DYMO Label Printer Controller

This project provides a Python-based interface to control a DYMO LetraTag 200B bluetooth label printer. It allows you to print both plain text and barcodes, either through a command-line interface or a simple web-based UI.

Motivation

The inspiration for this project came while I was watching 'Better Call Saul'. I found myself wanting to print labels but didn't want to interrupt the show. The official DYMO Connect app was on my phone, which I was using to watch the episode. To solve this dilemma, I created this application (with the help of Dymo-bluetooth) to allow printing directly from my computer. This way, I can create labels without pausing the show.

Features

• Print custom text labels.
• Generate and print Code 128 barcodes.
• Command-line interface for scripting and automation.
• Web interface for easy printing from a browser.

Prerequisites

• Python 3.12.5 (tested on Windows 11).
• A DYMO LetraTag 200B printer.

Installation

1. Clone this repository to your local machine.

2. Navigate to the project directory.

3. Install the required Python packages using pip:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

Usage

There are two ways to use this application: through the command-line interface (CLI) or the web interface. Personally I recommend the web interface for its ease of use, but the CLI is also available for those who prefer it.

Command-Line Interface

The CLI is ideal for scripting or quick printing tasks. You can print either text or a barcode by specifying the type and the content.

Print a Barcode:

python -m app --type barcode "1234567890"

Print Text:

python -m app --type text "Hello, World!"

Web Interface

The web interface provides a user-friendly(ish) way to print labels from your browser. I recommend using this because of the 'rapid fire' way you can print labels.

1. Start the Flask web server:

   python web.py

2. Open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost:5000.

3. You will see a simple form where you can:

   • Enter the text you want to print.
   • Choose whether to print it as a barcode or as plain text.
   • Click the "Print" button to send the label to your DYMO printer.

A "Printing..." message will appear for a few seconds to confirm that the label is being printed.