Wireless Printing

[blackbelt]

I have a new MBP, and want to print wirelessly using a print server (linksys). Is this possible? I set it up, with apple-talk, and ip config., but it just prints blank sheets. (It works when it is plugged into the computer)

Thanks!

 

[lermal]

I had the same problem as you only I had a D-Link print server (DPR-1260), and could never get my MBP to print wirelessly to it. I was told it was a printer driver issue, that although my printer was compatible with my MBP - I could print via USB cable - it was NOT compatible to print wirelessly. I even spent a few hours on the phone with D-Link tech support and their "Apple specialist", and he could not get it to work. Finally, I emailed HP support and they informed me that it was a printer driver issue.

 

[blackbelt]

ok, looks like i have to put a call in to linksys support. I called apple, but they were not able to get anywhere with the issue.

Thanks for the input!

 

[EarthDawn]

ok, looks like i have to put a call in to linksys support. I called apple, but they were not able to get anywhere with the issue.

Thanks for the input!

I gave up as well and got a used AirPort Express ... works perfect for all the computers in the house and was EASY !

Just to not contuinue the agravation and touture of trying to get my linksys setup to work was worth its wieght in gold.

 

[rychencop]

i have the same problem. it'll print a test page(s) using the script driver, but nothing but blanks with any other driver. p*sses me off to no end!!!
what ever happen to the "it just works" term?

 

[rychencop]

i would buy an airport extreme if i was 100% sure it would solve the problem.

 

[killmoms]

i have the same problem. it'll print a test page(s) using the script driver, but nothing but blanks with any other driver. p*sses me off to no end!!!
what ever happen to the "it just works" term?

Well, if you plugged it into an Airport Express or Airport Extreme base station, I'm sure it would "just work." I know I've had no problems printing wirelessly using this method.

Apple can't be expected to deal with every third-party product scenario. Clearly the onus is on either Linksys or the printer manufacturers to make sure their drivers behave correctly.

 

[kkat69]

Apple can't be expected to deal with every third-party product scenario. Clearly the onus is on either Linksys or the printer manufacturers to make sure their drivers behave correctly.

I agree, and not to sound fanboish but this is true in any world.

If the print server just can't talk to Apple then the print server needs firmware/driver/software updates.

However, not knowing the specific model, one of the few Macs we have at work print wirelessly and we don't have an AE or AEBS there. So not sure how they are doing it or what brand print server they're using.

It could also be the printer drivers. They have to understand the wireless port issues. I think the AE/AEBS ports emulate local connectivity.

 

[WHM]

When I received my new MacBook Pro about a month ago, I decided to redo my wireless network. I use an Airport Extreme (802.11n) as the base station hooked directly to the cable modem. Then I purchased the Time Capsule and installed it on the ground floor to extend my network. That gives me full signal strength everywhere in my house without having to use an Airport Express and with my laptop I can print wireless from any where in the house. Had a really hard time getting the TC to extend the network, had to call Apple support several time but it works GREAT now.

 

[velocityg4]

Now I recently had a problem doing printer sharing were I was trying to print to a printer shared from a Windows computer. The drivers from HP only supported the printer through a USB connection and not IP printing like you are trying. Anyways I came across some open source drivers that worked well for me.

You will need to download and install the appropriate "hpijs" package for your computer, "Ghostscript" and "Foomatic".
http://www.linux-foundation.org/en/OpenPrinting/MacOSX/hpijs

Note the print settings menu will differ from the one for your printer especially print quality and every program I tried prints except Adobe apps for some reason.

If that does not work you can try Gutenprint. Version 5.0.2 supports more HP printers (but photo printing is poorly supported). Version 5.1 is supposed to be better but has little HP support. I would try "hpijs" first it worked well for me on an HP Officejet 6110.

Here is a page listing other open source printer drivers even an ImageWriter.