Printing to my Epson Stylus Pro 3800 (Grr...)

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Level 1

1 points

Printing to my Epson Stylus Pro 3800 (Grr...)

Hi All,

I'm a fairly recent convert from Windows and I LOVE my Mac for everything EXCEPT printing to my 3800.

I have always had a problem with my Epson Stylus Pro 3800 printer on my Mac. The two just don't seem to get along. I've wasted countless pages of expensive paper and what seems like gallons of ink trying to resolve this issue, but I'm getting nowhere. I've ruled out physical problems with the printer - it works flawlessly on the three PC's I've connected to it (via usb).

Until this evening I was using the Epson drivers for this printer. They were flakey at best. I would get random 'communication errors' that could happen at any time during a print - start, end, somewhere in between or, if I was lucky, not at all. Having had enough I went looking for a solution (again) online tonight and stumbled across Gutenprint 5.2.6.

I've been able to install the drivers successfully by following the documentation but I can't get the printer to print via USB or IPP. Using usb, I get a message in the print queue 'backend USB Failed' and the printer goes into a Paused state. Using IPP the print job apprers to spool and queue reads 'Connecting to printer... ' for a while then returns with 'Unable to connect to printer; will retry in 30 seconds..'.

I believe the IPP is failing because the print queue options in the Gutenprint setup. The install says to leave Queue blank for the default queue. I tried that - it didn't print.

I browsed to the embedded 'EpsonNet Config' page in the printer and named what they call 'printer name' as printer. I presume that's the queue that the gutenprint driver wants, but I still get the same result.

When I look at EpsonNet Config, the IPP URL is http://192.168.9.166:631/printer.

When I look at the Printer Setup on the Mac, I see
Queue Name: 192_168_0166
Driver Version: 5.2.6
URL: ipp://192.168.0.166/printer

Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong? I'm frustrated beyond belief with this problem and really could use some help using either the Epson drivers or Gutenprint drivers - I just want some consistent output.

Thanks in advance for any clues you may be able to offer.

iMac i5, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Sep 20, 2010 6:05 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 21, 2010 9:53 AM in response to Richmonk1

This may not really help, but I also have an Epson Stylus Pro 3800 but mine is connected with a USB cord and I have not had problems printing to it from my MacBook Pro OS 10.6.4.

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Answer 2

Richmonk1 Author

Level 1

1 points

Sep 21, 2010 6:21 PM in response to DesignerLaura

Hi Laura,

Thanks for your reply. You're right, it's not much help, but it at least it's a bit of encouragement to keep trying. Are you using the Epson or Gutenprint drivers?

Cheers,
Ken

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Answer 3

greg sahli

Level 7

25,508 points

Sep 21, 2010 7:34 PM in response to Richmonk1

I don't have that printer and have never seen the EpsonNet config utility...
But the correct form for an IPP URI is:
ipp://IP address:631/printers/queuename
or
http://IPaddress:631/ipp/queuename
(the /printers/ and /ipp/ parts are interchangeable but required)

So, my guess is you haven't entered a queue name in Print & Fax.
I don't know where to find that printer's queue name - maybe in the manual?

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Answer 4

elol

Level 1

0 points

Sep 22, 2010 12:10 PM in response to Richmonk1

I have used the 3800 for a long time never had any problems with snow leopard with respect to hookup with usb. Always used the Epson drivers loaded from the epson sites.
problems with colours yes. However I understand CS5 photoshop seems to solve. Will now see if PSE9 fixes that too.
there are some set procedures to follow for installing these drivers look at some of the other discussions on printing with snow leopard and about deleting all epson drivers before installing.....
it seems to be very picky....

http://macperformanceguide.com/SnowLeopard-Printing.html

if you are downloading from european sites same procedure just a different driver number.. 6.57

noone I know bothers with the cups drivers

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Answer 5

Sep 22, 2010 12:24 PM in response to Richmonk1

My name is Syd and I work for Epson America, Inc.

Part of the issue is that it appears you are using the Gutenprint software and Epson software. You should never use the Gutenprint software to run the printer.

