If you print from Windows 10 to your LAN networked printer - have you also printed from Android? How?

Arlen Holder

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Nov 23, 2020, 2:14:15 PM11/23/20

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I need help with printing to a printer that Windows 10 has no problem
printing to, where I ask here in the hope someone here solved the problem.

If you haven't already solved the problem, then I don't ask you for how.
o I only want you to go to the trouble to respond if you already solved it!

Mostly because it's only partially related to Windows, in that Windows 10
prints fine to this HP LJ 2100 over the LAN so why can't Android also?

Maybe I can make use of some "Windows 10 magic" (somehow) to print to it
from the mobile device, which is also on the same subnet as Windows 10 is?

Anyway, this is the original thread with all the current details:
o How do you print from Android to your home networked printer on your LAN?
<https://groups.google.com/g/comp.mobile.android/c/nTAYljkvVl4>

Notice that a lot of the details depend on _how_ the printer is on the LAN
a. Either via USB via Windows,
b. Or for newer printers via Ethernet, or,
c. For even newer printers, via Wi-Fi, or,
d. Perhaps for even newer printers, via "Wi-Fi Direct", whatever that is.

Have you been able to print (perhaps via a Windows 10 intermediary) from
your Android device to your LAN networked printer (mine is Ethernet)?

MJP

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Nov 23, 2020, 2:43:25 PM11/23/20

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"Arlen Holder" wrote in message news:rph1m4$lpu$1...@news.mixmin.net...

I need help with printing to a printer that Windows 10 has no problem
printing to, where I ask here in the hope someone here solved the problem.

If you haven't already solved the problem, then I don't ask you for how.
o I only want you to go to the trouble to respond if you already solved it!

Mostly because it's only partially related to Windows, in that Windows 10
prints fine to this HP LJ 2100 over the LAN so why can't Android also?

My brother wireless printer is available to my Android devices as a print
option.

This uses the brother plug in for android.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brother.printservice&hl=en_GB

Mjp

Carlos E. R.

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Nov 23, 2020, 3:04:48 PM11/23/20

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On 23/11/2020 20.14, Arlen Holder wrote:
> I need help with printing to a printer that Windows 10 has no problem
> printing to, where I ask here in the hope someone here solved the problem.
>
> If you haven't already solved the problem, then I don't ask you for how.
> o I only want you to go to the trouble to respond if you already solved it!
>
> Mostly because it's only partially related to Windows, in that Windows 10
> prints fine to this HP LJ 2100 over the LAN so why can't Android also?
>
> Maybe I can make use of some "Windows 10 magic" (somehow) to print to it
> from the mobile device, which is also on the same subnet as Windows 10 is?

Two years ago I printed from Android phone to new hp printer (not mine),
connected to the router by ethernet. I just followed instructions
(hints) on the printer docs. Sorry, I do not remember the details.

In Android setup, search for "print". "Predetermined print service" is
enabled. If you tap it, it searches for printers in the LAN. IIRC, it
just worked, easy peasy.

At home, my printer is older and does not support it. I guess I would
have to setup CUPS (which I have, but not for this). I remember there
was an app that would "see" CUPS in Android. I don't currently have it
installed.

--
Cheers,
Carlos E.R.

Arlen Holder

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Nov 23, 2020, 10:48:59 PM11/23/20

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On Mon, 23 Nov 2020 21:04:45 +0100, Carlos E. R. wrote:

> Two years ago I printed from Android phone to new hp printer (not mine),
> connected to the router by ethernet. I just followed instructions
> (hints) on the printer docs. Sorry, I do not remember the details.

Hi Carlos,
Thanks for that purposefully helpful advice, where I don't want anyone to
go to the trouble I usually go to in order to solve a _new_ problem.

In "Connected devices" there's a secret web page (apparently) on printing.
o <https://i.postimg.cc/zD0CDJZz/printing01.jpg>
o <https://i.postimg.cc/pTkFdBSG/printing04.jpg>

I just want to know how others managed to print, from Android, to a
networked printer that Windows 10 has no problem whatsoever printing to.

My HP LaserJet 2100tn is so old that even Microsoft considers it legacy:
o Tutorial for the EASIEST (maybe only?) way to install a problematic legacy printer such as the HP LaserJet 2100 on Windows 10 current versions
<https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/alt.comp.freeware/Qb-fXNOH_8g>

But Windows 10 prints fine to it so I hope I can get Android to print also.

> In Android setup, search for "print". "Predetermined print service" is
> enabled. If you tap it, it searches for printers in the LAN. IIRC, it
> just worked, easy peasy.

I'm Android 10, Moto G7, where a "Search" inside "Settings" has these hits:
o <https://i.postimg.cc/PxdDh7Sv/printing03.jpg>
1. Print services [Connected devices > Connection preferences > Printing]
2. Print jobs [Connected devices > Connection preferences > Printing]
3. Printing [Connected devices > Connection preferences > Printing]
4. Android CUPS Print [App info]
5. Print Service Recommendation... [App info]
6. Default Print Service [App info]
7. Mopria Print Service [App info]
8. Print Spooler [App info]

> At home, my printer is older and does not support it. I guess I would
> have to setup CUPS (which I have, but not for this). I remember there
> was an app that would "see" CUPS in Android. I don't currently have it
> installed.

In the Android thread, I mentioned I installed a "Cups" app thingy
o But I'm not familiar with CUPS (it just worked on Linux years ago
so I didn't learn anything more than the fact Linux uses CUPS).

It's only when things don't work that I learn anything about them.
o <https://i.postimg.cc/xdvmwQ3S/printing02.jpg>

Anyway, I'm not printing from Android to a Windows networked printer yet.
o But I'm still trying to figure out how

Where part of the problem is just finding an answer for an Ethernet
connected printer which isn't WiFi nor Mopria nor USB connected.

