
Mobile Deploy is a cloud-based app that allows complete printer configuration using a smart device like phone or tablet. The update process is easy and simple requiring the push of a button by the user for the printer and app perform the full update and configuration. No Mobile Device Management software is needed. Plus, it does not matter if it is one or one thousand printers, Mobile Deploy can handle them all!

  1. * The iOS version of Mobile Deploy can be downloaded from App Store.
    The Android™ version of Mobile Deploy can be downloaded from Google Play™ Store.

Note:

  • After creating the data file that will have multiple settings for the printer, it is necessary for the administrator to put it on the server before use.
  • The administrator must be a person with the skills to handle Dropbox or https servers, and json.
  • When using an https server, it is necessary for the customer to set up the https server.

Mobile Deploy is useful in situations such as the following example.
Example:
Several hundred users have each been distributed iOS/Android™ devices and mobile printers for the purpose of making deliveries.
After that, it became necessary to change the settings for the firmware and templates, etc. for all of the printers to be the same.
Up until now, the administrator has had to collect all of the printers and then re-distribute them after performing the setting (kitting).
This time, using Mobile Deploy, it's possible for the users to simply and correctly set the printers they have on hand themselves without the need for the administrator to collect them.

Mobile Deploy Update Process

  1. 1. The Administrator uploads the setting file to the cloud.
  2. 2. The Administrator emails the initial notification with the URL linked to the updates. (This is only performed once the first time.)
  3. 3. The User copies and pastes URL provided by the Administrator into Mobile Deploy. (This is only performed once the first time)
  4. 4. Mobile Deploy alerts the User that an update is available.
  5. 5. The User selects to perform the update.
  6. 6. Mobile Deploy begins transferring the update to the printer.
  7. 7. The subsequent updates are made by the Administrator posting the update. Steps 2 and 3 are skipped.

System Construction Diagram (Ex. using Dropbox)

If the "Update Error" message appears when you try to update your printer, see the following FAQ:
[Q] "Update Error" appears when I try to update my printer using Mobile Deploy.

System Construction Diagram (Ex. using Dropbox)

Specifications

List of supported models

Supported OSs
iOS Android™
Bluetooth® (MFi) Wi-Fi® USB Bluetooth® Wi-Fi®
TD-4550DNWB Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
TD-2135NWB Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
TD-2135N - Yes* Yes - Yes*
TD-2130N - Yes Yes Yes Yes
TD-2125NWB Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
TD-2125N - Yes* Yes - Yes
TD-2120N - Yes Yes Yes Yes
TD-2020 - - Yes - -
RJ-4250WB Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
RJ-4230B Yes - Yes Yes -
RJ-3250WB Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
RJ-3230B Yes - Yes Yes -
RJ-3150Ai Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
RJ-3150 - Yes Yes Yes Yes
RJ-3050Ai Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
RJ-3050 - Yes Yes Yes Yes
RJ-2150 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
RJ-2140 - Yes Yes - Yes
RJ-2050 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
RJ-2030 - - Yes Yes -
PJ-883 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
PJ-863 Yes - Yes Yes -
PJ-862 Yes - Yes Yes -
PJ-823 - - Yes - -
PJ-822 - - Yes - -
PJ-773 - Yes Yes - Yes
PJ-763MFi Yes - Yes Yes -
PJ-763 - - Yes Yes -

*It is necessary to connect by wired LAN.

Supported IF

iOS: Bluetooth® (MFi), Wi-Fi
Android™: Bluetooth®, USB, Wi-Fi

Items that can be set on the printer

Setting File format Delivery method Tools for creating blf files
Firmware blf Contact your Brother sales office -
P-touch Template blf Created by the administrator After creating a template (lbx file) in P-touch Editor, save as a file in blf format using P-touch Transfer Manager.
P-touch Template + Database blf Created by the administrator After creating a template (lbx file) in P-touch Editor, save as a file in blf format using P-touch Transfer Manager.
Communication settings blf Created by the administrator Save the command file (bin format) with the communication settings tool.
Start up P-touch Transfer Manager. After dragging and dropping the bin file on the layout, save the file in blf format.
Device settings blf Created by the administrator Save the command file (bin format) with the Device Setting Tool.
Start up P-touch Transfer Manager. After dragging and dropping the bin file on the layout, save the file in blf format.
Custom paper sizes
(Note 2)		 blf Created by the administrator Save the command file (bin format) with the paper size setup tool.
Start up P-touch Transfer Manager. After dragging and dropping the bin file on the layout, save the file in blf format.
Font
(Note 3)		 blf Created by the administrator
<Note> Use of fonts requires licensing.		 Save the command file (bin format) with Font Manager.
Start up P-touch Transfer Manager. After dragging and dropping the bin file on the layout, save the file in blf format.

