Linux Mint and Printer

[bucolic_frolic]

Got a used HP Laserjet 1320. Works good, but the Linux install is a bit imprecise. I'm using Parallel port for example, but it is recognized in HPLIP software as USB.

I'm not clear how to network it. Some sites say I need a wireless USB printer server, others say the USB port on the router can be setup for Windows networking even though the USB on the router is just a simple entry point. I assume the same networking is possible in Linux.

I downloaded the HP User Guide, and HP has not changed much. Generic guide for scores of printers without much information! Do I leave it on, for example. It like goes into sleep mode, with just one light on. I think it's supposed to stay that way, but I'll probably turn it off as I use it about twice a week.

Thanks for any quick links you can offer. I often use a Google site https://sites.google.com/site/easylinuxtipsproject/14 but this one didn't run according to the way they said it would.

And now I have to worry about Toner and reset chips! My old Panasonic had no such luxuries but it sure didn't work well. The drum and developer replacement cartridges were too old to function well even when new.

[TexasTowelie]

1. I don't know much about the details with Linux,

but I have an HP printer that is about six years old. It will go into sleep mode, then after two hours it will automatically turn off if not in use. You might wait for manually turning it off to see if that applies with your printer.

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Hey, thank you TexasTowelie!

Didn't expect such a quick reply, figured I'd get some response Sunday morning.

Mine is old, 2005, but is light years ahead of the Panasonic which I bought in 1994! The Linux software seems functional and adequate but without as many features. So far anyway

[d_r]

3. honestly I think

you are going to have to spend some time home working with a printer that is on a parallel port - but, if it is working then it is working, if it calls it a parallel or usb port doesn't really matter.

I can just came to tell you to look in to Samba. You want to use Samba to network the printer.

And turn it off when you aren't using it if you are only using it a couple of times a week.

[bucolic_frolic]

4. Glad I asked, Samba's a new one on me

and have not seen it mentioned on support sites I referenced. Did google it, looks to have a great pedigree for Linux/Ubuntu.

The HP 1320 has both parallel and USB ports fortunately, just don't see why using the parallel doesn't use LPT and calls itself USB. No matter, as you say, it's working!

THanks

[bucolic_frolic]

5. Well if this works it's the easiest solution yet

https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=242406

Re: Printer Sharing, home network, Samba

Post by red03golf » Sat Mar 25, 2017 10:37 pm
I can't speak for LM18, but I've found that, as opposed to 'sharing' a printer which is directly plugged into one specific computer on the network, with LM17.3 it seems to be set by default to very easily set up a network printer if you simply plug the printer into your router / gateway via ethernet or USB.

Then, all that is required is to select the 'network' printer option in the System Settings >> Printers >> + Add for each LM17.3 computer.

It's so easy, even "I" can do it.

[bucolic_frolic]

6. It doesn't work that way

I've spent 3 days - parts of afternoons and evenings really - trying to configure a network printer - that is, a printer connected to the router via usb. I finally found the ISP address of the printer, quite by accident and relentless trial. But Linux will recognize the printer in two different ways, depending whether I use SAMBA or just URI. Either way, it won't print.

I'm supposing this is a firewall restriction, but it doesn't make a lot of sense. I get repeated sending of a test page to the printer, even an hour after I turn everything off. And I get CUPS-waiting-for-job-completed errors.

Lots of HPLIP inadequacies.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

7. Just some thoughts

Disclaimer: Most of my experience is M$ but I've setup a cheap and dirty RADIUS server and done some Linux scripting for test purposes.


Do you have LJ 1320 with an Ethernet/RJ45 port? (I think this would be an LJ 1320n; "n" for network)

[bucolic_frolic]

8. hey thanks for taking time

no it's just a 1320, not a wireless printer, that's why I'm connecting it to the router.

It may have to wait for a Linux upgrade to Mint 20, or a newer Windows 10 laptop. That's kind of been on my radar for awhile, but you become to fluent in one OS as opposed to another, it's a lot of heavy lifting to take on a second one.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

9. I was asking about WIRED networking not wireless

What make and model is your router?

It looks like a modular telephone jack but wider:
See the picture on page 23: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00208215

The one labelled DSL is a standard telephone jack.
On the back of the printer, look for a port that is the same shape as the yellow one here.
If you have an Ethernet net port on your printer it should be easy to network:



Here's a useful How-to:
https://itstillworks.com/13647320/how-to-network-a-laserjet-1320-printer

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

10. The 1320nw is the wireless printer. n/t

[bucolic_frolic]

11. yeah this is just the plain 1320. No RJ45, no ethernet port

it has a parallel port and a usb port on the back that connects to the router's usb.

I think the next step is to use the HP software in a fresh download. First reinstall as a USB wired printer, then try the USB-router again.

Router is a DLink 2750b

[bucolic_frolic]

12. So the fallout is .....

Verizon router has a USB port, but the Firmware doesn't support network printer. Upgrading and tweaking Firmware doesn't seem a good match for my skills, so I found a USB to RJ45 adapter to match the USB printer cable to the WLAN on the router. They tell me this is a seamless, instant printing solution. I don't think it even needs to worry about URL, URI, address. Just install printer and go. It will be a few weeks before it gets here, but I'll survive.

Thanks to all supporting this printing saga.

The instructions on YOUtube, btw, to use the router USB port, were not listed as install, USB printer. They were a few videos using the terms "connect" and "network printer". Who knew.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

13. Just another thought

Once you have the printer cabled up to the router and talking via Ethernet, check the router instructions and reserve the printer an IP address. I have have reset my router for various reasons a few times. When it came back up, it still remembered how to talk to my printer but it assigned a different IP to the printer. Trying to print was unproductive until I figured out that the printer had a new IP.

I discovered this 3 printers and 5 routers ago. Ever since, I've made sure to add a reservation for the printer's IP.


Glad you found an answer.

[bucolic_frolic]

14. Thank you! /nt