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fopetesl 03-20-2005 09:18 AM
USB: Printer Not Ready
 
mdk10CE
kernel: 2.6.3-4mdk
HP Photosmart 7760 -and- HP Deskjet5550 USB printers, (not simultaneously).
Install 'new' printer with or without others installed.
Print OK.from Test Page and program.
Switch off printer at its power button.
Print request wakes up printer and again prints OK.

Unplug USB cable or power printer off.
Will not print at all even after reboot with printer powered up and USB cable connected.
lpq reports "printer not ready".

Only option is to remove and (re)install printer.
Words of wisdom welcome:)

reddazz 03-21-2005 08:18 PM
Does this happen to both printers or just one of them.

fopetesl 03-22-2005 02:35 AM
Both/any. Tried other printers also. TY

reddazz 03-22-2005 04:22 PM
This could be a distro specific problem. Try on alternativve distro (e.g. a live cd) to see if it is a problem with Mandrake or a something else.

fopetesl 03-23-2005 02:46 AM
Maybe distro but the few problems people have posted relate to various distros.
But there is more than one way to skin cats.. (as I have discovered so far) ..
1st) Connect to http://localhost:631 where you can twiddle about with printer(s) settings.

2nd) If you don't like/want GUI then you can use :
Code:
/usr/bin/enable name_of_printer
you can find name_of_printer by using :
Code:
..userme]# /usr/bin/lpq
hpphotosmart7700 is ready
no entries
..userme]#
this last command also tells you the (apparent) status of the printer and if any jobs are in the print queue. More below on 'apparent' status. If something waiting in print queue you get detail. Now, 'apparent':
If the printer is powered down from the mains supply, not with front panel power button, or USB cable unplugged and you use
Code:
/usr/bin/enable name_of_printer
and immediately issue
Code:
..userme]# /usr/bin/lpq
hpphotosmart7700 is ready and printing
Rank  Owner    Job  File(s)                          Total Size
1st      userme  12    STDIN                          11748662 Bytes
..userme]#
it looks like the printer is OK and ready to go. Not so! Wait a couple of seconds and again try
Code:
..userme]# /usr/bin/lpq
hpphotosmart7700 is not ready
Rank  Owner    Job  File(s)                          Total Size
1st      userme  12    STDIN                          11748662
See.. printer isn't actually ready. The only time it seems that the printer is actually checked for status is when a print job is sent to it.
There must be an easier way to determine the status of the printer without having to go through this procedure every time. :confused:

Without any more tips I am stuck with getting crond to do period checks and I haven't delved into the mysteries of that command yet.

More words of wisdom?

(I searched around for a file which might indicate printer status, e.g. /tmp/files & /cups* directories: nada)


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