Arlen Holder

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Nov 23, 2020, 11:11:28 PM11/23/20

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On Mon, 23 Nov 2020 19:43:22 -0000, MJP wrote:

> My brother wireless printer is available to my Android devices as a print
> option.
>
> This uses the brother plug in for android.
>
> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brother.printservice&hl=en_GB

Hi MJP,

We should all be able to print directly to our printers at home
o So this is a worthwhile endeavor to try to write up a tutorial

A specific OEM printer app might be the answer, which I will try on my
o Hewlett Packard LaserJet 2100tn (Ethernet connected to my LAN router)

Using Aurora Store (which is an anonymous front end to Google Play) with
filters to filter out (a) all google apps (b) all paid apps (c) all adware
apps, and (d) all apps which require GSF (which is sort of like .NET
Framework on Windows), I found a few apps for non-HP printers such as:
a. PrinterShare Mobile Print <com.dynamicxsoftware.printershare>
b. Canon Print Service <jp.co.canon.android.printservice.plugin>
c. Epson Print Enabler <com.epson.mobilephone.android.epso...>
d. Konica Minolta Mobile Print <com.konicaminolta.mobileprint>
e. Hauwei Printer <com.hauwei.cv80.printer_hauwei.abr...>
f. Brother iPrint&Scan <com.brother.mfc.brprint>
g. Lexmark Mobile Print <com.lexmark.print>
h. Mobi Print for Zebra, Brother, Seiko printers <com.mobiprintpro.retail.android>
i. Hammer Print <com.hammermill.premium>
etc.

Removing the filter blocking "GSF dependent" apps, brings up HP stuff:
j. HP Print Service Plugin <com.hp.android.printservice>
k. HP Smart <com.hp.printercontrol>
l. HP ePrint Enterprise <com.hp.eprint.client>
m. HP ePrint Enterprise for Good <com.hp.com.hpeprintservice.good>
n. HP Advance <com.hp.mobileconnector>
o. HP PrintOS for PSP <com.hp.printosforpsp>
p. HP SureSupply <com.hp.esupplies>
q. HP QuickDrop <com.hp.quickdrop>
etc.

I'll see if one or more of the printing apps above works for me
given I have on my network via Ethernet an HP LJ2100tn printer.

Arlen Holder

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Nov 23, 2020, 11:55:44 PM11/23/20

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On Mon, 23 Nov 2020 16:35:54 +0200, Anssi Saari wrote:

> OK, so my response was needlessly short.

Hi Anssi Saari,

Any amount of purposefully helpful advice and suggestions I appreciate!

I'm just getting started on this quest, and it seems there are lots of ways
to go so that's where advice from others who have been successful can
prevent a whole bunch of dead ends.

In the end, if I can print to the printer directly from Android
o That would be worthy of a tutorial so as to help others do the same

> The printer I have is a
> Laserjet P1102, USB connection only. So to make it into a networked
> printer it's connected to a raspberry pi via USB. CUPS shares it in a
> way that Linux (and Android) machines see, Samba shares it in a way that
> Windows machines see. So when I wrote the response I knew nothing about
> printers that are actually directly networked (other than an ancient
> Laserjet 4P that's still in storage somewhere but that thing predates
> Android phones...)

We both have HP printers, but yours is USB only while mine is Ethernet.
o That probably changes what's available to us by way of printing options.

> So anyways, after a quick look, "everyone" uses IPP (internet printing
> protocol) for networked printing, both printers and Android. And CUPS
> too. So I should be able to print direct to my printer and indeed I
> could, even after removing Mopria.

I installed every free app for IPP that Aurora Store found on Google Play:
a. CUPS Printing <io.github.benoitduffez.cupsprint>
b. Let's Print Droid <com.blackspruce.lpd>
c. PrinterShare Mobile Print <com.dynamixsoftware.printershare>
d. PrintBot <net.jsecurity.printbot>
e. PrinterOn <com.printeron.droid.phone>
f. Direrct Print Service <com.solvaig.printservice>
g. PrintHand Mobile Print <com.dynamixsoftware.printhand>

I will have to test each one out to see which ones work on my HP printer.
o <https://i.postimg.cc/5N8c5d9T/printing05.jpg>

> So I guess your printer might be the issue here? Is using the "HP Print
> Service Plugin" for Android out of the question? HP says printers newer
> than 2004 should work with it.

I haven't even tried yet this HP Print Service Plugin, but I downloaded it
and many other HP printer apps from the Aurora Store overlay on Google Play
h. HP Print Service Plugin <com.hp.android.printservice>
i. HP Smart <com.hp.printercontrol>
j. HP ePrint Enterprise <com.hp.eprint.client>
k. HP ePrint Enterprise for Good <com.hp.com.hpeprintservice.good>
l. HP Advance <com.hp.mobileconnector>
m. HP PrintOS for PSP <com.hp.printosforpsp>
n. HP SureSupply <com.hp.esupplies>
o. HP QuickDrop <com.hp.quickdrop>

> Or my solution with CUPS on some Linux
> machine might work for you. Or even CUPS on Android?
> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.github.benoitduffez.cupsprint

Just in case it turns out to be the solution, I downloaded a few CUPS apps
(although I haven't yet dug into how or why this CUPS stuff would work).
o <https://i.postimg.cc/Y9TVg85t/printing06.jpg> 11 print services on

In summary, this printing directly from Android to a networked printer
isn't intuitive, but there's so much information that I still have to delve
into I can't say much other than this is the status so far, for the
screenshots for the upcoming (hopefully) tutorial so all others benefit:
o <https://i.postimg.cc/zD0CDJZz/printing01.jpg> Android10 ConnectionPrefs
o <https://i.postimg.cc/xdvmwQ3S/printing02.jpg> ConnectionPrefs > Printing
o <https://i.postimg.cc/PxdDh7Sv/printing03.jpg> Search > Print > Services
o <https://i.postimg.cc/pTkFdBSG/printing04.jpg> ? > Print > Documentation
o <https://i.postimg.cc/5N8c5d9T/printing05.jpg> Added free IPP print apps
o <https://i.postimg.cc/Y9TVg85t/printing06.jpg> 11 print services on
--
If anyone has printing figured out, please let us know so we all benefit.

wasbit

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Nov 24, 2020, 5:43:13 AM11/24/20

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"Arlen Holder" <arlen_...@newmachines.com> wrote in message
news:rph1m4$lpu$1...@news.mixmin.net...