In order to get the printer working properly, you will need to remove and reinstall the Epson software. In order to do this properly, we recommend doing the following:

1. Click on the Apple Menu and select System Preference.
2. Select Print & Fax.
3. Select the printer and click the "-" icon at the bottom of the printer list. This will remove the printer from the list.
4. Close out of the Print & Fax window.
5. Open the Hard Drive and go to Library>Printers
6. After opening the Printers folder, look for the Epson folder.
7. Drag the Epson folder to the trash. NOTE: If you have any other Epson printers, you will need to reinstall the software for those printers.
8. Download the Epson software from the Epson site and install the software.
9. After installing click on the Apple Menu and select System Preference.
10. Click on Print & Fax.
11. Click on the "+" icon at the bottom of the list to add the printer.
12. Under the Default Browser section, you should see the Stylus Pro 3800 with the USB designation to the right of it. Highlight the printer.
13. At the bottom of the window you should see a section that says "Print Using". The information on this line should read SPro3800.
14. If the correct printer is being display click on Add.
15. Close out of the System Preferences and try a test print.

This should allow you to use the printer appropriately. If you are still having issues, you should contact Epson directly for further instruction.

Hope this helps,
Syd

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Answer 6

Network 23

Level 6

12,333 points

Sep 22, 2010 3:19 PM in response to DesignerLaura

DesignerLaura wrote:
This may not really help, but I also have an Epson Stylus Pro 3800 but mine is connected with a USB cord and I have not had problems printing to it from my MacBook Pro OS 10.6.4.

I try to avoid connecting printers via USB anymore because when the printer is on the network I can print from any machine at any time, which is so convenient.

I have a 3800 that I have used with 10.4, 10.5, and now 10.6. Yes, there were plenty of driver issues along the way, I rarely switch my Macs over to a new OS until several updates come out, but it's currently working just fine, over Ethernet, in 10.6.4 from both a Mac Pro and a MacBook Pro with the latest drivers I could get from Apple Software Update.

I guess I'm not being very helpful either since I'm only saying "mine works"...if I can think of something that would cause such errors, I'll post again.

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Answer 7

drbobh

Level 1

0 points

Dec 19, 2010 3:28 PM in response to Epson Mac Tech

Syd I've upgraded to 10.6.5. I deleted my Stylus Pro 3800 then followed your instructions. I have the new software but cannot reinstall the printer. It shows in the default list either usb or network (depending on how it is connected but SPro3800 doesn't appear in Print using. Auto select fails. Get the "contact printer manufacturer" prompt. Using "Other ..." I cannot find a file in the Epson folder which seems to be recognized as a driver. Big, big problem I need to make some prints for a show.
Bob Hesse
PS Your procedure worked perfectly with my Stylus Photo 2200.

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Answer 8

drbobh

Level 1

0 points

Dec 19, 2010 8:52 PM in response to drbobh

Got it back after a couple of uninstalls and reinstalls (deleted folders, downloaded new drivers, etc.)

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Answer 9

Jan 20, 2011 2:45 PM in response to Epson Mac Tech

In order to get the printer working properly, you will need to remove and reinstall the Epson software. In order to do this properly, we recommend doing the following:

In case it helps someone else, I too was having problems installing the current Epson 3800 driver and updater for my new computer with Snow Leopard. I followed Syd's directions exactly. But each time I tried either installer, it would quit right after I provided an authentication password.

But I just now logged into another user account. It is a bare bones account with no special software or customization, but it does have administrative control.

From that clean user account I was able to run the installer and updater without any problems. The driver is now installed and I can print from my usual user account. (Now I need to print some photos - not just text - to see if there are any other issues with profiles or what not - but at least the driver installed and the printer is now working again).

