Print Server

Andy Liu · 11 Jan 2017, 10:38

Hi guys!
I got a laser printer without any network connection. Any idea how can I use the onion to introduce the printer into my network, so that I can "cloud" print.

Just to add on the printer is a HP LaserJet P2055dn. I was hoping to connect the printer to the onion via USB. But since I don't have a dock, I was hoping to link the USB data pins out. Seems pretty easy on the hardware side. But software I really have no idea.

fossette · 11 Jan 2017, 15:43

@Andy-Liu You are taking a HUGE task, but that's OK. You'll be rewarded when you'll see it works. I recommend that you follow a divide & conquer strategy. For example, install a linux distribution on your PC (any distribution will do, but the most popular ones have better documentation), and connect your printer to it. If you don't have enough free disk space on your pc, you can always boot linux using a USB key.

Once the printer works, take some notes about all the components involved, and the general principle of how the several config files are used. Afterward, make sure you've got the same components on your Omega. Very important, use the -v VERBOSE option of any command you use whenever permitted, and meticulously check the relevant linux log files.

And about wirerring the USB wires to the Omega without a dock, make sure you have enough electronic knowledge because you will certainly fry your Omega if not.

Good luck!

Andy Liu · 12 Jan 2017, 14:16

@fossette Thank you for the encouragement.

I have been looking into the openwrt OS abit and found the p910nd package. Seems like it could handle the task. Will be experimenting a bit when I am free.

As for the hardware side, after looking into the schematics of the expansion dock. It will seem like a direct connection to the USB data pins will be a feasible idea. I will have to provide a regulated 5V tho. Or could anyone tell me if the 5V is need?

Zheng Han · 18 Jan 2017, 03:39

Setting up p910dn on Omega2 is pretty straightforward. The trick is to properly configure your computer printer settings.

First make sure your Omega2 is at the latest firmware. (usb printer driver is included)
Once the printer is plugged in to Omega's USB host port you should be able to see it under /dev/usb/lp0

Next install p910nd daemon

opkg update
opkg install p910nd

Once installed, edit the configuration file /etc/config/p910nd

config p910nd
        option device        /dev/usb/lp0
        option port          0
        option bidirectional 1
        option enabled       1

Restart p910nd

/etc/init.d/p910nd restart

now you are done with the setup on Omega2 side

To add the printer to your computer use the following steps:
(credit: the following is taken from OpenWRT forum)

OS X

select system preferences
Print & Fax
Click on + button
Click on IP Printer
set Protocol: HP Jet Direct - Socket, Address: : and then select brand and printer.
Type a name if you don't want the IP address for a name.
close the Printer Browser.

Windows

Click on the Start button and select Devices and Printers.
Click on "Add a printer."
In the Add Printer dialog select "Add a local printer."
Select "Create a new port:" and set the type of port to "Standard TCP/IP Port". Then click Next.
In the "Hostname or IP address:" field enter the IP address of your router.
The "Port name:" field may be set to something you like.
De-select "Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use," then click next.
The computer will then attempt to detect the TCP/IP port. This will take some time and will most likely fail. Failing this step is not a problem.
On the "Additional port information required" page set the device type to Custom and click "Settings…"
Verify the Printer Name or IP Address. The Protocol should be set to "Raw" and the Raw Settings Port Number should be 9100. Leave LPR Settings and SNMP Status Enabled empty or de-selected. Then click OK.
Select the correct printer driver and click next. You may need to install drivers if they are not already available.
Finish the remaining printer installation wizard steps as needed. The printer should now be installed and working!

Andy Liu · 18 Jan 2017, 16:58

@Zheng-Han the p910nd daemon cannot be found in the onion repo. Will it be fine if I take the ipk package file from another wrt branch?

Zheng Han · 19 Jan 2017, 03:07

you can enable defualt LEDE repos by editing /etc/opkg/distfeeds.conf

here is a sample of my configuration

src/gz reboot_core http://downloads.lede-project.org/snapshots/targets/ramips/mt7688/packages
src/gz reboot_base http://downloads.lede-project.org/snapshots/packages/mipsel_24kc/base
src/gz reboot_packages http://downloads.lede-project.org/snapshots/packages/mipsel_24kc/packages
src/gz omega2_core http://repo.onion.io/omega2/packages/core
src/gz omega2_base http://repo.onion.io/omega2/packages/base
src/gz omega2_packages http://repo.onion.io/omega2/packages/packages
src/gz omega2_onion http://repo.onion.io/omega2/packages/onion

Andy Liu · 19 Jan 2017, 13:44

@Zheng-Han Thanks I managed to get it to work! Awesome. Below will detail the steps I took.

