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B/W printer for mobile devices

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  B/W printer for mobile devices richard lucassen <mailinglists@lucassen.org> - 2018-08-23 19:22 +0200
    Re: B/W printer for mobile devices joe <none@domain.invalid> - 2018-08-23 12:42 -0500
      Re: B/W printer for mobile devices richard lucassen <mailinglists@lucassen.org> - 2018-08-23 21:42 +0200
        Re: B/W printer for mobile devices Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> - 2018-08-23 20:36 +0000
          Re: B/W printer for mobile devices Arlen Holder <arlenholder@nospam.net> - 2018-08-23 20:59 +0000
        Re: B/W printer for mobile devices Arlen Holder <arlenholder@nospam.net> - 2018-08-23 20:49 +0000
    Re: B/W printer for mobile devices nospam <nospam@nospam.invalid> - 2018-08-23 14:08 -0400
    Re: B/W printer for mobile devices mike <ham789@netzero.net> - 2018-08-23 23:59 -0700
      Re: B/W printer for mobile devices richard lucassen <mailinglists@lucassen.org> - 2018-08-24 09:53 +0200
    Re: B/W printer for mobile devices Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> - 2018-08-24 09:53 +0100
      Re: B/W printer for mobile devices Arlen Holder <arlenholder@nospam.net> - 2018-08-24 12:40 +0000
    Re: B/W printer for mobile devices sms <scharf.steven@geemail.com> - 2018-08-24 05:32 -0700
      Re: B/W printer for mobile devices nospam <nospam@nospam.invalid> - 2018-08-24 09:00 -0400
        Re: B/W printer for mobile devices Arlen Holder <arlenholder@nospam.net> - 2018-08-24 23:06 +0000
    Re: B/W printer for mobile devices richard lucassen <mailinglists@lucassen.org> - 2018-08-24 20:10 +0200
    CUPS on Android? (was Re: B/W printer for mobile devices) Eli the Bearded <*@eli.users.panix.com> - 2018-08-24 22:39 +0000
      Re: CUPS on Android? (was Re: B/W printer for mobile devices) I R A Darth Aggie <n0b0dy@invalid.invalid> - 2018-08-26 18:59 +0000
        Re: CUPS on Android? (was Re: B/W printer for mobile devices) Eli the Bearded <*@eli.users.panix.com> - 2018-08-27 00:43 +0000

#55028 — B/W printer for mobile devices

Hello list,

Imagine there's no wifi, no other access to the internet, just a bunch
of mobile telephones and tablets. There is 230V.

I'm looking for a black and white printer that can communicate via
bluetooth in order that people can be able to print (A4, letter) from
those mobile devices I mentioned. Does such a solution exist?

Yes I know I can create a Linux print server with hostapd and things
like that, but I want something simple for those people. I'm not always
there to solve all sorts of problems (I know, a printer generates
problems)

Does anyone know such a device? (searching with these terms is almost
impossible)

R.

-- 
richard lucassen
http://contact.xaq.nl/

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#55030

On 8/23/2018 12:22 PM, richard lucassen wrote:
> Hello list,
> 
> Imagine there's no wifi, no other access to the internet, just a bunch
> of mobile telephones and tablets. There is 230V.
> 
> I'm looking for a black and white printer that can communicate via
> bluetooth in order that people can be able to print (A4, letter) from
> those mobile devices I mentioned. Does such a solution exist?
> 
> Yes I know I can create a Linux print server with hostapd and things
> like that, but I want something simple for those people. I'm not always
> there to solve all sorts of problems (I know, a printer generates
> problems)
> 
> Does anyone know such a device? (searching with these terms is almost
> impossible)
> 
> R.
> 

Why not use WiFi? You can get printers that have WiFi that you can print 
directly to. No internet, not router needed.

A printer claiming "Connect your smartphone or tablet directly to your 
printer—and easily print without accessing a network." may meet your 
requirements.

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#55035

On Thu, 23 Aug 2018 12:42:51 -0500
joe <none@domain.invalid> wrote:

> > Does anyone know such a device? (searching with these terms is
> > almost impossible)
> 
> Why not use WiFi? You can get printers that have WiFi that you can
> print directly to. No internet, not router needed.

I have never seen these printers having a wifi access point built in,
but apparently they do exist.
 
> A printer claiming "Connect your smartphone or tablet directly to
> your printer—and easily print without accessing a network." may meet
> your requirements.

