Baslinux mailing list

[sindi keesan <keesan AT sdf.lonestar.org>]

On Fri, 2 Dec 2005, Anthony Albert wrote:

> On 1 Dec 2005 at 20:05, sindi keesan wrote:
> > We were given two postscript-capable network printers, the older one
> > (working) an HP with parport, BNC and RJ45 connectors (probably 10Mbit)
> > and the newer one (not yet working - gets a checksum error when I load the
> > printer software to the hard drive we put into it) a color laser printer
> > with parport and RJ45 that is 10 or 100MBit (the printer came with
> > either option, post 1998).  Even 10MBit would be faster than parport.
> >
> > I could download a 32MB network management program to send files to the
> > printer over a network, but I think I can also ftp them over a crossover
> > cable if I can assign an IP number to the printer - how can I do that with
> > BL?  The manual assumes an ethernet hub, which I also have but have not
> > used.  ftp 192.168.1.x, bin, put filename.ps, bye.  Presumably I could
> > also set up a plip connection - does ftp work via plip?  There is even a
> > serial port.  The thing has a 133MHz cpu and 4 SIMM slots and a scsi
> > controller.  But no keyboard (just a few menu type buttons) and a very
> > minimal screen.
>
> The "network management program" likely isn't just the drivers - those
> you can usually get separately, but also a setup/configuration program
> (DOS/Windows only, sorry) which is quite handy, if you're going to set

They actually have versions for linux and AIX and SunOS, etc. 
QMS-Konica-Minolta.  But 32MB is at least 4 hours download for me.
First I need to get the 10MB OS onto the hard drive (which can be up to 
2.2G!).  Checksum error.  The tech support person had no idea what a 
checksum was but someone else will call.

> the printer up in a networked mode.  If you're going to use the
> parallel port, you probably don't need to do any config, though you can
> go through the menus if need be.

No menus until the OS is installed.  There is a menu button.

The instructions for installing the OS were via parport and DOS copy /b 
(first time) or for upgrading, via ftp and ethernet cable if you first 
assign an IP address, which I why I hoped I could just ftp files over.
I can try udhcpc on both QMS and HP printers.

> Typically, HP network-capable printers (and other brands) can be
> configured to work via TCP/IP printing to support either direct
> printing to the printer ( with an lpd-like daemon), or to connect to
> Netware or Windows servers of some kind.   TCP/IP settings can be set
> using DHCP, or staticly. (Usually static settings can be done through
> the printer menus.)

I would prefer to avoid printcaps and spools, and just send files to the 
printer with cat (parport) or ftp (ethernet), either of which can be used 
for QMS to upgrade the operating system.  copy /b to lpo1 for DOS - to 
install or upgrade.  cat filename.ps > /dev/lp0 or ftp filename.ps 'IP 
number' after assigning the IP number via the menu?

  You may want to set up a server, but you more
> likely can set up the printer as a stand-alone, with static addressing.
>
> You should be able to do this entirely through the menus on the
> printer, but you will likely want to dig around on the HP web site for
> manuals.

QMS sent me the URLs for pdf manuals for installation (Win31/Win9x..., 
Mac, various Unixes) and operation.

> > The printers can do postscript 2 and pcl 5 (HP?).  Can I simply cat
> > filename.ps > /dev/lp0?  And with netpbm:  jpegtopnm filename.ps|pnmtops
> > [options for resolution] > /dev/lp0?  (or pbmtolj for monochrome files).
> > I don't think I need ghostscript, which is for printing ps or pdf on a
> > non-ps printer.
>
> Once you set up the printer with a static IP, and set up Linux to
> connect to it to print, you shuld be able to just redirect to the
> printer port, yes.

Do I need a static IP to use the parallel port?  Is there any advantage to 
using ps rather than HP lj format (is this PCL 5?) to print a scanned 
monochrome image?  I have pnmtops and pbmtolj.  Ethernet should be faster.

> > How would I write a printcap for a ps printer on lp0?  If I use the
> > ethernet connection do I replace /dev/lp0 with /dev/eth0 (and for serial
> > with ttyS0) and ifconfig eth0 and what else needs changing?
> >
> > A friend got these from a warehouse that was going to dump them and they
> > are huge (2' cubes) so he gave them to us, knowing we have a bit of floor
> > space left.
>
> The laser printer I currently use is a early office model Panasonic
> that I rescued from the dumpster.  It's not fast ( 2-4 ppm ) but works
> well within its limits.  Keep using it until it can't be used any more,
> is my motto!

This one claims up to 16 ppm (5% black) or 4 ppm color, but photos will 
probably take much longer.  I will use it until the toner runs out ($50 
per color).  Have you had any luck moving toner between different models 
of cartridge?

I still use the dot-matrix for things I don't want to fade, run or chip 
off.  We got a $7 reinking kit probably good for my lifetime.  Prints unix 
format directly.  Paper always feeds right.  We recycled the 9-pin's.
Getting tired of inkjets that need cartridges soaked before infrequent 
use.

> Anthony Albert
> ===========================================================
> Anthony J. Albert                     albert AT umpi.maine.edu
> Systems and Software Support Specialist          Postmaster
> Computer Services - University of Maine, Presque Isle
>         "This is only temporary, unless it works."
>                         --- Red Green
>
>
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keesan AT sdf.lonestar.org
SDF Public Access UNIX System - http://sdf.lonestar.org