I don't understand your question.
Where does Windows come into it other than to install the printer drivers.
Brother MFC L2700DW connected to router by ethernet allows anything on the
LAN to print. That's my Android tablet & visitors mobile phones.

I no longer have an HP Laserjet 2100 (with additional JetDirect ethernet
card) but I don't recall having any print or connectivity problems.

--
Regards
wasbit

Arlen Holder

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Nov 24, 2020, 9:32:21 AM11/24/20

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On Tue, 24 Nov 2020 10:43:10 -0000, wasbit wrote:

> I don't understand your question.

Hi wasbit,

Actually you do understand the question.

> Where does Windows come into it other than to install the printer drivers.

I said in the OP that Windows only comes in _if_ the solution is to use
Windows (which it may very well need to be), e.g., as the print server
(e.g., via cups, or samba, as also mentioned in the ancillary thread I
referenced).

The facts are that the Android phone ties closer to Windows than it does to
the Ethernet'd wired printer on the LAN; Windows is almost certainly going
to be the intermediary, for a bunch of reasons, not only that Android
connects to the SMB/CUPs services, but also because Windows can 'share' a
printer.

I've never needed to "share" a printer from Windows; but that may be the
solution that works, given how nicely Android ties to Windows and how
nicely Windows ties to the printer (and given how poorly Android ties to
the printer).

> Brother MFC L2700DW connected to router by ethernet allows anything on the
> LAN to print. That's my Android tablet & visitors mobile phones.

You're the second person to mention that a Brother printer has good enough
software to connect directly between Android & the printer which is _only_
on the LAN via its Ethernet connection to the router (i.e., it has an IP
address).

Can you look to see if that connection _also_ has a port involved, as some
of the software I've been trying to get to work asks for both the IP
address of the printer and the port (where I don't know what the port is).

Given that Windows 10 prints fine to this printer, is there a way, for
example, to get Windows to tell me what that port number is?

> I no longer have an HP Laserjet 2100 (with additional JetDirect ethernet
> card) but I don't recall having any print or connectivity problems.

You are correct it's the HP LaserJet 2100tn, which apparently means it has
that network card for Ethernet, which has been printing from Windows for
more than a decade (I don't remember how old it is).

I don't have any problem whatsoever printing from Windows to that printer
over the LAN; but have you been printing to that printer directly from
Android?

If so, _how_ did you manage to get the Android device to see the printer?

Arlen Holder

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Nov 24, 2020, 2:12:33 PM11/24/20

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One of the Android printing apps I was testing asked for the "port".
o I don't know how to find the printer port (even from Windows).

Searching, I found this recent thread on the printer dejagoogle archive:
o <http://tinyurl.com/comp-periphs-printers>

What I found was a "similar" question (but not exactly the same question):
o Printer's IP address, by Alex Trishan <alek.t...@gmail.com>
<https://groups.google.com/g/comp.periphs.printers/c/Y-b186tFKTs>

Here's my test results, from start to finish (for edification)
o There may be a better way to find the port of a printer though.

... My ad hoc sysinstall log follows...
o mkdir x:\installers\network\scanner\angryip
o <https://angryip.org/>
<https://angryip.org/download/#windows>
<https://github-production-release-asset-2e65be.s3.amazonaws.com...stuff>
Name: ipscan-3.7.3-setup.exe
Size: 3019446 bytes (2948 KiB)
CRC32: 8416A268
CRC64: 2646920C3D6D1BD8
SHA256: DF2BCA8190A27477227F92A6825DCE00FDA7E2F5C2A2A3DA67638B016FF62502
SHA1: 89177351A23D4EC1E2337273A9EE8271B077C1C7
BLAKE2sp: 7D7570FF0FF539488AA7ED3FF925A54596AD5375A934DD40F32C637D9C4DFB45
o Run this downloaded ipscan-3.7.3-setup.exe executable
It wants to go in C:\Program Files\Angry IP Scanner
I put it where it belongs C:\app\network\scanner\angryip
Note: You decide that; not a thousand different companies.
o It installs quickly, with no obvious shenanigans (good).
o Create a shortcut C:\menu\network\scanner\ipscan.lnk
Target C:\app\network\scanner\angryip\ipscan.exe
o Start it: Taskbar > menu > network > scanner > ipscan
Uncheck [x]Send anonymous error reports
Hit [Next] quite a few times, and then [Close]
o I'm not sure what to do next but I hit the big green "Start" button.
Up pops a Windows Defender Firewall blockage report:
Java(TM) Platform SE binary
C:\program files (x86)\common files\oracle\java\javapath_target_18549781\javaw.exe
(I never know what to hit so I made sure both boxes are unchecked.)
o Scanning completed (it took about 20 seconds).
o IP Range 192.168.0.1 - 192.168.0.255
o Hosts alive: 9
o With open ports: 6

OK. I scroll down to find the printer, which doesn't show up "as" a
printer, but I happen to already know its IP address, where it says:
o IP = 192.168.0.20
o Ping = 2ms
o Hostname = [n/a]
o Ports[3+] = 80
--
I'm not sure what the "3+" means, but the rest seems pretty clear.
o Thanks for this advice to use this freeware Windows network scanner.

Arlen Holder

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Nov 25, 2020, 3:23:06 AM11/25/20

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UPDATE:

o <https://i.postimg.cc/zD0CDJZz/printing01.jpg> Android10 ConnectionPrefs
o <https://i.postimg.cc/xdvmwQ3S/printing02.jpg> ConnectionPrefs > Printing
o <https://i.postimg.cc/PxdDh7Sv/printing03.jpg> Search > Print > Services
o <https://i.postimg.cc/pTkFdBSG/printing04.jpg> ? > Print > Documentation
o <https://i.postimg.cc/5N8c5d9T/printing05.jpg> Added free IPP print apps
o <https://i.postimg.cc/Y9TVg85t/printing06.jpg> 11 print services on

o <https://i.postimg.cc/FzmF5wYr/printing07.jpg> Shortcut to print settings

HELPFUL HINT: I've been pulling up the printer menus so much that this
single-tap homescreen print-settings shortcut is coming in quite handy:
o <https://i.postimg.cc/FzmF5wYr/printing07.jpg>

To create this one-tap homescreen shortcut to Android print settings:
1. Download & install & run "Shortcut Creator", by AlexTernHome
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alextern.shortcuthelper>

2. ShortcutCreator:Settings > Observe activities > Printing (.Settings$PrintSettingsActivity)
o Press the "plus" sign to add that shortcut to your homescreen.

