Problem networking printer with iMac G5

[DavidS]

A bit involved, so I'll start with some intro info. Our printer (Canon S750 inkjet) is connected to our home network via an AirLink+ USB print server (APSUSB1) that is directly connected to a LAN port on my Buffalo AirStation router. The Windows XP computer connects and prints without any problem per the print server's install instructions.

When we got my wife's iMac G5, we initially configured it to print over the network (she connects to the router wirelessly) using the print server's static IP address. However, the only driver was the Gimp Print driver and it wasn't exact for this printer. It never formatted the pages correctly. So, when my wife needs to print something, she now carries the printer into her office and just connects it via the USB port.

My question is this: Since we don't have an exact driver for printing over IP, would it make more sense to use Appletalk? The print server recognizes the Appletalk protocol and the router will evidently support this also. However, I'm a novice at Appletalk and getting everything configured correctly.

The print server asks for Appletalk Zone, Printer type, PostScript Level, and Font Group. I'm not sure what to put here, since it's not a laser printer.

Any suggestions or pointing me towards a good FAQ would be greatly appreciated. I've looked in the Apple Support Forums but can't find much that helps and the Tech Support from AirLink+ has not been helpful either.

[jdc]

so theres no mac driver for it?

if you arent totally in love with the printer, how about a nice new canon ip4200 for $90 or so?

[DavidS]

There is a Mac driver for the printer, but I can't get the iMac to use it when I setup printing via TCP/IP, only the GIMP print driver shows up. When I plug it in via USB, it recognizes it fine.

I may be doing something wrong, but can't figure out what.

Also, when I check the Appletalk settings, nothing shows up under the Zone drop down dialog. I configured the Appletalk settings on the Print Server for a Zone.

I'm thinking this may be an issue with the Buffalo WBR-G54 router that supports passing Appletalk packets wirelessly, but I can't find any settings that enable this if it's not done automatically. I called their tech support and left voice mail for them to call me after waiting on hold for 15 minutes.

[Gyrene]

I've spent hours trying to get an iBook 1.33 to print wirelessly to a Canon iP5000 and an HP 7550. The HP is connected via USB to a Windows desktop and the Canon is connected to an eMac via USB. It does print to both printers, but only using the GIMP print driver. I've gone so far as to hook them up via USB cable, loading the drivers before hooking up. Once hooked up, the iBook works great with both printers and uses the appropriate drivers, but wirelessly it doesn't do as well and reverts to the GIMP driver.