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pigeonmailch · Jan 23, 2003, 12:28 PM

Hi - has anyone else encountered this problem? I'm stuck:: I have an HP LaserJet 2100M connected via LocalTalk to a PowerMac running a pre-x os. This Mac is linked to a G4 running os 10.2.3. When they were linked directly by crossover ethernet I could print from the G4 after having installed Apple's LocalTalk Bridge control panel on the old Mac.

However, since I switched to a network proper, having the Macs network via an ethernet hub (network includes other computers, including Windows) the printer has stopped working from the os x computer. OSX can't even see it. Even via the old mac (ie where the printer is directly linked via LocalTalk) printing is dodgy and erratic to say the least.

Any ideas? I'm considering a print server like HP's DeskJet to link the printer's parallel port directly into the network - but is there a software solution?

Thanks in advance

pg

aaanorton · Jan 23, 2003, 05:00 PM

I'm a little confused... Is the printer still connected directly to the older Mac via localtalk?
Does your ethernet hub/router/switch have a parellel port? If so, plug it in there and set it up for IP printing. In this case, the IP address would be that of the router.
If this is not available, then yeah, get a cheap print server. Then set up IP printing. I got an old parallel to ethernet JetDirect off ebay for like $40 a year ago. They'd only be less now.
You may be able to find better intructions for IP printing if you do a search on the web, or even this very forum. In OS 9, you'll probably be able to set it up through HP printer utility. In fact, that might be a good place to start, as it may give you your IP address. Using lp (lower case LP) as the queue name will probably work for your HP.

pigeonmailch · Jan 25, 2003, 04:56 AM

Thanks for the advice. My hub doesn't have a parallel port, and I was going for the print server - but at the last mo I tried out DAVE tryout which seems to have solved all problems. Of course it's a commercial software, similar in price to the print server, but I get some added file-sharing advantages too. Cool product.
pg

veryniceguy2002 · Jan 27, 2003, 09:24 PM

Originally posted by pigeonmailch:
Hi - has anyone else encountered this problem? I'm stuck:: I have an HP LaserJet 2100M connected via LocalTalk to a PowerMac running a pre-x os. This Mac is linked to a G4 running os 10.2.3. When they were linked directly by crossover ethernet I could print from the G4 after having installed Apple's LocalTalk Bridge control panel on the old Mac.

However, since I switched to a network proper, having the Macs network via an ethernet hub (network includes other computers, including Windows) the printer has stopped working from the os x computer. OSX can't even see it. Even via the old mac (ie where the printer is directly linked via LocalTalk) printing is dodgy and erratic to say the least.

Any ideas? I'm considering a print server like HP's DeskJet to link the printer's parallel port directly into the network - but is there a software solution?

Thanks in advance

pg

I had an old LocalTalk based HP Deskjet printer, and I had no problem for the network to see the printer when I get a LocalTalk to Ethernet bridge (I used Farallon EtherMac iPrint LT). It will work with any LocalTalk printers or old Mac (up to eight devices altogether), and the added benefit is you don't need to turn on the Mac you have been using as the LocalTalk bridge! The only thing you'll need to have a OS X driver (might need gimp-print). I think it cost around US$120 in US, which might be a cheaper solution than getting an HP print server.

ghporter · Jan 28, 2003, 05:52 AM

Don't rule out inexpensive router/switches with parallel ports. I just bought a SpeedStream SS2604 gateway router with parallel port for $28.76 (from Office Depot with a $20 mail in rebate!!!) as much for the print server as anything else (after tax I get a print server for about $11!). Keep an eye on this kind of bargain...

veryniceguy2002 · Jan 28, 2003, 05:09 PM

Originally posted by GHPorter:
Don't rule out inexpensive router/switches with parallel ports. I just bought a SpeedStream SS2604 gateway router with parallel port for $28.76 (from Office Depot with a $20 mail in rebate!!!) as much for the print server as anything else (after tax I get a print server for about $11!). Keep an eye on this kind of bargain...

Good idea. The only catch with this setup would be you would not be able to use HP printers to print at all (because AplleTalk cannot pass through the parallel port). You will need something gimp-print drivers instead.

aaanorton · Jan 28, 2003, 07:50 PM

Originally posted by veryniceguy2002:
Good idea. The only catch with this setup would be you would not be able to use HP printers to print at all (because AplleTalk cannot pass through the parallel port). You will need something gimp-print drivers instead.

No, you would just need to set up IP printing to the printer. No additional drivers req. Not nearly as elegant as AT, but perfectly workable. I just helped a friend do this with a HP 2100.

ghporter · Jan 29, 2003, 12:09 PM

Originally posted by aaanorton:
No, you would just need to set up IP printing to the printer. No additional drivers req. Not nearly as elegant as AT, but perfectly workable. I just helped a friend do this with a HP 2100.

Thanks for confirming what I should have included. I think IP printing originated with Unix, so it is part of the DNA of OS X... It's not only easy to do with your Mac, it works great with most other OSs; Linux, Windows 2000 and XP all do this natively. You have to add some software to make Win9X and ME handle IP printing, but it's not hard.

pigeonmailch · Feb 5, 2003, 01:41 AM

I have finally found a (admittedly cumbersome) way around - I've connected the printer to one of the windows machines networked to the Mac, and suddenly things are working fine! ... as long as it works...

Thanks for the advice, everyone
pg