3. Voila!
o You can access any deeply nested Android setting in a single tap!
--
See also:
o Is there a way to make an Android homescreen shortcut to any given
settings page such as the battery status?
<https://groups.google.com/g/comp.mobile.android/c/_1oTdgCIpkc>

wasbit

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Nov 25, 2020, 5:23:17 AM11/25/20

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"Arlen Holder" <arlen_...@newmachines.com> wrote in message

news:rpj5hi$499$1...@news.mixmin.net...

> On Tue, 24 Nov 2020 10:43:10 -0000, wasbit wrote:
>
>> I don't understand your question.
>
> Hi wasbit,
>
> Actually you do understand the question.
>
>> Where does Windows come into it other than to install the printer
>> drivers.
>
> I said in the OP that Windows only comes in _if_ the solution is to use
> Windows (which it may very well need to be), e.g., as the print server
> (e.g., via cups, or samba, as also mentioned in the ancillary thread I
> referenced).
>
> The facts are that the Android phone ties closer to Windows than it does
> to
> the Ethernet'd wired printer on the LAN; Windows is almost certainly going
> to be the intermediary, for a bunch of reasons, not only that Android
> connects to the SMB/CUPs services, but also because Windows can 'share' a
> printer.
>
> I've never needed to "share" a printer from Windows; but that may be the
> solution that works, given how nicely Android ties to Windows and how
> nicely Windows ties to the printer (and given how poorly Android ties to
> the printer).
>

Sharing a printer is, presumably, required when the printer is connected to
a PC not a router.

>> Brother MFC L2700DW connected to router by ethernet allows anything on
>> the
>> LAN to print. That's my Android tablet & visitors mobile phones.
>
> You're the second person to mention that a Brother printer has good enough
> software to connect directly between Android & the printer which is _only_
> on the LAN via its Ethernet connection to the router (i.e., it has an IP
> address).
>
> Can you look to see if that connection _also_ has a port involved, as some
> of the software I've been trying to get to work asks for both the IP
> address of the printer and the port (where I don't know what the port is).
>

I always give the printer a static IP address.

Taken from the printer properties & as installed by the Brother drivers
Port: 192.168.x.x
Description: Standard TCP/IP port

> Given that Windows 10 prints fine to this printer, is there a way, for
> example, to get Windows to tell me what that port number is?
>

-
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-hardware/how-to-identify-and-change-the-printer-port/72421a30-2771-48e3-9f5a-86508cdae94b

>> I no longer have an HP Laserjet 2100 (with additional JetDirect ethernet
>> card) but I don't recall having any print or connectivity problems.
>
> You are correct it's the HP LaserJet 2100tn, which apparently means it has
> that network card for Ethernet, which has been printing from Windows for
> more than a decade (I don't remember how old it is).
>

Mine came from Freecycle & was previously used (or abused) in a school
office.
It was a 2100 so I had to source a JetDirect card & add it myself.
Prior to that I used a parallel to ethernet cable.

> I don't have any problem whatsoever printing from Windows to that printer
> over the LAN; but have you been printing to that printer directly from
> Android?
>
> If so, _how_ did you manage to get the Android device to see the printer?

Not sure that I did. It was probably before Android became popular.
I do recall having to go the extra steps before Windows (7?) would find the
drivers, as you posted in one of your threads & having to change the port in
the printer properties.

--
Regards
wasbit

Arlen Holder

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Nov 25, 2020, 5:31:23 AM11/25/20

to

UPDATE:

I printed from Android to the printer, but, I only figured out,
after the fact, that it used an Internet server!
o <https://i.postimg.cc/2530Yc6X/printing10.jpg> It uses the Intenet! :(

Nonetheless, this is certainly "one way" to print (albeit not that good)
o <https://i.postimg.cc/DZJprj3b/printing08.jpg> PrintBot static printer
o <https://i.postimg.cc/wjqWfTdz/printing09.jpg> PDF > Open with PrintBot

Here's what I did on Android 10 to print a single page of a multi-page PDF
a. I printed a PDF file from my Moto G7 (Android 10)
b. To my circa 1999, HP LaserJet 2100tn printer on my LAN
c. Where Android is over Wi-Fi & the HP is Ethernet'd to the router

Note:
A. The printer is on the same subnet as Android is, on my private LAN
B. The HP LaserJet 2100tn has no Wi-Fi hardware (nor Wi-Fi Direct)
C. The HP LaserJet 2100tn has USB input (but it is not connected to a PC)
D. I have no desire to use the Internet just to print on my own LAN
(I did not disconnect the router from the net when running this test)

I found out only after I printed that this uses the Internet! :(
o Nonetheless, so others benefit, here's the process I used that worked.

1. Download & install Printbot, by https://zenofx.com/
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.jsecurity.printbot>
<https://zenofx.com/printbot/>

2. Turn off all "print services" _except_ "PrintBot" (if you have others).
NOTE: I don't know if this is needed; but HP instructions say it is.

3. In PrintBot, hit the settings hamburger & then "Add static printer"
o Protocol = Raw(JetDirect) [out of Raw(JetDirect), LPR, IPP, & Fritz!Box]
o Host (IP address or hostname) = 192.168.0.20
o Manufacturer = (scroll to the "HP" pre-defined setting)
o Printer model = (scroll to the "LaserJet-2100" pre-defined setting)
<https://i.postimg.cc/DZJprj3b/printing08.jpg>

4. That creates the following "PrintBot Settings":
o Network connection = raw://192.168.0.20/
o Printer = HP LaserJet-2100
Press "Print test page" (and a ZenoFX test page should result).

