User profile for user: Tuffy Nicolas
Tuffy Nicolas Author
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How connect/add/print with a Ricoh Laser AP 2600 printer to MacBook running Big Sur 11.7.10?

I have two devices:


-- Older MacBook running Big Sur 11.7.10

-- Very old printer: Ricoh Laser AP 2600 laser printer


Goal: To be able to print from that computer to that printer. How?


First problem (solved): The printer only connects via an Ethernet cable; but the MacBook only has a USB-C port. Solution: Got a USB-C-to-Ethernet adapter. Seems to work. (Printer has no wifi feature.)


Second problem (not solved): The computer does not recognize the existence of (i..e "detect") the printer. Cable connected correctly, a LAN device listed in the "Network" System preferences pane; but when I try to "add" a printer or just print with a generic print chosen, "No printer detected" or similar errors.


Third problem (not solved): I don't have the proper "printer driver" for this Ricoh printer and this OS. And thus far I have not been able to find one. If I can't find the actual precise printer driver forn this model, is there a generic printer driver that will work with a Ricoh Laser AP 2600 under Big Sur 11.7.10?


Keep in mind that this printer is from the year 2000, so is in computer terms pretty ancient -- but when it is connected successfully, it's one of the best printers ever made. Its age makes finding the right drivers for it very difficult, especially for an older MacOS.


Any help or suggestions -- the more specific the better -- greatly appreciated. Thanks!


Earlier Mac models

Posted on Feb 11, 2025 3:39 PM

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User profile for user: Tuffy Nicolas
Tuffy Nicolas Author
User level: Level 2
306 points

Posted on Feb 13, 2025 1:16 PM

Thanks for the suggestion!


I was about to try what you said, when I found a solution (posted by MYSELF 15 years ago!!) here:


Can't print to Ricoh Laser AP2600 even af… - Apple Community


The steps outlined in the final reply to that post solved my problem even with a newer computer. In short: find out the printer's IP address,

Then, on your Mac, go to "System Preferences> Network", click on "Ethernet" on the left column, and in the drop-down menu "Configure IPv4" choose "Manually." Then in the "IP Address" field type in whatever IP address you entered for the printer *but make the final number one digit higher*. Also, *leave off any initial zeros*. Thus, if you left the printer's IP at 011.022.033.044, then make your computer's IP be 11.22.33.45; and so on for any combination of numbers. In the "Subnet Mask" field, enter 255.255.255.0. Leave all the other fields blank. Click "Apply."

Bingo! Printer connects.


I had the same problem 15 years ago with an earlier computer, figured out a solution by trial-and-error, then posted a note to myself described how I did it -- and 15 years later, I found my own note!


If in the distant future I again have the same problem, and the Manual IP trick doesn't work, then I will definitely try your Ethernet-to-the-router trick.






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User profile for user: Tuffy Nicolas
Tuffy Nicolas Author
User level: Level 2
306 points

Feb 13, 2025 1:16 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

Thanks for the suggestion!


I was about to try what you said, when I found a solution (posted by MYSELF 15 years ago!!) here:


Can't print to Ricoh Laser AP2600 even af… - Apple Community


The steps outlined in the final reply to that post solved my problem even with a newer computer. In short: find out the printer's IP address,

Then, on your Mac, go to "System Preferences> Network", click on "Ethernet" on the left column, and in the drop-down menu "Configure IPv4" choose "Manually." Then in the "IP Address" field type in whatever IP address you entered for the printer *but make the final number one digit higher*. Also, *leave off any initial zeros*. Thus, if you left the printer's IP at 011.022.033.044, then make your computer's IP be 11.22.33.45; and so on for any combination of numbers. In the "Subnet Mask" field, enter 255.255.255.0. Leave all the other fields blank. Click "Apply."

Bingo! Printer connects.


I had the same problem 15 years ago with an earlier computer, figured out a solution by trial-and-error, then posted a note to myself described how I did it -- and 15 years later, I found my own note!


If in the distant future I again have the same problem, and the Manual IP trick doesn't work, then I will definitely try your Ethernet-to-the-router trick.






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User profile for user: Jan Hedlund
Jan Hedlund
User level: Level 7
24,307 points

Feb 12, 2025 8:36 AM in response to Tuffy Nicolas

It may be a good idea to try wiring the printer by Ethernet cable to one of the LAN ports of your Wi-Fi router instead. This would create a proper network connection, and should also make it possible to print wirelessly from the Mac (via the router).


A direct (USB-converted) Ethernet cable connection computer to printer may or may not cause difficulties.


The specifications for the AP2600/2600N indicate that PCL6 and postscript 3 are supported, so you could perhaps try a generic macOS PCL or postscript driver.


Add a printer on Mac – Apple Support (UK)

Add a network printer by its IP address -> Use -> "You can also try choosing generic printer software from the pop-up menu."

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How connect/add/print with a Ricoh Laser AP 2600 printer to MacBook running Big Sur 11.7.10?

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