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DNP WCM-Plus - User Manual

DNP WCM-Plus
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© 2023. DNP Imagingcomm America Corporation. All rights reserved.
Rev: 20230831
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Summary

Introduction to WCM-Plus

Device Overview

Explains the DNP WCM-Plus device and its wireless printing capabilities.

Package Contents

Lists the items included with the WCM-Plus device package.

Compatibility and Key Features

Supported Devices and OS

Lists compatible operating systems and DNP printers for the WCM-Plus.

Core Functionalities

Details features like easy setup, fast printing, image editing, and border capabilities.

Getting Started

Initial Setup and Connection

Basic steps to power on, connect to hotspot, and print a test page.

Printing Methods Introduction

Introduces various printing methods like WCM Print, AirPrint/IPP, and wired options.

Menu Review and Printer Settings

Navigating Menus

Describes accessing the Main Menu and Printers menu for device information.

Printer Configuration

Explains how to configure ICM Profiles, Finish Types, and Print Sizes for printers.

Device Management and Status

System Information and Logs

Provides system status, logging for troubleshooting, and device info.

Power, Reset, and Software Updates

Covers power options, factory reset, and managing software versions.

Network Settings

Hotspot and Wi-Fi Connection

Configure the WCM-Plus hotspot and connect to local Wi-Fi networks.

Ethernet Connection

Explains using an Ethernet connection for improved speed and stability.

Advanced Configuration

Antenna Settings and Admin Login

Configure antennas and set up password protection for the admin portal.

Guest Print Access

Details enabling guest access for printing without full admin portal access.

System Features and Customization

Party Print and Portal Settings

Manage Party Print, customize portal themes, welcome pages, and units.

Border Management

Instructions on selecting and applying available borders to prints.

Applying Borders

WCM Print Method

Details how to apply borders when using the WCM Print feature.

AirPrint;Hot Folder Method

Describes applying borders via AirPrint/IPP, Hot Folder, or SFTP printing.

Hot Folder Setup

Hot Folder Printing Overview

Explains setting up hot folders for automatic printing from specified folders.

iOS and Android Configuration

Step-by-step guides to set up hot folders on iOS and Android devices.

Windows Hot Folder Setup

SFTP File Transfer

SFTP for Developers and Printing

Instructions for using SFTP clients for direct printing via hot folders.

Sending Files via SFTP

How to send files to specific print size folders using SFTP.

Image Selection for SFTP Transfer

Troubleshooting Known Issues

HEIC Image Format Problems

Addresses HEIC image issues causing white edges and provides solutions.

Aspect Ratio Correction

Explains how to correct aspect ratios for printing to ensure proper fit.

Acknowledgements and Legal Information

Copyrights, Trademarks, and Disclaimers

Lists software technologies, trademarks, company details, and legal disclaimers.

Overview

The DNP WCM-Plus is a versatile device designed to facilitate wireless printing to DNP printers, offering a comprehensive solution for mobile devices, Windows PCs, and Macs. Its primary function is to enable seamless photo printing from various sources, including iPhones, iPads, Android devices, and computers, through multiple printing methods such as direct printing, AirPrint®/IPP, Hot Folder, and SFTP.

Function Description

The core function of the WCM-Plus is to act as a central hub for DNP printers, allowing users to print wirelessly. It creates a hotspot network, enabling direct connection from mobile devices and computers. When connected to a local Wi-Fi network, the WCM-Plus also provides internet access to devices connected to its hotspot and makes connected printers available to other devices on the same Wi-Fi network. This dual connectivity enhances its utility in various environments, from personal use to event photography.

The device supports all current DNP printers and several legacy models, ensuring broad compatibility. It automatically identifies the printer and media type, eliminating the need for manual printer setup for each print size. This "Easy Setup" feature streamlines the printing process, making it user-friendly even for those less familiar with printer configurations.

A key capability of the WCM-Plus is its high-speed transfer, facilitated by powerful hardware, allowing for quick image processing and printing. This speed is crucial for events and situations requiring rapid print output.

Beyond basic printing, the WCM-Plus offers advanced image editing features when using the WCM Print function. Users can crop and perform basic edits, including color correction, applying filters, fit/fill adjustments, and drawing tools, directly from the portal. This integrated editing capability ensures optimal print quality and creative control.

The device also supports the addition of borders to prints, a feature available across all printing methods. Users can choose from pre-loaded borders or upload custom borders, which can include fun frames or business branding elements. This adds a personalized touch to prints and can serve as a marketing tool.

For managing printed images, the WCM-Plus includes an "Image Archive" feature, allowing users to store pictures for reprints, further edits, or downloads. The "Instant Reprint" function, accessible from the print queue, enables quick reprinting of the last ten images.

The WCM-Plus is designed to connect multiple DNP printers simultaneously, with three available USB ports. This allows for a wider range of print sizes or provides redundancy, reducing the frequency of media loading.