5. Select any document on the Android phone to print to that printer
I selected a multi-page PDF file, for example, named "foo.pdf".

This foo.pdf file will either open up in your default editor, or,
if you don't have a default PDF editor set up in Android,
then Android will ask you what you want to do with the file.

You can choose to "Open with PrintBot" & press the green printer icon.
If desired, before printing, you can modify the default settings, such as:
o Set Copies = 1
o Set Paper size = Letter
o Set Color = Black & White
o Set Orientation = Portrait
o Set Two-sided = none (mine is grayed out as the printer doesn't support it)
o Set Page = All 4 (I changed that to print the range of just page 1)
<https://i.postimg.cc/wjqWfTdz/printing09.jpg>

6. The _first_ time only (I think), it will give you this warning:
"Use PrintBot? Your document may pass through one or more servers
on its way to the printer." [Cancel][OK]
<https://i.postimg.cc/2530Yc6X/printing10.jpg>

I only saw that the first time printing though.

Googling for what that warning means, I found the first gotcha:
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.jsecurity.printbot>
"Free version allows printing of 3 images or PDF documents per month
(after that, a watermark is added on each page).
PDFs are restricted to 3 pages.
Pro version allows unlimited printing."

That also imples the second gotcha, which is this method uses the net!

Notice that the same outfit has a "localprint" app which does NOT use
the Internet (so I will test that app next; but it adds watermarks).
o LocalPrint, by zenofx.com
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zenofx.localprint>

LocalPrint says this, which PrintBot does _not_ say:
"LocalPrint allows you to print from your Android device
without using any kind of cloud service!
All data stays within your local network all the time."

In summary, this test turned out to be a failure for two reasons:
1. Unbeknownst to me, it used the Internet
2. Even so, after a while, watermarks will appear

Nonetheless, this test was a proof of concept that the hardware works.
o I'll keep testing until I find a local solution that works.
--
See also:
o If you print from Windows 10 to your LAN networked printer - have you also printed from Android? How?
<https://groups.google.com/g/alt.comp.microsoft.windows/c/6ScU1H5Q43U>

o How do you print from Android to your home networked printer on your LAN?
<https://groups.google.com/g/comp.mobile.android/c/nTAYljkvVl4>

o <https://i.postimg.cc/zD0CDJZz/printing01.jpg> Android10 ConnectionPrefs
o <https://i.postimg.cc/xdvmwQ3S/printing02.jpg> ConnectionPrefs > Printing
o <https://i.postimg.cc/PxdDh7Sv/printing03.jpg> Search > Print > Services
o <https://i.postimg.cc/pTkFdBSG/printing04.jpg> ? > Print > Documentation
o <https://i.postimg.cc/5N8c5d9T/printing05.jpg> Added free IPP print apps
o <https://i.postimg.cc/Y9TVg85t/printing06.jpg> 11 print services on
o <https://i.postimg.cc/FzmF5wYr/printing07.jpg> Shortcut to print settings

o <https://i.postimg.cc/DZJprj3b/printing08.jpg> PrintBot static printer
o <https://i.postimg.cc/wjqWfTdz/printing09.jpg> PDF > Open with PrintBot
o <https://i.postimg.cc/2530Yc6X/printing10.jpg> What is this warning???

Arlen Holder

unread,

Nov 25, 2020, 5:57:58 AM11/25/20

to

On Wed, 25 Nov 2020 10:23:12 -0000, wasbit wrote:

> Sharing a printer is, presumably, required when the printer is connected to
> a PC not a router.

Hi wasbit,

I have never shared a printer using Windows 10 so I'm not sure
o But why can't share work by USB to the printer or Ethernet to the router?

Nonetheless, I never disputed that this solution is only applicable to
Windows if (and only if) Windows _is_ included in the solution.

What I will do, since your point is valid, is STOP updating this thread,
where the solution will be found in the Android newsgroup instead.

o How do you print from Android to your home networked printer on your LAN?
<https://groups.google.com/g/comp.mobile.android/c/nTAYljkvVl4>

I'll only update this thread if the solution involves Windows.
o Or, if someone asks me a question (which I need to respond to).

Deal?

> I always give the printer a static IP address.

I also have a static printer, & I ran a port scan on it earlier today:
o The printer is 192.168.1.20 and the only open port is 80
<https://groups.google.com/g/comp.periphs.printers/c/Y-b186tFKTs/m/baC2tgbSAAAJ>

> Taken from the printer properties & as installed by the Brother drivers
> Port: 192.168.x.x
> Description: Standard TCP/IP port

The AngryIP port scanner seems to think my printer has port 80 open.
o Who knew? Not me.

I can actually access that page when I use the URL from a browser:
o Welcome to the Embedded Web Server!
o Click the Administration button to configure, get status of,
or diagnose the HP JetDirect print server.

> https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-hardware/how-to-identify-and-change-the-printer-port/72421a30-2771-48e3-9f5a-86508cdae94b

Thanks for that hint.
o Mine is also a "standard tcp/ip port".

Here's what I did to find that out:
o Win+R > ms-settings:printers > HP LaserJet 2100 Series PCL5 >
o [Manage] > Printer properties > Ports

Chris

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Nov 26, 2020, 1:41:40 PM11/26/20

to

Roger Blake <rogb...@iname.invalid> wrote:
> On 2020-11-25, Arlen Holder <arlen_...@newmachines.com> wrote:
>> HELPFUL HINT: I've been pulling up the printer menus so much that this
>
> HELPFUL HINT: Take your stinking bullet points and shove them up your ass.
>
> I thought I killfiled you, jerk, but apparently you engage in nymshifting
> as well.

The only way to ensure you never see his posts is to use wildcards in the
kf. His name and email change regularly, but it's fairly easy to find an
appropriate filter.