Yep, but I don't want to order one and find out that it doesn't work. I
think I'll have to go to a shop like in the good old days to test if the
beast does what I want...

-- 
richard lucassen
http://contact.xaq.nl/

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#55040

richard lucassen <mailinglists@lucassen.org> wrote:
> On Thu, 23 Aug 2018 12:42:51 -0500
> joe <none@domain.invalid> wrote:
> 
> > > Does anyone know such a device? (searching with these terms is
> > > almost impossible)
> > 
> > Why not use WiFi? You can get printers that have WiFi that you can
> > print directly to. No internet, not router needed.
> 
> I have never seen these printers having a wifi access point built in,
> but apparently they do exist.
>  
> > A printer claiming "Connect your smartphone or tablet directly to
> > your printer?and easily print without accessing a network." may meet
> > your requirements.
> 
> Yep, but I don't want to order one and find out that it doesn't work. I
> think I'll have to go to a shop like in the good old days to test if the
> beast does what I want...

  You can do that - go to a shop - or use a webshop or both.

  I had a quick look on the Coolblue website. 132 of their printers have
Wi-Fi, only 12 have not.

  I looked at just one - the cheapest one - an HP DeskJet (EUR 39.99).

<https://www.coolblue.nl/product/796665/hp-deskjet-2632.html>

  The webpage of that printer contains a link to the manual, which
describes how to use the printer via Wi-Fi Direct from - for example - a
mobile device. The relevant section also points to HP's website which
describes this in even more detail.

  Other HP printers have similar capabilities/documentation and I assume
that the other brands have as well.

  Coolblue also has several normal/physical shops, so if you're near
one, you could go there as well.

  N.B. I have no association with Coolblue, other than being a satisfied
customer.

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#55042

On 23 Aug 2018 13:36:37 GMT, Frank Slootweg wrote:

>   Other HP printers have similar capabilities/documentation and I assume
> that the other brands have as well

Since all my printers are HP printers, I googled for what they have by way
of printer drivers for Android, where they seem to have them.
How to Print From an Android Phone to an HP Wireless Printer
<https://itstillworks.com/print-android-phone-hp-wireless-printer-36053.html>

Apparently, at least according to that article, the printer needs to be
"eprint" ready, whatever that means, if you want remote printing - but if
you want local printing - it says you just need to be on the same network.

Dunno how well it works though ... where others will have to let us know.
Still, this doesn't answer the OP's question if the OP wants bluetooth.

If bluetooth is the goal, then HP has a guide for bluetooth printing here:
https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02652212

For the OP, if bluetooth is his shtick, here are bluetooth HP printers:
<https://store.hp.com/us/en/vwa/bluetooth-printers/connct=Bluetooth>

Don't let the $100 low prices fool you though.
The "blueink" (not the bluetooth) is where they get you on cost! :)

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#55041

On 23 Aug 2018 12:42:06 GMT, richard lucassen wrote:

> I have never seen these printers having a wifi access point built in,
> but apparently they do exist.

I don't have a WiFi printer (mine are networked via Ethernet) but I've
given as gifts WiFi printers for years so they do exist.

Searching for "best wifi printers of 2018" comes up with plenty anyway.
<https://duckduckgo.com/?&q=best+wifi+printer+of+2018&ia=products>

I'm not sure how it works from a mobile device though, as Windows & Linux
generally do the "printer driver" stuff on the platform.

How would Android do the printer driver stuff, to, oh, say, a basic HP B&W
WiFi printer?

Ah, never mind. There are articles galore on that topic apparently...
 Mobile Print - PrinterShare, by Mobile Dynamix
 <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dynamixsoftware.printershare>

How to print from your Android phone or tablet
<https://www.androidauthority.com/how-to-print-from-phone-tablet-236088/>

How to Print from Android Tablet to Wireless Printer
<http://techdomino.com/how-to-print-from-android-tablet-to-wireless-printer/>

Everything You Need to Know About Printing From Your Android Phone or Tablet
 <https://www.howtogeek.com/165778/everything-you-need-to-know-about-printing-from-your-android-phone-or-tablet/>

So that everyone benefits from all actions, those who read this who
actually print from Android to the WiFi printer ... please let us all know
how well it works. Thanks.

