JetDirect problems

[Keith]

Brian Lanning wrote:
> I tried to attach a LaserJet III to a JetDirect EX Plus.  The printer
> looks like it's ok.  It can print a test page from the control panel
> just fine.  I haven't tried to attach it to a computer parallel port
> yet, so I haven't ruled out the parallel port on the printer and cable
> yet.

That would definitely be something to try.  You'll want to make sure the 
printer/port/cable is ok prior to doing anything else.  Be careful and 
cognizant of the cable choices you make.

> I installed the HP TCP/IP driver for vista.

I would stay away from proprietary solutions for the actual print driver 
portion of it.  For managing the print server, that's one thing.  But 
for general printing, use standard "lpr" based print services.  It's 
built into Windows.  Don't use the proprietary software created ports, 
just use lpr, standard port number(windows will default correctly), and 
if the print server has more than one port, make sure to specify the 
"queue name" -- some servers use S0, S1, S2 for serial port 1, serial 
port 2. or P1, P2 etc for parallel ports 1 & 2, and so on.  Be aware 
that these queue names matter so that when the PS receives a job, it 
knows which port to send it out on.

 >I can see in the router logs that the JetDirect asks for
> and receives an IP Address.

DHCP is a PITA.  Set your print server to a static IP.  There's no need 
on 99% of networks for a moving printer IP.  (I don't care if you can 
set it on the DHCP server).  Just set it to a static IP, and exclude the 
address from the DHCP server pool if necessary.

> Can anyone suggest something else to try?

In Vista, add a local printer. (definitely NOT a network printer, trust 
me on this)  Create new port. Type of port "standard tcp/ip port" Device 
type TCP/IP. IP address. PORT NAME --- this is the field I mentioned 
above, make sure it contains the correct port name (check print server 
manual for the correct naming convention).  I don't have a print server 
here now, so just make sure you pick the exact model of printer and 
manufacturer, etc.  Laser Jet III's are/were extremely popular and they 
have perfect driver support.

> 
> brian

Hope this helps

Keith