Alan Baker

unread,

Nov 26, 2020, 2:01:41 PM11/26/20

to

On 2020-11-26 8:59 a.m., Arlen Holder wrote:
> On Thu, 26 Nov 2020 06:30:55 -0700, Ken Blake wrote:
>
>> Most trolls nymshift often. It's one of the marks of a troll. They do it
>> to escape our killfiles. The troll Arlen Holder has already done it
>> multiple times.
>>
>> But it's no big deal. It's quick and easy to killfile the new nym.
>
> I find it illustrating that this well-known worthless piece of shit
> troll simply made this up. And then the other trolls followed suit.
>
> They're too stupid to even realize I haven't changed a thing!

Arlen Holder <arlen...@nospam.net>
Arlen Holder <arlen....@wildcat.uuhec.net>
Arlen Holder <a%rlenh...@no.spam.net>
Arlen H. Holder <arlen...@nospam.net>
Arlen_Holder <a%rle%20nh....@no.spam.net>
arlen michael holder <arlen_mich...@example.com>
arlen holder <ar...@arlen.com>
Arlen G. Holder <arling...@nospam.net>
Arlen George Holder <arlinggeo...@nospam.net>
Arlen _ Holder <arlen_...@nospam.edu>
Arlen G. Holder <arlen_g...@nospam.edu>
Arlen _G_ Holder <_arlen....@halder.edu>
Arlen Holder <arlen.geo...@is.invalid>
Arlen Holder <arlen...@anyexample.com>
Arlen Holder <arlen...@newmachine.com>
Arlen Holder <arlen_...@newmachines.com>

Arlen Holder

unread,

>>What I need help with is understanding why printing from Windows is easy
>>o And yet, printing from Android to the same printer is not
>

> If your old windows printer does not support PDF or CUPS, it does not
> work with Linux/Android out of the box. It`s simple.

As far as I can tell, the HP LJ 2100tn, built in 1999, doesn't support
either CUPS or PDF; but it does have something called "Jet Direct", which
seems to accept something called "RAW" but I can't figure out what that is.
o What is JetDirect <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JetDirect>

All I can figure out about "JetDirect" is that it's an Ethernet "NIC".
o It's what allows me to connect the printer to the SOHO router by CAT5.

On terminology, I see JetDirect somehow related to "print server" based on:
o HP LaserJet - Printers that can use HP Jetdirect print servers
<https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c04763513>

But I'm not at all sure what a "print server" even is.
o Nor if my printer having a JetDirect card makes it a "print server".

What is a print server anyway? <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Print_server>
o I looked it up and it seems to be unnecessary for a single printer.
<https://rjyoung.com/blog/managed-it-services/what-you-need-to-know-about-a-print-server-setup/>

> Years ago hardware for Postscript/PDF-rendering was too expensive to
> integrate in every printer. So it was done in software on the Windows
> machine, which converts e. g. PDFs to GDI for the GDI driver of the
> printer. Such printers are called "GDI printers":
> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_Device_Interface#GDI_printers
>
> The better ones supported at least PCL, too.
> But today every new printer should support CUPS/PDF.

What I desire is to know the normal data flow for an Ethernet'd printer.
o From Windows (since it just works), and,
o From Android (since it needs to be debugged).
--
When we pool our knowledge, all of us can learn from each other.

Arlen Holder

unread,

Nov 29, 2020, 7:46:17 PM11/29/20

to

On Sun, 29 Nov 2020 09:47:15 -0000, wasbit wrote:

>> the help of my phone (Xiaomi Mi 8) tells me, that for printing it has
>> to be a Wifi printer. My printer are Wifi-capable, so I have no
>> problem printing to them from Android.

> I would suggest that means the phone needs to connect to the router via
> wifi.

Hi wasbit,

The funny thing about doing something for the first time that nobody has
been successful at (as far as I can tell) even as it's a trivially simple
problem set - you would think - is that I end up needing to understand the
printing data flow - which I never bothered to try to grasp before.
o I could even turn my brain off if I could find a step-by-step tutorial.

Regarding Wi-Fi (or Wi-Fi Direct?) printing, I'm not sure if that means the
Android device connects to the printer via a subnet on the LAN or if that
means the Android 10 device connects to the Wi-Fi printer directly via the
Wi-Fi printer's own Access Point. Do you know which it is?

On that note, I'm sure printing would be a lot easier if the printer had an
access point of its own which the Android 10 phone could simply connect to.

But the HP LaserJet 2100tn was built in 1999 where it only has Ethernet.
o <https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-laserjet-2100-printer-series/25469/model/14918>
Note: I think the "tn" means it has the "JetDirect/Raw" Ethernet NIC.

Paradoxically, the Android 10 "Help" that Michael Logies speaks of "looks"
good upon first inspection - in fact - it looks "very good" at first glance
o <https://i.postimg.cc/PxdDh7Sv/printing03.jpg>

But, notice in this screenshot there's _nothing_ in the help for Ethernet!
o <https://i.postimg.cc/pTkFdBSG/printing04.jpg>

It's as if Android 10 isn't designed to do something that Windows 10 has no
problem doing, which is to print to a printer on the same subnet connected
via Ethernet (e.g., it's just a computer with IP address192.168.0.20:port).

What's also interesting is that "cloud printing" has no problem printing to
the printer, which kind of sort of seems to imply that the network isn't
really the problem. Or at least I think that's what that fact implies.
o <https://www.google.com/cloudprint/learn/>

While anyone who knows me knows that I abhor using the cloud just to go
from one computer on my subnet to another computer on my subnet, but what's
interesting is that when I tested out cloud printing, it just worked.
o I tested ZenoFX "PrintBot" & "LocalBot", both of which are crippleware
PrintBot <https://zenofx.com/printbot/>

When I tested that "cloud" solution, it worked the very first time.
o Seamlessly (or so it seemed).

But how?
o How does cloud printing work anyway?