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#55032

In article <20180823192227.285798d1c0d55a1caca2e437@lucassen.org>,
richard lucassen <mailinglists@lucassen.org> wrote:

> 
> Imagine there's no wifi, no other access to the internet, just a bunch
> of mobile telephones and tablets. There is 230V.
>
> I'm looking for a black and white printer that can communicate via
> bluetooth in order that people can be able to print (A4, letter) from
> those mobile devices I mentioned. Does such a solution exist?

bluetooth is far too slow for printing.

since mobile phones and tablets have wifi, simply print via wifi.

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#55052

On 8/23/2018 10:22 AM, richard lucassen wrote:
> Hello list,

As always, what are you trying to accomplish?
Community location where people come back again?
Drive thru one and done?
Other?
Your biggest problem will be drivers.
If there's no access to the internet, where will people
get drivers?
Printer apps for android?

Bluetooth is unlikely your best interface for this.
Wifi direct to printer works, IFF you have the application
to drive it.

Inkjet? Laser? Who's gonna manage it?  Pay for it?
The cost of a full density graphic page ain't cheap.

This project seems to have a lot of moving parts that need to be
tied down.
>
> Imagine there's no wifi, no other access to the internet, just a bunch
> of mobile telephones and tablets. There is 230V.
>
> I'm looking for a black and white printer that can communicate via
> bluetooth in order that people can be able to print (A4, letter) from
> those mobile devices I mentioned. Does such a solution exist?
>
> Yes I know I can create a Linux print server with hostapd and things
> like that, but I want something simple for those people. I'm not always
> there to solve all sorts of problems (I know, a printer generates
> problems)
>
> Does anyone know such a device? (searching with these terms is almost
> impossible)
>
> R.
>

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#55053

On Thu, 23 Aug 2018 23:59:52 -0700
mike <ham789@netzero.net> wrote:

> As always, what are you trying to accomplish?
> Community location where people come back again?
> Drive thru one and done?

yep

> Your biggest problem will be drivers.
> If there's no access to the internet, where will people
> get drivers?
> Printer apps for android?
> 
> Bluetooth is unlikely your best interface for this.
> Wifi direct to printer works, IFF you have the application
> to drive it.
> 
> Inkjet? Laser? Who's gonna manage it?  Pay for it?
> The cost of a full density graphic page ain't cheap.
> 
> This project seems to have a lot of moving parts that need to be
> tied down.

Ok, I'll tell the one who asked me to find this out to forget about
the project.

If there was an internet connection it would have been a different
story.

Thnx everyone for replies.

R.

-- 
richard lucassen
http://contact.xaq.nl/

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#55054

On 23/08/2018 18:22, richard lucassen wrote:
> Hello list,
> 
> Imagine there's no wifi, no other access to the internet, just a bunch
> of mobile telephones and tablets. There is 230V.
> 
> I'm looking for a black and white printer that can communicate via
> bluetooth in order that people can be able to print (A4, letter) from
> those mobile devices I mentioned. Does such a solution exist?
> 
> Yes I know I can create a Linux print server with hostapd and things
> like that, but I want something simple for those people. I'm not always
> there to solve all sorts of problems (I know, a printer generates
> problems)
> 
> Does anyone know such a device? (searching with these terms is almost
> impossible)

Looks like (recent) HP printers have Wifi-direct which is what you're 
after e.g.
https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-deskjet-2600-all-in-one-printer-series/12319824/model/16779298/document/c04577030

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#55066

On 24 Aug 2018 01:53:06 GMT, Chris wrote:

> Looks like (recent) HP printers have Wifi-direct which is what you're 
> after e.g.
> https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-deskjet-2600-all-in-one-printer-series/12319824/model/16779298/document/c04577030

This is a good suggestion if the OP needs an "ad hoc" WiFi connection,
which, it sounds like he is asking for.

To the OP:
- Fundamentally, an "ad hoc" connection is a connection set up between any
two devices without a "network" in between.

NOTE to the picky ... Yes, "ad hoc" is a network also ... but I'm
describing a network set up ad hoc between the two devices sans a "router"
or "gateway" in between.

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#55064

On 8/23/2018 10:22 AM, richard lucassen wrote:
> Hello list,
> 
> Imagine there's no wifi, no other access to the internet, just a bunch
> of mobile telephones and tablets. There is 230V.
> 
> I'm looking for a black and white printer that can communicate via
> bluetooth in order that people can be able to print (A4, letter) from
> those mobile devices I mentioned. Does such a solution exist?
> 
> Yes I know I can create a Linux print server with hostapd and things
> like that, but I want something simple for those people. I'm not always
> there to solve all sorts of problems (I know, a printer generates
> problems)
> 
> Does anyone know such a device? (searching with these terms is almost
> impossible)

No, not with Bluetooth, but definitely with Wi-Fi direct (no Internet 
access needed).