Change root Password:
passwd
Enable Default LEDE repo:
vi /etc/opkg/distfeeds.conf
src/gz reboot_core http://downloads.lede-project.org/snapshots/targets/ramips/mt7688/packages
src/gz reboot_base http://downloads.lede-project.org/snapshots/packages/mipsel_24kc/base
src/gz reboot_packages http://downloads.lede-project.org/snapshots/packages/mipsel_24kc/packages
Update USB-Essentials
opkg update
opkg install kmod-usb2 --force-depends
Enable TCP Port 9100
vi /etc/config/firewall
#Allow attached network printer
config rule
option src 'apcli0'
option proto 'tcp'
option dest_port '9100'
option target 'ACCEPT'
Update USB Printer Driver
opkg [code]upgrade kmod-usb-printer --force-depends
Plug In Printer and Check if is Connected
Look for /dev/usb/lp0
Install p910nd daemon
opkg install p910nd
Configure daemon
vi /etc/config/p910nd
config p910nd
option device /dev/usb/lp0
option port 0
option bidirectional 1
option enabled 1
Restart daemon
/etc/init.d/p910nd restart

Luciano S. · 20 Jan 2017, 19:15

Would be nice if this Tutorial finds the way in to the manual or wiki.
@Andy-Liu if you have github you could propose as pull request.

Costas Costas · 20 Jan 2017, 19:27

@Andy-Liu was it an O, O2 or 2+?

Luciano S. · 20 Jan 2017, 19:30

This post is deleted!

James Harding · 21 Jan 2017, 15:58

Can you print from an iPhone or Android using this setup?

Andy Liu · 24 Jan 2017, 13:18

@Luciano-S I don't have a github or anything. Maybe you can help set it up?
@Costas-Costas I was using a O2 but i dont see why it will not work for the rest of the series.
@James-Harding I didn't really meant it for printing from a phone. But it is a good idea. Will look into it when I have more time. Work for me this month is really pilling up.

Luciano S. · 24 Jan 2017, 21:58

@Andy-Liu said in Print Server:

@Luciano-S I don't have a github or anything. Maybe you can help set it up?

Sign up by Github:
https://help.github.com/articles/signing-up-for-a-new-github-account/

if you are completely new to git .. read the presentation mentioned in the link below:
http://product.hubspot.com/blog/git-and-github-tutorial-for-beginners

How to create the first Repository:
https://help.github.com/articles/create-a-repo/

And how to format with Markdown:
https://community.onion.io/topic/707/markdown-how-to-start-with-it

If you went thru everything you are ready to contribute on github

Andy Liu · 25 Jan 2017, 00:47

@Luciano-S. okayz! will look into it when I am free. Thanks!

Nils Flaschel · 3 Feb 2017, 10:21

Hey there,

thanks for the good explanation on how to run p910nd on an Omega!
I have the Omega2+, and I am trying to get my printer (Samsung ml-2850d) running with p910nd. I have a USB cable soldered directly to the Omega2 as power supply with a 3.3V voltage regulator inbetween. Then I connect the printer via USB directly to the D- and D+ pins of the Omega2 board (pin out).
The problem is, that I do not see my printer under /dev/usb/. I am not sure whether the printer needs the gnd and v+ connection from the board to be recognized or if it's not supported?

Cheers
Nils

Andy Liu · 15 Feb 2017, 13:15

@Nils-Flaschel I am not sure as I have not done with physical wiring to the board. I am using a dock currently. Will be looking to remove the dock when I have time to figure everything out. You could try providing a 5V to V+ and ground to V-.

Reinhold Lehnhardt · 4 Apr 2017, 17:03

Hi!

When I try to

 opkg install p910nd

it says :

Unknown package 'p910nd'.


Collected errors:

 * opkg_install_cmd: Cannot install package p910nd.

Why is this like that. I would like to build a print server with my Omega 2. My Router runs DD-WRT

Luciano S. · 7 Apr 2017, 01:06

@Reinhold-Lehnhardt , check this out:
https://community.onion.io/topic/1356/some-reminders-hints-about-using-opkg

Thomas Schmeil · 27 May 2017, 11:48

Hello,

i tried to get the printer server online but I always get the error: usblp module was not found while installing the kmod-usb2.
Has the kernel been changed? I thought it should have the usb printer support activated...

(I'm using a Omega2 for this project)

Matthias Nowak · 28 May 2017, 10:56

Any way we can get it to work with other printers too? or maybe compile cups for the omega?