Note 1:
Create a blf file for each model. Even for units in the same series (ex. RJ-2 series), it is necessary to create blf files for each: RJ-2030, RJ-2050, RJ-2150.
Note 2:
Supported in Brother manufactured printers in the RJ series and TD series.
Note 3:
Supported in the Brother manufactured RJ-4230B and RJ-4250WB printers. (As of September, 2018)

Setting Procedure (Details)

[1] The administrator prepares files for performing multiple settings on the printer in a single batch

If the "Update Error" message appears when you try to update your printer, see the following FAQ:
[Q] "Update Error" appears when I try to update my printer using Mobile Deploy.

1. Create a blf file to be transferred to the printer.

Note (For Mobile Deploy Ver.2.0 or earlier)

For each newly created file, specify the file type by adding a correct prefix to each file name.

Prefix Data Type
1_  Firmware
2_  Font
3_  Template
4_  Database
5_  P-touch Template setting
6_  Paper setting
7_  Printer setting
9_  Communication setting

Examples:
1_firmware.blf
2_font1.blf, 2_font2.blf (if there are multiple font files)　

When transferring the files stored in folders, separate the folders for each file type and add a correct prefix to each folder name.


* For Mobile Deploy Ver.2.1 or higher

It is not necessary to add a prefix. Files are transferred in the following order:
[1] Firmware
[2] Template + Database
[3] (In order of file size)
     Font
     P-touch Template setting
     Paper setting
     Printer setting
     Communication setting


Administrator – Convert to blf

The administrator must convert the files to a .blf.
  • Open the P-Touch Transfer Manager.
  • Select the printer you’re working with.
Select Configurations under this printer.
You can now drag this into the Transfer Manager.
  • Select the first file and convert it. (Repeat this for all the files)
  • Click on [Save Transfer File] to save the template as a .blf file type.
  • You will be asked where to save the .blf file. Remember this location.
It is suggested that you save these all in the same folder.

<blf file creation example 1> P-touch Template
  1. a. Start up P-touch Editor and create a layout.
    <blf file creation example 1> P-touch Template
  2. b. Start up P-touch Transfer Manager form the P-touch Editor menu - File - Transfer Template - Transfer....
    Click the Save Transfer File button, and save as a blf format file.
    <blf file creation example 1> P-touch Template
<blf file creation example 2> custom paper sizes
  1. a. Start up the Paper Size Setup tool.
    After setting the custom paper size, click the Option button. Then select Save in Command File... and save the command file (bin format).
    <blf file creation example 2> custom paper sizes
  2. b. Start up P-touch Transfer Manager. Drag and drop the bin file on the layout.
    Click the Save Transfer File button, and save as a blf format file.
    <blf file creation example 2> custom paper sizes

    When using Dropbox, it is not necessary to compress the folder into a zip file to share it.

    <blf file creation example 2> custom paper sizes

    When using an https server, it is necessary to compress blf files together into a zip file.

    <blf file creation example 2> custom paper sizes

2. Prepare a setting file (json format).

Prepare a setting file (json format).
  • Any file name is acceptable, but it is recommended to use the same name as the zip file for management purposes.
  • The file extension is ".json".

Describe the content of the json file as shown below.

Prepare a setting file (json format).

Note 1:
For the URL, describe the URL destination for the Dropbox or https server the administrator intends to use.
For Dropbox: the URL is the location of the folder. Example: "url" : "xxx/RJ2150",
For https servers: the URL is the location of the zip file. Example: "url" : "xxx/RJ2150.zip",
Note 2:
When using Dropbox, share link setting is necessary.
Include "dl=1" in the query section. Do the same for json files.
For examples of Dropbox share links, refer to the explanations from the following Dropbox URLs. (Opens the "Dropbox" website.)
https://www.dropbox.com/en/help/files-folders/view-only-access
https://www.dropbox.com/en/help/desktop-web/force-download
Note 3:
For the version number, the administrator should set the value for the purpose of management. Use x.y.z. (x y z are natural numbers) for the version format.
This version information is maintained by the mobile devices once the multiple settings have been successfully completed by Mobile Deploy.
When the administrator wants to update multiple settings, be sure to set the version higher than the previous one.