Just find a printer with Apple Airprint support, i.e. 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0763WDSYZ . With the iPhone you need a 
printer that supports AirPrint because you would not be able to install 
a printer-specific app without having internet access.

It's easier with Android devices, as long as the printer supports some 
kind of Wi-Fi direct printing. if you need an app you can side-load the 
APK from a USB memory stick <https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1TW10J> even 
with no internet access.

I recall being in Taiwan at my company's office there and printing, via 
IrDA infrared, to an HP laser printer from my Palm Pilot. I guess I'm 
dating myself.

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#55067

In article <plotso$6va$1@dont-email.me>, sms
<scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:

> > Does anyone know such a device? (searching with these terms is almost
> > impossible)
> 
> No, not with Bluetooth, but definitely with Wi-Fi direct (no Internet 
> access needed).
> 
> Just find a printer with Apple Airprint support, i.e. 
> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0763WDSYZ . With the iPhone you need a 
> printer that supports AirPrint because you would not be able to install 
> a printer-specific app without having internet access.

airprint does not use wifi direct. it connects via the local network,
including printers connected via ethernet as well as wifi.

> It's easier with Android devices, as long as the printer supports some 
> kind of Wi-Fi direct printing. if you need an app you can side-load the 
> APK from a USB memory stick <https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1TW10J> even 
> with no internet access.

no it's not easier with android devices. it's basically the same.

android uses google cloud print, the equivalent of apple's airprint. 

both ios and android have apps that can talk directly to a printer
rather than use airprint or cloud print.

there are also software and hardware solutions to add airprint and/or
cloud print capabilities to older printers that do not support it.

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#55106

On 24 Aug 2018 06:00:18 GMT, nospam wrote:

> android uses google cloud print, the equivalent of apple's airprint.

Title: Google 'Cloud Print' Links iOS or Android to Any Printer
URL: <https://www.wired.com/2011/01/print-from-ios-and-android-to-any-printer-with-google-cloud-print/>

It's from 2010, so things may have changed, but it says, verbatim:
 "you can print directly from your Android or iOS device to any printer 
  you might have lying around"

It comes with unexpected caveats, as do most Google & Apple products... 
  "Unlike Apple's AirPrint, which works over the local Wi-Fi network 
   which currently requires an AirPrint-compatible printer 
  (or an easy workaround), Cloud Print sends your print jobs via
   the internet." (Yuck)

In addition: 
  "You need to install the Chrome browser onto any computer with a 
   printer, and then enable Cloud Print in the settings. This is 
   tied to your Google account, and there's even a page for 
   managing your printers and print jobs."

The point seems to be you _can_ print the _same_ way to _any_ networked
printer whether you're on iOS or Android - but it comes with those messy
caveats.

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#55074

On Thu, 23 Aug 2018 19:22:27 +0200
richard lucassen <mailinglists@lucassen.org> wrote:

> Imagine there's no wifi, no other access to the internet, just a bunch
> of mobile telephones and tablets. There is 230V.
> 
> I'm looking for a black and white printer that can communicate via
> bluetooth in order that people can be able to print (A4, letter) from
> those mobile devices I mentioned. Does such a solution exist?
> 
> Yes I know I can create a Linux print server with hostapd and things
> like that, but I want something simple for those people. I'm not
> always there to solve all sorts of problems (I know, a printer
> generates problems)
> 
> Does anyone know such a device? (searching with these terms is almost
> impossible)

We bought a simple laserprinter and decided to use a computer to print
files.

Thnx everyone!

R.

-- 
richard lucassen
http://contact.xaq.nl/

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#55095 — CUPS on Android? (was Re: B/W printer for mobile devices)

In comp.mobile.android, richard lucassen  <mailinglists@lucassen.org> wrote:
> I'm looking for a black and white printer that can communicate via
> bluetooth in order that people can be able to print (A4, letter) from
> those mobile devices I mentioned. Does such a solution exist?

I'm not looking for that, but the question prompts me to ask, has anyone
here had success using CUPS under Android? I've seen a few such packages
available and installed them, but was never able to "add a printer" much
less print.