For professional use, the device integrates with DNP's Party Print subscription service, enabling photobooth operators and event photographers to manage printing and slideshow displays. The WCM-Plus can handle both printing and slideshow features for Party Print events, offering an expanded product offering for guests.

The "Admin Portal" is a central control interface accessible from any connected mobile device, PC, or Mac. It provides comprehensive management of all WCM-Plus settings, controls, and features.

Usage Features

The WCM-Plus offers several features to enhance its usability and adaptability:

  • Hotspot Connectivity: Users connect to the WCM-Plus hotspot using a unique SSID and password, which can be found on a test print generated by the device. Both the SSID and password are customizable for security and branding. A QR code on the test print simplifies connection for guests or employees.
  • Wi-Fi Connection: The device can connect to a local Wi-Fi network, providing internet access to connected devices and making printers available on the local network via IPP (AirPrint®). This is particularly useful for cloud-based photo storage access.
  • Ethernet Connection: For situations requiring higher processing speeds or to avoid Wi-Fi interference, the WCM-Plus supports an Ethernet connection. This hard-wire printing option is beneficial for photobooth operators.
  • Antenna Configuration: The WCM-Plus utilizes two Wi-Fi antennas, one for the hotspot and one for local Wi-Fi. Users can switch antenna configurations to optimize signal strength and range. The option to add high-gain antennas further improves coverage.
  • WCM Print Feature: This direct printing method allows users to select images from their photo library, camera, or files, apply edits (crop, rotate, finetune, filters, annotate), and then print. The portal interface guides users through selecting print sizes, copies, and applying borders.
  • AirPrint®/IPP Compatibility: For iOS and macOS users, the WCM-Plus supports AirPrint®/IPP, allowing printing directly from photo galleries or other applications without needing the WCM Print portal.
  • Hot Folder Printing: This feature enables automatic printing by placing image files into specific folders. Hot folders can be set up on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac systems, streamlining the printing workflow for specific print sizes and printers.
  • SFTP Printing: For developers, the WCM-Plus supports SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) for direct printing to hot folders. This allows for programmatic transfer of image files for printing.
  • Print Queue: The print queue displays the last ten images sent for printing, showing their status (processing, completed, or failed). It also allows for quick reprints and removal of images from the queue.
  • System Settings: The admin portal provides extensive system settings, including login password protection, WCM Print guest access controls, Party Print activation, and general settings like unit of measure and theme.
  • Borders Management: Users can select from available borders or upload custom .png files. Borders can be applied to prints from WCM Print, AirPrint®/IPP, or Hot Folder methods. Custom borders require specific pixel sizes for portrait and landscape orientations to match print sizes.
  • Image Editing Tools: The WCM Print feature includes a suite of editing tools:
    • Crop / Rotate: Allows users to adjust image composition and orientation.
    • Finetune: Offers controls for brightness, contrast, saturation, exposure, temperature, gamma, clarity, and vignette for color correction.
    • Filter: Provides options for enhanced, greyscale, and sepia filters.
    • Annotate: Includes tools like Sharpie and text to add markings or messages to images.

Maintenance Features

The WCM-Plus incorporates several features to assist with maintenance and troubleshooting:

  • Device Info: The Device menu in the admin portal provides critical system operating conditions, including CPU usage, CPU temperature, RAM usage, and disk space. This information is valuable for assessing the device's health and performance.
  • Date/Time Settings: Users can set the time zone, which is important for accurate log file entries. The device registers the correct time when connected to a Wi-Fi network.
  • Logging: In case of issues, the logging feature allows users to retrieve logs from the current session ("Get Log") or the last ten sessions ("Get All Logs"). These logs can provide diagnostic information to help identify and resolve problems.
  • Factory Reset: If the WCM-Plus encounters persistent issues, a factory reset option is available. This restores the device to its original shipping condition, deleting all stored settings and images. After a reset, connecting to the internet is necessary for the most recent updates.
  • Power Management: The device offers software-based options to "Restart" or "Shutdown" the WCM-Plus, providing a controlled way to manage power without physically disconnecting it.
  • Software Version and Updates: The "Software Version" menu displays the current software version and indicates if updates are available when connected to the internet. Updates can include feature improvements and bug fixes. The update process is confirmed with a new test print.
  • Software License: The End User License Agreement (EULA) is accessible at any time for review.

The WCM-Plus is designed with a focus on ease of use, speed, and versatility, making it a robust solution for various photo printing needs. Its comprehensive feature set, from wireless connectivity and image editing to system management and maintenance tools, ensures a reliable and efficient printing experience.

DNP WCM-Plus Specifications

General IconGeneral
Product TypeWireless Connect Module
Connectivity TechnologyWireless
Wireless LAN StandardIEEE 802.11b/g/n
Frequency Band2.4 GHz
Data EncryptionWEP, WPA, WPA2
InterfaceUSB 2.0
CompatibilityDNP DS620A
FunctionalityWireless printing
InstallationPlug and Play
Power SupplyUSB-powered

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