Good luck to other people reading this thread. ...pt

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Answer 10

Jan 25, 2011 7:34 AM in response to Epson Mac Tech

Actually, per your directions Syd, the SPro3800 doesn't automatically show up under "Print Using." You need to download BOTH the "driver" and the "common update." This site has more detailed directions with screenshots, and it worked perfectly for me the first time:
http://macperformanceguide.com/SnowLeopard-Printing.html

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Answer 11

Apr 2, 2011 5:54 AM in response to studnickidukes

Yes, I also have had this problem after just upgrading to Snow Leopard last week. The upgrade I have is X10.6.7. The link posted by studnikidukes works well, but don't forget you also have to run the Updater. It seems that the removal of the old EPSON folder from Printers in Library is the trick. Once I did this, and then reinstalled the new driver all was sweet.
Here's the link again for anyone who needs it:

http://macperformanceguide.com/SnowLeopard-Printing.html

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Answer 12

May 15, 2012 2:36 AM in response to Epson Mac Tech

I have been using an Epson 3800 with my I Mac for four years and up untill I upgraded to OSX Lion the only problem I had was colour issues associated with some ICC profiles. After upgrading to Lion and downloading the latest OSX update (10th May) I could not print.

One of the problms was that the print settings continuously defaulted to:

Page Setup: Sheet Feeder

Media Type: Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster

I would change the settings to what I wanted, I saved them selected Print. My printer promptly started changing from Matte ink (what I had set my print setting s for) to Photo Black.

After trying all i could to correct this. I finally gave up and rang the Epson Helpline. After 3 telephone calls over a day and a half during which I was talked through the procedure you described, the problems were still not resolved.

My contact on the Epson Helpline then tried to simulate the problem on his MAC. He discovered that he had the same problem the print settings would not save, albeit on a Epson 3880 driver. He then advised me that the problem was not with thw Epson Drivers it was a MAC/Apple problem.

I then rang the Apple Helpline (at £1.35 a minute) described the problem and was eventually put through to a supervisor. Who asked me to send her a set of screen shots describing the problem, This I have done, I have received an acknowledgement of receipt and have been advised that I should get a response within two working days.

I am waiting hopefully.

I have tried to print both via CS5 and Aperture the problem is the same in both instances.

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Answer 13

Jun 3, 2012 7:43 PM in response to Pat Cleeve

Hi, Pat. Almost the same problem here. I have Photoshop Elements 10 with OS 10.7.4. Can't access any of those delightful screens that control color management or paper characteristics and I can't prevent the printer from switching from matte to photo black after I request a print. If you receive any additional nformation, please pass it on. Thanks!!

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Answer 14

Jun 5, 2012 2:28 AM in response to Wyshyvanuk

Hi, I have made some progress. The supervisor from Apple rang me and directed me to download an upgrade to OSX (I'm away from home so cannot send link yet). After loading this I was able to save the correct print settings provided I only used standard paper sizes . These would print correctly using, sheet feeder, and the front and rear paper feeds. However, if I usd custom sizes (I print 12" X 36" Panoramic Landscape) the correct settings are only saved if the Sheet Feeder is selected. Which is no use if printing on fine art papers as I do.

So my problem is only partially resolved, I attempted to use Aperture instead of Photoshop and in Aperture using the rear sheet feed the settings appeared to be saved correctly. However, when I selected Print the data took an unusually long time to transmit to the printer (direct USB connection) and when printing started the printer carrage moved left, paused for 2 minutes moved right paused again. After 3 repitions of this I abandoned the attempt. NB. printer operated normally on standard papers both before and after this test. I sent off screen shots of illustrating the problems to my contact at Apple last week, received an acknowledgment but have received no further information. When I do I will post the results.

Pat

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Answer 15

Jun 15, 2012 3:05 AM in response to Pat Cleeve

Hi, an update of my post of June 5th

This is a the link to the OSX update 10.7.4 (Client Combo) http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1524

that gave a partial solution allowing print parameters to be saved for standard paper sizes.

However, one month after reporting this problem and the Apple representative assuring me that she was "Taking Ownweship" of the problem. She has advised me by telephone that:

'the engineers have no solution to the problem'

and

she has no indication of when there will be a resolution.

So I can not print to Custom paper sizes using matte black ink and fine art papers.

It would seem that whilst individuals within Apple attempt to help, there is no real will to resolve problems with defective software, even when they accept that it exists. I wish had stayed with Snow Leapord I had no problems then.

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