iMac Core Duo to PSC 2210 through Linksys Print-Server

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iMac Core Duo to PSC 2210 through Linksys Print-Server

Hello,

I'm trying to set up my iMac Intel Core Duo to print to my HP PSC 2210 all-in-one through a linksys print-server (WPS54GU2).

When I try to add the printer, my iMac finds the PSC 2210 through appletalk and even 'speaks' with it (the printer chirps and cycles), but the psc 22xx driver doesn't show up in the "Print Using:" list.

I've found several mentions that OS 10.4.4 includes print-only drivers for this printer, and they are in the printer drivers library.

I've tried trashing and re-installing the drivers and then resetting the printing system using both the OS 10.4.4 install disc and then HP's latest installer download (2200 772EN.dmg) with no luck.

Is there maybe an alternate driver I could select?

I was able to get my Laserjet 1200 to print through the same server with no problem. I'm also able to print to both the Laserjet 1200 and the PSC 2210 through a PC on the same network.

Thanks,
Manny

iMac Intel Core Duo Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Posted on Mar 27, 2006 4:08 PM

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Answer 1

Alicat.7

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Mar 28, 2006 10:36 AM in response to macManny

I have got 2 HP printers running through the WPS54GU2, one on the USB port and one running on the parallel port.

If you go to the print server setup menu (10.0.0.78 in browser) then go to the protocol tab and set Printer Object Type to 'LaserWriter' and communication protocol to ASCII (may be binary for your printer). I found these settings worked for my printers

Then you need to go to add printers and click the + sign to add a printer. If you search for printers using the more printers button, select Appletalk and Local Apple Talk Zone, it will then list Linksys Print or Linksys Print 2, select the appropraite one and then use the drop down box 'print with' and pick your printer.

Hey presto you should be up and running. (assuming the settings are the same for your printers - never fathomed out why LaserWriter worked)

Alicat

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Answer 2

macManny Author

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Mar 28, 2006 2:09 PM in response to Alicat.7

Alicat,

Thanks. I think you're onto something with the "Printer Object Type".

My iMac does find both of the Linksys' ports through AppleTalk. It only finds Port 2 (USB) when I have the Printer Object Type set to "LaserWriter" and it's Protocol set to "Binary". In fact, if I then add a printer and set "Print Using" to "Generic Postscript Printer" I can print to the inkjet. It prints garbage, but at least I know we're communicating.

The remaining problem is that the printer's drivers, which I've re-installed several times, still don't show up in the "Print Using" list.

I keep thinking that, logically, the "Printer Object Type" setting for Port 2 should be something other than "LaserWriter" since I'm trying to print to an inkjet. I've tried a bunch of guesses, but nothing's worked so far.

I've been trying to find out from anybody at Linksys and HP what it should be, but they don't seem too care much for Apple. It's a little confusing that Linksys includes AppleTalk in their product, but won't support it? I guess I should just be happy that the engineers snuck it in there.

Any thoughts? Anyone?

Thanks.

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Answer 3

Alicat.7

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85 points

Mar 29, 2006 1:29 PM in response to macManny

I had the same issues about LaserWriter, as I to have two inkjets on the ports.

Have you tried the ASCII setting? I got garbage out of mine until I swapped the setting.

I was a bit miffed about the respond form Linksys about Apple

Alicat

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Answer 4

macManny Author

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Mar 29, 2006 10:33 PM in response to Alicat.7

Alicat,

I did end up using the "LaserWriter/ASCII" setting in the end. I'll post my results right after this.

Thanks for all your help.

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Answer 5

macManny Author

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Mar 29, 2006 10:35 PM in response to macManny

Finally got my inkjet working through the linksys print server. I hope any of the following info helps anyone with a similar setup...

It came down to just using one of the "Gimp-Print" drivers that come bundled with OS 10.4. There isn't a Gimp driver specifically for the HP PSC 2210 yet, but I came across this article that reported that an alternate driver seems to work-- the "HP DeskJet 900 series". This page lists possible alternate drivers for a whole mess of printers (scroll down).
http://gimp-print.sourceforge.net/pSupportedPrinters.php3

These drivers are listed right along with all other "Print Using" models in the "Add Printer" dialog, so you don't have to do anything special.

It worked.

The default setting only prints at 300dpi. Not ideal for graphics/photos. As you'd expect, in the print dialog under "Printer Features" you can up the resolution to 600dpi. The prints do look a lot better, but I wish I had more res.

Unfortunately, I've already found a quirk. I have to leave the default settings for "Media Type" set to "plain paper". If I try another setting, my images start to print mashed, garbled, and incomplete. Actually, some looked kind of artistic, but that's not what I'm looking for. On the other hand, I read that the hp 2210 actually makes paper decisions on-board and even up-converts the bitmap images that it receives, so it may not be an issue.
http://www.linuxprinting.org/showprinter.cgi?recnum=HP-PSC2210

Just for kicks, I tried adding the printer using several different (higher-numbered/later-model) Gimp-flavored HP "DeskJet" and "PhotoSmart" drivers, and they seemed to work as well. For now, though, I guess I'll stick with the Deskjet 900.

As a final note, HPIJS-Foomatic looks promising for us HP owners, but not yet available for Intel Macs.
http://www.linuxprinting.org/macosx/hpijs/

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Answer 6

Alicat.7

Level 1

85 points

Mar 30, 2006 11:07 AM in response to macManny

macmanny

I also had issues with the dpi settings and in fact some of the other printer settings. I found that they were available in some instances and not others.

If I print a selection of images direct form Iphoto I get no option, however If I open the photo and try and print additional menus are available via a drop down box.

Alicat

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