For users running older operating systems like Mac OS X Snow Leopard, connecting a USB printer to a network can sometimes present a challenge. However, a Usb Print Server offers a straightforward solution, allowing you to share your printer across multiple devices without needing a direct USB connection to each one. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up your Epson printer using a USB print server on Mac OS X, drawing upon the experience of a user successfully connecting an Epson Stylus Photo R200.
Why Use a USB Print Server?
A USB print server acts as a bridge, connecting your USB printer to your network. This eliminates the need for a dedicated computer to act as a print server, simplifying your setup and potentially saving energy. By plugging your Epson printer into a USB print server, you can make it accessible to all devices on your network, just like a network printer. This is particularly useful in homes or small offices where multiple users need to share a single printer.
Step-by-Step Guide: Connecting Your Epson Printer via USB Print Server on Mac OS X
This guide is based on the successful setup of an Epson Stylus Photo R200 printer using an LPV-U2-US USB Print Server on Mac OS X 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard). While specific steps might vary slightly depending on your exact models and network configuration, the general principles remain the same.
1. Configure Your USB Print Server
First, you’ll need to configure your USB print server. This typically involves accessing its settings through a web browser.
- Assign a Static IP Address: It’s highly recommended to assign a fixed IP address to your print server from your router’s address pool. This ensures that the print server’s IP address doesn’t change, preventing connection issues in the future. Give your print server a recognizable name for easy identification on your network. Leave other settings at their default values unless you have specific networking requirements.
2. Add the Printer on Your Mac OS X System
Next, you need to add the printer to your Mac OS X system.
- Open Printer Settings: Go to “System Preferences” and then select “Print & Fax” (or “Printers & Scanners” in newer macOS versions if you are adapting these steps). Click the “+” button to add a new printer.
- Add Printer via Bonjour: Mac OS X should automatically detect the print server on your network via Bonjour with the name you assigned to it. Select the print server from the list of available printers.
3. Select the Correct Printer Driver – Gutenprint is Key
This is a crucial step. Instead of relying on the automatically suggested drivers, manually select the driver software.
- Manual Driver Selection: In the “Print Using” dropdown menu, choose “Select Printer Software…”. This will open a printer software selection window.
- Choose Gutenprint Driver: Search for your printer model (e.g., “R200”) in the Printer Software list. Crucially, select the “Gutenprint v5.2.3 driver” (or the latest Gutenprint version available for your printer model and OS X version), and NOT the standard Epson driver listed (e.g., “Epson SP R200 series”).
The original user’s experience highlighted that the Gutenprint driver was the key to successful setup. While the operating system could communicate with the print server, the manufacturer’s driver might not properly facilitate printing through the network connection provided by the USB print server in this older OS environment.
Why Gutenprint?
As Apple’s support documentation for Snow Leopard (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3669) notes, Gutenprint drivers are open-source drivers that can provide compatibility when manufacturer drivers are unavailable or not working correctly. For older systems, especially when using a USB print server, Gutenprint can offer a robust alternative. While it might not support every single feature of your printer, it often provides sufficient functionality for everyday printing needs.
Conclusion
Setting up a USB print server with your Epson printer on Mac OS X, even older versions like Snow Leopard, is achievable. The key is often using the correct printer driver, and in many cases, the open-source Gutenprint driver can be the solution when manufacturer drivers fall short. By following these steps, you can effectively share your USB printer across your network, enhancing convenience and efficiency in your home or office. Remember to consult your specific USB print server’s manual for detailed configuration instructions and check for the latest Gutenprint drivers compatible with your printer and operating system for optimal performance.