I'm not sure what the "data flow" is for cloud printing, but for sure, the
server-on-the-cloud is converting the native file format to the native
printer format (which is PCL-5 in the case of my Ethernet'd HP LJ 2100tn).
o What is Cloud Printing? How Cloud Printing Works
<https://www.uniprint.net/en/what-cloud-printing/>
"cloud printing service eliminates the need for printer drivers"
"Cloud printing works with both cloud ready printers or legacy printers"

Since coming up with a step-by-step tutorial which is documented nowhere
(AFAICT) is going to take a bit of knowledge on my part, can someone check
this presumed data flow with respect to how cloud printing actually works?

Is this a correct data flow based on what you are trying to advise me?

1. The Android application (eg Acrobat) opens the file in a native format
2. Acrobat "Print" sends the native format file to a "cloud server"
3. The cloud server receives native format & outputs "printer format"

(which, for my HP LaserJet 2100tn appears to be "PCL-5")

4. The cloud server sends that PCL-5 back to the _phone_
5. The phone sends that PCL-5 to the printer IP at 192.168.0.20:?

(I have no idea which port as a port scan shows only port 80 open.)

6. The printer prints it because the printer accepts PCL-5 format

Or, is this what cloud printing entails by way of data flow:
1,2,3, are the same, but 4 is different, & 5 is omitted
4. The cloud server sends that PCL-5 to the _printer_ at 192.168.0.20:?
5. is omitted
6. The printer prints it because the printer accepts PCL-5 format

Can someone please help me figure out the data flow for cloud printing?
--
On Usenet, people can work out a solution which everyone can then use.

JT

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Nov 29, 2020, 10:14:18 PM11/29/20

to

Arlen Holder wrote:

> On Sun, 29 Nov 2020 14:59:21 +0100, Michael Logies wrote:
>
> > if your printer is modern, it has a CUPS server included,
> > the CUPS client ist on Android.
>
> Hi Michael Logies,
>
> Thank you for your purposefully helpful advice on the CUPS process
> o None of us are paid to help each other so I appreciate your help.
>
> You help out of your heart and that's what is great about Usenet!
>

> THANK YOU for being the first to explain how the CUPS process works!
> o Almost all debugging requires knowledge of how the system works.
>
> I had tried CUPS, and failed, but I didn't even know how it worked!

> o Thank you for explaining that process for us all.
>

> If the CUPS client is on Android, then I already have that installed.

> o <https://i.postimg.cc/PxdDh7Sv/printing03.jpg>
>
> In fact, a CUPS client was the second approach I had tried (after Mopria):
> o <https://i.postimg.cc/xdvmwQ3S/printing02.jpg>
>
> However, based on my search results, CUPS "seemed" to only reside on Linux
> which is fine except my dual-boot desktops are mostly on Windows, and,
> worse, I tried like hell to find a CUPS port to Windows.
> o I found something for Windows called CUPSS but it seemed a dead end.
>
> So I failed with CUPS; but if I had a step-by-step tutorial...
> o I might not have failed (likewise if the CUPS setup were more intuitive).
>
> > The CUPS client always converts to PDF or
> > forwards a PDF to the CUPS server which converts it for the printer
> > (like a driver on Windows) for its printing.
>

> Thank you for explaining what the heck CUPS does as I read the Wikipedia

> Thank you for explaining how the printing process works on Windows

> o As I never needed to understand it until now (since Windows "just works")
>
> Is this a correct data flow based on what you are trying to advise me?
> 1. The Windows application (eg MS Word) opens the file in a native format
> 2. Word "File > Print" sends the native format file to the "printer driver"
> 3. The printer driver receives "native format" & outputs "printer format"
> (which, for my HP LaserJet 2100tn appears to be "PCL-5")
> 4. The printer driver sends that PCL-5 to the printer IP at 192.168.0.20
> (I have no idea which port as a port scan shows only port 80 open.)
> 5. The printer prints it because the printer accepts PCL-5 format
>
> Is that the correct data flow in a typical Windows printing situation?

> o If so, that printer driver is doing a lot of work as it needs to know

> a zillion native formats (e.g., MS Word, Irfanview image, VIM text, etc.)
>
> > On CUPS it is more standardized. If a printer understands PDF,
> > no conversion by a the CUPS server is needed.
>
> Half of my problem is I don't understand how printing is supposed to work
> o That can be overcome with a step-by-step tutorial - but there are none
>

> So it behooves me to understand what you're trying to impart to me!]

>
> Assuming that the printer can "understand" the PDF format...
> o Is this how an Android print to that printer is "supposed" to work?
> 1. The Android editing app reads the file in a native format (e.g., JPEG)
> 2. The app's "File > Print" sends native format to its "CUPS client"
> 3. The Android CUPS client converts that native (eg JPEG) format to PDF
> 4. That CUPS client forwards that PDF to the printer at 192.168.1.20:????
> 5. The printer prints it because the printer accepts PDF format
>

> > > I do not profess nor pretend to know how it works; but it works.

HP printers use TCP port 9100 by default

JT

--

Arlen Holder

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Nov 29, 2020, 10:59:06 PM11/29/20

to

On Mon, 30 Nov 2020 03:14:09 +0000 (UTC), JT wrote:

> HP printers use TCP port 9100 by default

Hi JT,

Thank you for your purposefully helpful information about the port that the
HP printers use by default being port 9100. Much appreciated.

I instantly ran this quick test the moment I saw your post:
o telnet 192.168.0.20 9100 (connects, but I can't talk printer protocol)
o telnet 192.168.0.20 9200 (fails, I chose that port arbitrarily to test)

Indeed, you are correct that the HP LJ 2100tn is listening on port 9100.
o Thank you for being a good netizen by helping others out.

I wonder why port 9100 didn't show up in the ipscan for that printer?

o Printer's IP address, by Alex Trishan

<https://groups.google.com/g/comp.perips.printers/c/Y-b186tFKTs>

o IP = 192.168.0.20
o Ping = 2ms
o Hostname = [n/a]
o Ports[3+] = 80

I checked the automatically set settings in Android LetsPrintDroid:
o <https://i.postimg.cc/L5Pfd7xc/printing14.jpg>

Notice they _also_ confirm they automatically chose port 9100.
o <https://i.postimg.cc/bYS12Dqm/printing15.jpg>

Do you perchance know what the "RAW" means in the "RAW - Jet Direct"
o Is that "RAW" format the same thing as "PCL-5" format?
--
Usenet pools our collective experience with people around the world.

