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

[Dale]

James Richard Tyrer wrote:
> 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.
>
>   


Well, I didn't have one so I wasn't sure how many pins it had.  It's
been years since I even seen one of these printers.  I did notice that
the page had a lot of links that may at least point to better info. 

Dale

:-)  :-)