Pairing your dye-sub printer with a wireless print server allows the printer to be AirPrint compatible. Without wireless print server software, your iPad and dye-sub printer will not be able to communicate.
Use this guide to connect to the AirCastPro 3 wireless print server.
Print Server Manual
Be sure to have your print server's manual on hand for more detailed information and troubleshooting help should you run into any problems.
Local vs. External WiFi Networks
Understanding the difference between local and external WiFi networks helps determine if you can print and send digital copies simultaneously.
Local Network
A local network is a great option when your venue lacks a reliable WiFi connection or no connection at all.
The local network will still allow you to print in real time and the digital copies of your pictures will stay "queued" in the app until you can reconnect to an external network.
Learn more about our offline queue and how it works here.
After completing step 2 below, you are connected to the AirCastPro local WiFi network and you can skip ahead to step 6 to start printing from your HALO app.
External Network
Whenever possible it is best to connect to an external network, which will allow you to both print and send digital copies at the same time.
In order to accomplish this, follow all of the setup steps in the section below.
Initial Setup
Power On
Plug in the AirCastPro. It will turn on automatically, and a green light will appear after a few seconds.
Connect to AirCastPro Network
Open your iPad's WiFi settings and connect to the AirCastPro network.
The default password for all new AirCastPros is: aircastpro (refer to the AirCastPro manual to change the password).
If the network doesn’t initially appear, toggle your WiFi off and back on to get it to populate.
Configure Settings
Open a browser on your iPad and visit http://192.168.4.1. The page can sometimes feel slow to load.
Tap on the WiFi status (top-left) and select your desired network.
Enter the network password to connect.
Connect to Printer
Plug the AirCastPro into your printer via USB.
Power your printer on and AirCastPro should automatically detect it.
Reconnect iPad to Network
Revisit your iPad's WiFi settings
Select the network linked to your AirCastPro.
Set Up in HALO App
Open the HALO app and navigate to your Prints panel
Select the connected printer
Tap "test print" to confirm the connection is established.
Note: When connecting to a new external network, repeat steps 3–4. For familiar networks, AirCastPro should reconnect automatically.
Double check your network settings at http://192.168.4.1 if you ever run into trouble printing through a previously established network.
Tethered (Wired) Printing
In a pinch you can connect your printer directly to your iPad via the AirCastPro. See a video version of these instructions here.
Power On the AirCastPro
Follow the steps above to power on the AirCastPro.
Connect to the AirCastPro Local Hotspot
Ensure your iPad is connected to the AirCastPro’s local hotspot, not an external network.
If you’re connected to an external network, in the AirCastPro settings (http://192.168.4.1) tap the menu bar (top-left), go to network settings, and disconnect from the current network.
If needed, unplug and reconnect the AirCastPro to fully disconnect.
Test Print with the AirCastPro Hotspot
Perform a test print while connected to the local hotspot to confirm the connection before proceeding.
Connect Your iPad via Ethernet
Plug the Ethernet cable into the AirCastPro and then into your iPad using the appropriate adapter.
In your iPad’s settings, check for a new “Ethernet” section beneath WiFi settings to confirm the connection.
Configure Ethernet Settings
Open a browser to the AirCastPro settings (http://192.168.4.1).
Tap the Ethernet settings in the top-left corner.
Choose "Local Link" from the dropdown menu and save.
Look for a green IP address in the top-left corner (refresh the page if needed).
Disable WiFi & Print
Disable WiFi in your iPad settings.
Open the HALO app and navigate to the Prints panel.
Select the connected printer.
Tap Test Print to confirm the setup is complete.
Configuring AirCastPro Settings
Simple Booth supports our own print formatting settings, which are the primary way to ensure your prints look great. For more details, check out this article on print formatting.
AirCastPro also offers additional settings for fine-tuning print output, including adjustments for color, resolution, and formatting.
You’ll rarely need to modify AirCastPro’s formatting options—Simple Booth’s settings typically cover everything you need to accomplish.
For more details on advanced adjustments, refer to the AirCastPro manual.