[kde-linux] Switching to KDE-4.2: Problem #1: I can't print to my printer

[James Richard Tyrer]

Dale wrote:
> James Richard Tyrer wrote:
>> Anne Wilson wrote:
>>   
>>> On Sunday 08 February 2009 04:38:24 James Richard Tyrer wrote:
>>>     
>>>> James Richard Tyrer wrote:
>>>>       
>>>>> James Richard Tyrer wrote:
>>>>>         
>>>>>> I am currently testing 4.2 with the intention to switch to it as soon as
>>>>>> all functions work.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> So, I opened KWrite, typed tqbf and tried to print it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 	File -> Print
>>>>>>
>>>>>> selected "lp" and clicked print.  Absolutely nothing happed.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I suspect that I need to set the print command somewhere, but I can't
>>>>>> find any place to do this.
>>>>>>           
>>>>> So, I made a PDF and opened it in Okular.  This prints correctly from
>>>>> Okular, so this must be a bug.
>>>>>         
>>>> So, I submitted a bug report:
>>>>
>>>> http://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=183632
>>>>
>>>> It appears to me that we still need a KPrint class as a wrapper for
>>>> QPrint.  Don't know if it is possible to associate it with the "Print"
>>>> standard action, but at least some of the duplicated code could be moved
>>>> to the class.  Otherwise, this fix needs to be used everywhere that
>>>> something is printed.
>>>>       
>>> James, the fact that you seem to be the only person struggling with this makes 
>>> me wonder whether the real problem is that you are using a method that you 
>>> have used for years, that is not necessarily the best method now.  I don't 
>>> know much about the technicality of printing, so my observations are more 
>>> about the practicality of printing.
>>>
>>>     
>> Not using anything unusual.  I use LPR and GhostSctipt.  Although 
>> KDE-3stopped supporting lpq, the printing still worked.  And it still 
>> works perfectly in OO.o.  The only setup for OO.o was to provide a real 
>> PPD file (not a CUPS or FooMatic one).
>>
>>   
>>> The method I use is -
>>>
>>> Set up printing in CUPS and print a test page fromm CUPS.  If the printer is 
>>> not present on the list offered (and it often isn't) then check with 
>>> http://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting/Database/DatabaseIntro, find the 
>>> recommended .ppd, search and download if necessary.  Some manufacturers like 
>>> HP and Brother have the .ppd file on their web pages.
>>>
>>>     
>> But doesn't CUPS require a modified PPD file?
>>
>>   
>>> If your printer manufacturer offers additional features you may need to install 
>>> their own drivers for them - I'm thinking particularly of all-in-one printers, 
>>> for instance.
>>>
>>> Tell us the model of your printer - there's a fair chance that someone already 
>>> has one working.
>>>
>>>     
>> The driver issue is with my old line printer which is an Epson LQ1000.
>>
>> As I said previously, I want to use the GhostScript RIP device 
>> (commonly, and incorrectly, called a driver).
>>
>> However, the big problem is that I was not able to print from KWrite 
>> without hacking the code, and I don't think that that is dependent on 
>> the printer which I was trying to use.
>>
>>   
> 
> 
> Sorry to butt in but this may or may not help.  I guess it is worth a
> try if you want to use cups or maybe even if not.
> 
> http://openprinting.org/show_printer.cgi?recnum=Epson-Dot_Matrix
> 
> Maybe that will shed some light even if not directly fix the problem.
> 
Sorry to tell you but that is the wrong page.  Info for 24 pin printers 
would be here:

http://www.openprinting.org/show_printer.cgi?recnum=Epson-24-pin_136_Col

Not much help which is odd since Epson still makes new models of these. 
  IIUC, the old site had full information on these.

IAC, the printer works fine with the GhostScript device for a RIP.

-- 
JRT