  1. * However, as a Mobile Deploy specification, there is a function to forcibly transfer a version once again when it is the same version.

This version number is stored in the mobile device when the deployment succeeds. A higher version must be specified to apply the settings automatically if any previous settings have been applied before.

[2] The administrator places the prepared file on the server (Dropbox or https server).

  1. 1. Establish a Dropbox account or have access to a http server.
  2. 2. Copy the folder or the zip file including the .blf files and the .json file to the cloud server to a desired folder.

[3] Using e-mail or other means, the administrator introduces the procedures (method for operating Mobile Deploy) for performing multiple settings on the printer as a batch to the users using iPhone/iPad/Android™ mobile devices.

<Conditions>
The 3 main tasks for users to perform are:

  1. 1. Install and activate Mobile Deploy
  2. 2. URL registration (the URL for the json file placed on the server (Dropbox or https server) by the administrator)
    For Dropbox: the URL is the location of the json file. Share link setting is necessary (include "dl=1" in the query section).
    [Ex.] https://www.dropbox.com/s/xxxx/RJ2150.json?dl=1
    For https servers: the URL is the location of the json file.
    [Ex.] https://xxxx/RJ2150.json
  3. 3. Connect the printer to the terminal and perform the settings all together.
    To ensure that users can perform the procedure smoothly, the administrator must guide the users by e-mail or other means.

Regarding 1 and 2, the following are the 3 primary methods for administrators to guide users.

Note 1:
“https://xxx” must be the URL for the setting files with Dropbox or the https server.
Note 2:
Some mailer apps cannot show the URL as a link that can be tapped. In this case, Method 1 need to be used.

Method 1: The administrator contacts the users by e-mail and shares the procedure for installing Mobile Deploy.

Share the URL to register to Mobile Deploy (the URL for the file placed on the server by the administrator) as well.

Example of guide e-mailed from administrator to users:

  • Download Mobile Deploy from App Store or Google Play™.
  • The files necessary for performing multiple settings as a single batch on the printer are at the following URL.
    [Ex.] https://www.dropbox.com/s/xxxx/RJ2150.json?dl=1
  • Once the user has started Mobile Deploy, copy and paste the URL above.
    The administrator contacts the users by e-mail and shares the procedure for installing Mobile Deploy. The administrator contacts the users by e-mail and shares the procedure for installing Mobile Deploy.
  • Connect the iPhone/iPad/Android™ mobile device to the mobile printer.
  • After selecting a printer from Mobile Deploy, perform the settings as a single batch.

Method 2: The administrator shares the fixed URL with users by e-mail.

When users click on the URL, Mobile Deploy is automatically started and the URL (URL for the files placed on the server by the administrator) is registered.

Example of guide e-mailed from administrator to users:

  • Click on the following URL.
    [Ex.] com.brother.mobiledeploy://?url=https://www.dropbox.com/s/xxxx/RJ2150.json?dl=1

    This will activate Mobile Deploy and automatically set the URL containing the files necessary for performing batched settings on the printer.
  • If the action above does not work properly, perform the following operations.
  • Download Mobile Deploy from App Store or Google Play™ Store.
  • The files necessary for performing batched settings on the printer are available at the following URL.
    [Ex.] https://www.dropbox.com/s/xxxx/RJ2150.json?dl=1
  • Once the user has started Mobile Deploy, copy and paste the URL above.
  • Connect the iPhone/iPad/Android™ mobile device to the mobile printer.
    After selecting the printer from Mobile Deploy, perform the settings as a single batch.

Note 1:
Specifications for the URL that starts the application are as follows:
com.brother.mobiledeploy://?url=https://xxxx
Section that activates Mobile Deploy => com.brother.mobiledeploy://
Section that sets the URL on the activated Mobile Deploy => ?url= later URL section (https://xxxx)
Note 2:
Depending on the mail application, this URL (com.brother.mobiledeploy://?url=https://xxxx)may not be handled as a link.
In such a case, introduce <Method 3> or manual setting.

Method 3: The administrator shares the fixed URL with users by e-mail.