I've currently got a Android 6.x device. I suspect the Android version
was the stumbling block.

For my purposes, a printing solution that works from a Termux shell
(and printing to an IP address or local hostname) would be an acceptable
partial answer.

Elijah
------
has not tried compiling CUPS for termux

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#55159 — Re: CUPS on Android? (was Re: B/W printer for mobile devices)

On Fri, 24 Aug 2018 22:39:47 +0000 (UTC),
Eli the Bearded <*@eli.users.panix.com>, in
<eli$1808241808@qaz.wtf> wrote:
>  In comp.mobile.android, richard lucassen  <mailinglists@lucassen.org> wrote:
> > I'm looking for a black and white printer that can communicate via
> > bluetooth in order that people can be able to print (A4, letter) from
> > those mobile devices I mentioned. Does such a solution exist?
> 
>  I'm not looking for that, but the question prompts me to ask, has anyone
>  here had success using CUPS under Android? I've seen a few such packages
>  available and installed them, but was never able to "add a printer" much
>  less print.
> 
>  I've currently got a Android 6.x device. I suspect the Android version
>  was the stumbling block.

I've never felt the need to print from my androids, but a bit of
digging turns up these

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.github.benoitduffez.cupsprint
https://f-droid.org/en/packages/io.github.benoitduffez.cupsprint/
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blackspruce.lpd

The verbage form the last one, Let's Print Droid, has this

    If you have a business grade laser or print server
    (CUPS,LPR,SAMBA, etc) , the app will talk directly to them without
    any off-site conversion. No print data leaves your local network
    unless you choose the GCP (Google Cloud Print) option. (This app
    is not NSA approved ;-)

I would be inclined to belive the Fdroid app does what it claims, but
I haven't tried any of them, so YMMV.

>  For my purposes, a printing solution that works from a Termux shell
>  (and printing to an IP address or local hostname) would be an acceptable
>  partial answer.

Ah, that might be the rub, providing the userland apps, and not just
providing a printer to just apps. I looked thru the fdroid app's
source files looking for anything called "lp*" and getting zilch. So
probably not.

-- 
Consulting Minister for Consultants, DNRC
I can please only one person per day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow
isn't looking good, either.
I am BOFH. Resistance is futile. Your network will be assimilated.

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#55163 — Re: CUPS on Android? (was Re: B/W printer for mobile devices)

In comp.mobile.android,
I R A Darth Aggie  <no-courtesy-copies-please@invalid.invalid> wrote:
> Eli the Bearded <*@eli.users.panix.com> wrote:
>>  I'm not looking for that, but the question prompts me to ask, has anyone
>>  here had success using CUPS under Android? I've seen a few such packages
>>  available and installed them, but was never able to "add a printer" much
>>  less print.
> I've never felt the need to print from my androids, but a bit of
> digging turns up these
> 
> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.github.benoitduffez.cupsprint
> https://f-droid.org/en/packages/io.github.benoitduffez.cupsprint/

I've tried that one in the past without success.

> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blackspruce.lpd

This one was new to me, probably because it didn't mention "CUPS" in the
name so my search didn't find it.

> The verbage form the last one, Let's Print Droid, has this
> 
>     If you have a business grade laser or print server
>     (CUPS,LPR,SAMBA, etc) , the app will talk directly to them without
>     any off-site conversion. No print data leaves your local network
>     unless you choose the GCP (Google Cloud Print) option. (This app
>     is not NSA approved ;-)

This one got further than others I've tried, it could scan for and find
my printer. I tried printing two things and got nothing. In both cases
the program warned me that it was "unrecognized" input. The first thing
I tried to print was a text file named /etc/something.conf (where I
can't remember what the "something" was). But a real system file from
Android. The second thing I tried to print was a web page using the
three-dots "<" share interface. "Let's Print Droid" shows up as a
destination there, but couldn't handle whatever Firefox sent.

>>  For my purposes, a printing solution that works from a Termux shell
>>  (and printing to an IP address or local hostname) would be an acceptable
>>  partial answer.
> Ah, that might be the rub, providing the userland apps, and not just
> providing a printer to just apps. I looked thru the fdroid app's

I'm okay without that, too. I'm just mentioning even that limited
interface would be okay for me.

Elijah
------
might resort to trying to compile CUPS in Termux

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