SteadyLAN using Star Printers

Make sure of reliable Point of Sale (POS) system operation, even if stores have unstable Wi-Fi or a shortage of ethernet ports.

When does one use this?

If the stores have unstable Wi-Fi and seek a stable ethernet connection.

If the stores have a shortage of ethernet ports and want to use a common ethernet port for both printer and register.

Star Printer Models supported

MCP31LB, MCP31L, MCP31LBNH, and MCP31LNH

Note The SteadyLAN function wired LAN connection via USB-A (2.4A) provides stable communication, however the communication speed is approximately one Mbps and can be slower than the wireless LAN.

Prerequisites

The Star mC-Print3 firmware version must be Ver. 2.3 or later
Install Star Quick Setup Utility app from the App Store

Check and Enable SteadyLAN

Open the Star Quick Setup Utility app on your register and check if your printer is selected at the top. If not, find your printer and select it.
Select "Printer Settings" > "Network Settings".
Select the "Detail Settings" switch to reveal the "SteadyLAN" setting. Turn on to "Enable for iOS" and select "Apply"

Printer to iOS Device Connection

Connect the printer to a wired network.
Turn on the printer, and then wait until the Ethernet LED stops flashing and stays on.
On the iOS device, tap Settings > Wi-Fi > Disable Wi-Fi.
Connect the iOS device to the printer using a Lightning (or USB-C) to USB-A cable. Make sure to connect the cable to the USB-A Device Charging connector that is marked iPad.
On the iOS device, tap Settings > Ethernet, and then check that an IP address has been set.
If a DHCP server isn't used on the network, set the IP address and subnet mask manually.

CMS Setup - Connection Type

Star printer allows any of the supported connection types (USB, IP, BT) while SteadyLAN is active. Therefore, there's no special configuration required for SteadyLAN and the ‌primary connection type can be configured.

Note The iPad will still need to be connected via USB to the printer to receive ethernet from SteadyLAN, regardless of configured connection type.

Troubleshooting

“SteadyLAN” setting isn't displayed in Star Quick Setup Utility > "Printer Settings" > "Network Settings".

The connected printer firmware doesn't support SteadyLAN; the firmware must be Ver. 2.3 or later.

The firmware version is printed in the title section of the printer information (1st page) that is printed on a printer's test print (self-printing).

Firmware update can be performed from "Printer Settings" > "Firmware Update" of Star's Quick Setup Utility app.