JT

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Nov 30, 2020, 9:51:26 PM11/30/20

to

Arlen Holder wrote:

> On Mon, 30 Nov 2020 03:14:09 +0000 (UTC), JT wrote:
>
> > HP printers use TCP port 9100 by default
>
> Hi JT,
>
> Thank you for your purposefully helpful information about the port that the
> HP printers use by default being port 9100. Much appreciated.
>
> I instantly ran this quick test the moment I saw your post:
> o telnet 192.168.0.20 9100 (connects, but I can't talk printer protocol)
> o telnet 192.168.0.20 9200 (fails, I chose that port arbitrarily to test)
>
> Indeed, you are correct that the HP LJ 2100tn is listening on port 9100.
> o Thank you for being a good netizen by helping others out.
>
> I wonder why port 9100 didn't show up in the ipscan for that printer?
> o Printer's IP address, by Alex Trishan
> <https://groups.google.com/g/comp.perips.printers/c/Y-b186tFKTs>
> o IP = 192.168.0.20
> o Ping = 2ms
> o Hostname = [n/a]
> o Ports[3+] = 80
>
> I checked the automatically set settings in Android LetsPrintDroid:
> o <https://i.postimg.cc/L5Pfd7xc/printing14.jpg>
>

> Notice they also confirm they automatically chose port 9100.

> o <https://i.postimg.cc/bYS12Dqm/printing15.jpg>
>
> Do you perchance know what the "RAW" means in the "RAW - Jet Direct"
> o Is that "RAW" format the same thing as "PCL-5" format?

Arlen,

RAW is the default protocol on HP printers.

The other option is LPR/LPD.

I would highly recommend using RAW.

LPR/LPD gives you options for creating a print queue and send info about the job.

Not really needed in a home environment.

More info about LPR/LPD: https://www.brooksnet.com/content/faq-what-is-lpr-lpd

This entirely different from printer language.

Most HP printers support PCL5, PCL6 and Postscript printer languages.

PCL6 would be my choice if you don't need Postscript or your printer doesn't support it.

In addition, some HP printers do NOT allow Telnet access.

JT

--

Arlen Holder

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Dec 1, 2020, 5:44:50 AM12/1/20

to

On Tue, 1 Dec 2020 02:51:16 +0000 (UTC), JT wrote:

> RAW is the default protocol on HP printers.
> The other option is LPR/LPD.
> I would highly recommend using RAW.

Hi JT,

Thanks for that recommendation as I'm at the point where I'm over my head
in protocols, RAW/JetDirect, IPP, IPP14, LPD, none of which have I even
thought about in all my decades of printing from Windows & Linux.

When everybody knows how to do it, I just google and find the steps
o It's only on Android printing that the steps simply don't exist (AFAICT).

Nowhere on the net have I found a step-by-step tutorial to do something
this simple, which is print directly to your own Ethernet'd printer which
isn't Mopria or Wi-Fi, and where you don't have a Linux CUPS server setup.

Even Android 10 help completely ignores printing to an Ethernet'd printer:
o <https://i.postimg.cc/pTkFdBSG/printing04.jpg>

Even the HP app failed (it expects a "Wi-Fi printer"), where, until I found
the combination of LetsPrintDroid/LetsPrintPDF, the only solutions that
worked were the highly marketed cloud solutions.

While big marketing orgs love to have your data, the last thing I would use
is the cloud just to get data from one device on my LAN to another...
o Only a fool would need to use the cloud to transfer files to/from his own devices.
<https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/misc.phone.mobile.iphone/sgSv_BRzO0A>

I admit though that, when I looked for solutions, the big MARKETING orgs
sure did make it easy for people to print to their printers via the cloud.

> LPR/LPD gives you options for creating a print queue and send info about the job.
> Not really needed in a home environment.
> More info about LPR/LPD: https://www.brooksnet.com/content/faq-what-is-lpr-lpd
> This entirely different from printer language.
> Most HP printers support PCL5, PCL6 and Postscript printer languages.
> PCL6 would be my choice if you don't need Postscript or your printer doesn't support it.

Since this is a "legacy printer", HP no longer supplies the Windows 10
drivers, and neither does Windows 10, by default, even when you click the
"Update Driver" buttons where it tries (forever, and fails) to get them.

I wrote up this tutorial long ago for the _only_ way to get Windows
drivers, where, at that time, as I recall, I _tried_ PCL-6, but failed.

People post tutorials and solutions out of the goodness of their hearts.

Arlen Holder

unread,

Dec 9, 2020, 2:52:58 PM12/9/20

to

Update:

This thread shows how to print to _any_ printer that is on your LAN,
(as long as it has an IP address) where I've been printing away.

However, today I noticed a "gotcha", which is "landscaped" printing.
o I was printing a 2021 customized paper calendar (with birthdays)
based on this tutorial where I converted the calendar PDF to PPT.

o Windows Tutorial to annotate & print family calendar at home on 8.5x11 paper (please improve for all to benefit)
<https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/alt.comp.freeware/RA3bLfsgtFg>

When I converted the custom Powerpoint back to PDF, it unexpectedly
printed from my Android phone _only_ in "portrait" orientation.

Not "landscape".

I solved it easily by rotating the PDF in Adobe Acrobat on Windows,
but this problem of "portrait-only" orientation doesn't happen when I print
the same file on Windows.

The "portrait-only" orientation only happens when I print from Android.

In summary, it's just a heads-up to test both orientations if you use this
tutorial to print from Android using LetsPrintDroid & LetsPrintPDF.
--
Google proved, yet again, core iOS code has never been tested since 1985.
<https://groups.google.com/g/misc.phone.mobile.iphone/c/7Mc1sX9XISA>
With an obvious length check bug, the entire iOS house of cards fell down.
Google asked "Is it really that easy?", where the answer was "Yes".