I beforehand used an affordable CHIP board as a Linux printer and scanner server for the Canon MP250 USB multi-function printer. It took some time to make it work with an extended checklist of directions and even then the scanner perform was not working very reliably.
ValdikSS’s UoWPrint driverless printing and scanning server goals to simplify the method for older USB printers and likewise helps AirPrint and Mopria requirements over WiFi. The older Orange Pi 3G-IoT-A board was the {hardware} of selection for this challenge on account of its ultra-low worth.
The ensuing product allows customers to transform their outdated USB printer (or MFP) right into a WiFi printer/MFP and print and scan with out drivers from Home windows, macOS, and Linux, in addition to cellular working techniques reminiscent of iOS/Android. ValdikSS advised CNX Software program he spent a substantial period of time backporting patches required to run trendy Debian 12 to the kernel 3.2.67 (systemd requirement is kernel 4.15+), sharpening all of the bugs (together with SANE, AirSane, and printer drivers), writing the net interface and making the system usable out-of-the-box by the common consumer.
The challenge was initiated for 3 fundamental causes:
- Carry utilization comfort to the older printers and MFPs
- Scale back e-waste by using OrangePI 3G-IoT-A boards that ship with poor software program help from the corporate
- Fund CUPS, SANE, AirSane, and Linux printer driver authors for higher open-source software program
He’s additionally labored on a driver for Canon CAPTv1 printers (1999-2004) for which there is no such thing as a Home windows 64-bit driver. Home windows customers can now print with this printer with out having to resort to hacks reminiscent of operating Home windows XP in a VM.
The challenge’s web site has extra particulars concerning the supported printers and working techniques. Whereas the challenge is technically open-source, the supply code (mkosi construct script) is simply accessible to individuals who buy a $25 package with the Orange Pi 3G-IoT-A board preloaded with UoWPrint and an acrylic case. Out of the $25 worth, $2 shall be despatched to CUPS core builders and $2 for SANE/AirSane builders from every offered system, and $2 further shall be used to fund the advance of Canon CAPT (v2+) drivers as these printers are nonetheless quite common within the former USSR, Europe, and Asia.
Jean-Luc began CNX Software program in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, earlier than quitting his job as a software program engineering supervisor, and beginning to write every day information, and evaluations full time later in 2011.