When users click on this URL, Mobile Deploy is automatically started and the URL (URL for the files placed on the server by the administrator) is registered.

Example of guide e-mailed from administrator to users:

  • Click on the following URL.
    [Ex.]
    support.brother.com/g/s/es/dev/en/specific/mobile_deploy/redirect/index.html?url=https://www.dropbox.com/s/xxxx/RJ2150.json?dl=1

    This will activate Mobile Deploy and automatically set the URL containing the files necessary for performing batched settings on the printer.
  • If the action above does not work properly, perform the following operations.
  • Download Mobile Deploy from App Store or Google Play™ Store.
  • The files necessary for performing batched settings on the printer are available at the following URL.
    [Ex.] https://www.dropbox.com/s/xxxx/RJ2150.json?dl=1
  • Once the user has started Mobile Deploy, copy and paste the URL above.
  • Connect the iPhone/iPad/Android™ mobile device to the mobile printer.
    After selecting the printer from Mobile Deploy, perform the settings as a single batch.

Note 1:
Specifications for the URL that starts the application are as follows:
support.brother.com/g/s/es/dev/en/specific/mobile_deploy/redirect/index.html?url=https://xxxx
Section that activates Mobile Deploy => support.brother.com/g/s/es/dev/en/specific/mobile_deploy/redirect/index.html
Section that sets the URL on the activated Mobile Deploy => ?url=later URL section(https://xxxx)
Note 2:
Application software won't work even if you click the URL here on iPad OS 13 or higher.
Try the process except <Process No.3>.

[4] Users perform multiple settings all together according to the procedures provided by the manager.

Note 1:
Both Deflate Compressed and zero-compressed zip files are available on Mobile Deploy Ver. 2.4.1 and later.
Only Deflate Compressed zip files are available on Mobile Deploy Ver.2.4.0 and earlier.

User Notes
After installing Mobile Deploy you will need to scroll down to the bottom of the End-User License Agreement before selecting “I agree”.
Once you enter the copied URL from the email you will see the available printer list. Select the printer you are working with. Then press the back arrow.
You will see the selected printer and the available updates.
You will see a dialog box saying Updates Available. Select “Update Printer”.
You will see a Warning. “Do not Interrupt Update”.
After the update is completed, you will get a green check.
A message will show No Updates Available.
The update is complete.

Download

Download Mobile Deploy from App Store or Google Play™ Store.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q

I clicked on the URL (refer to <Method 3>) sent to my e-mail from the administrator on the iPhone/iPad, but it only displayed a blank white page.

A

This occurs when Mobile Deploy is not installed.
Install the iOS version of Mobile Deploy from App Store. This should resolve the problem.

Q

I want to deactivate the Bluetooth® on the printer using Mobile Deploy.

A

The administrator should take care when notifying users.
It is possible to create a blf file using P-touch Transfer Manager from a command file (bin format) created with the Device Setting Tool to deactivate the Bluetooth®.
However, if it is transferred to the printer using Mobile Deploy, the iOS/Android™ terminal will not be able to connect to the printer via Bluetooth® when it is registered on the printer.
Therefore, it is necessary to use the Android™ version of Mobile Deploy and connect to the printer via USB when performing this setting.

Q

"Update Error" appears when I try to update my printer using Mobile Deploy.

A

Make sure the update files are uploaded as a compressed (zipped) folder created using the built-in ZIP function of Windows.

Q

Cannot connect to the printer via Wireless Direct, with Mobile Deploy App on Android™ OS 10.

A

<Occurrence condition>
I connect to the printer's Wireless Direct SSID (eg. DIRECT-77350_RJ-4250WB) from Wi-Fi setting on Android™ OS.
After the success connection, I tap "Notification", check "Don't ask again for this network" and click [Yes] button.
But Mobile Deploy App won't connect to the printer.

A

<Solution>
Delete the network information of the printer's Wireless Direct SSID (example: DIRECT-77350_RJ-4250WB) from Wi-Fi setting screen on Android™ OS.
To reconnect to the printer's Wireless Direct SSID, check off "Don't ask again for this network" and click [Yes] button.

Q

Can a printer update be verified?

A

Yes, from the Mobile Deploy version 2.5.1 or later, you can verify that the congifured update was successful, using the Microsoft Azure Table Storage and Power BI.

To use this function, contact us from the inquiry form.

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