S7 - Direct printing

[Printer]

I am a new member and apologise if these topics have already been discussed.

The Parallel Printer Link seems to have sold out: can anyone tell me whether it is simply a serial to parallel converter and if so are the pin connections standard?

I have visited Andy Johnson's websites but can anyone tell me which current printers will work or where I might find a second hand Canon BJC-80 or similar - the direct print facility would be for occasional use only.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

[diem]

You can still buy the IR-parallel link, although true, not the hard-wired one.

I think there is a little more to it that a straight serial-to-parallel convertor - not sure which side of the connection it draws power from for e.g. :confused:

[wanman]

I think Yan's right on this but I am sure you can still buy the IR printer link which plugs into your printer and a infrared eye can be left anywhere you can see it (obviously !!). Press a button and your machine will print without the need to physically connect !!!

Regards

Si

[Beakynet]

Originally posted by diem
I think there is a little more to it that a straight serial-to-parallel convertor - not sure which side of the connection it draws power from for e.g. :confused:

The Parallel link requires a 9volt battery and does do a bit more than a hardwired cable would. I use one with my Series 7 and do have some problems, also the printine can be quite slow. The IR link would be a better option. It still requires power as far as I am aware and I don't know if it works off battery.

[Printer]

My thanks to diem, wanman and Beakynet for very helpful replies on how to connect to a printer: any ideas which printers now available in the shops will work (probably using Andy Johnson's drivers)? Or is it worthwhile to hunt around for a second hand printer specifically mentioned by Andy?

[wanman]

If you can get hold of a HP990cxi, then you won't need a printer cable at all as it has it's own IR port (not sure if any other manufacturers have a similar feature).

When deciding on a printer, you really need to think about size and requirements. If you only need it for a Psion, then may be worth while going compact as it will be more portable. I think the Canon is the only colour printer with colour drivers for the Psion, but then the Psion is not great at colour printing anyway. If the main use for your printer is with a PC then go for what you want. At worst, if no drivers are specifically available for the Psion, you can still print via your PC.

Just connect as you would to perform a backup and when you are connected, you can then print at leisure from your Psion, using the Print Via PC option. Your PC drivers do all the work.

Regards

SI

[Beakynet]

The Cannon BJC 85 also has a built in IR port and is small, however, I have not jot my Series 7 to print from it, though I only tried once and did not have time to try different settings or drivers. It did talk to it but printed garbidge.

[wanman]

Beakynet,

You can get hold of BJC-85 drivers for the 7 (and other ER5) machines at this link.

I assume the new netbook OS 158 comes with these drivers as these printers are already listed.

Regards

Si

www.aps.anl.gov/~anj/bjc80/

[Printer]

The BJC-85 sounds interesting because I would like to be able to print from my Psion when I am away from a PC. Is the model still on sale or is there an equivalent - when I enquired a few months ago Canon told me that all their latest printers do not have drivers compatible with the BJC-85.

[MikeMcC]

As far as I know the BJC-85 is still sold (I'm sure I saw it in Comet this afternoon).

There are enhanced Psion drivers for Canon printers on Andrew Johnson's website and these will certainly work with the BJC-85. www.aps.anl.gov/~anj

I would have thought Windows drivers could still be downloaded from Canon's website as well to use it with a PC.

[Printer]

Is there anything cheaper than the BJC-85? I was looking to pick up something for about £100 or am I being too optimistic?

[markdeppe]

http://www.poduk.com/ Make an IR pod that works well, sold by clove http://www.clove.co.uk/products.asp?product=PS5-IRP and others about £34

[jriemerm]

Does this IR printer link have a parallel pass-through? Is there a simple way to print via IR and still be able to print from my PC without having to switch cables/hardware?

Originally posted by wanman
I think Yan's right on this but I am sure you can still buy the IR printer link which plugs into your printer and a infrared eye can be left anywhere you can see it (obviously !!). Press a button and your machine will print without the need to physically connect !!!

Regards

Si

[markdeppe]

jriemerm

I Use the IR printer pod direct from my psion and leave it plugged into my Mac all the time. The printer a epson stylus 760 like many printers has both USB and parralell ports so the IR pod goes in the parralell port and the computer in the USB (the printer pod like the usual paraalell printer has a 9V battery - I've never had to change the battery in 2 years) then just point the netbook or 5mx or revo at the Pod and click print via IR.