Subject: Laserjet p1109w - anyone got it working?

From: brian <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2016 18:10:39 -0400

My dear old Laserjet 5N finally having died, I bought an HP Laserjet
P1109w to replace it. I have managed to install it to the extent that
it's recognised (USB connection, not wireless) but the problem is that
it apparently needs a *proprietary* plug-in to print properly. 

I have H-Ps installer, and everything goes OK up to the point at which
it goes to an unspecified H-P site to download the plug-in. The
installer then claims that the file it tried to download has an
invalid checksum and may have been modified, and that's it, the
program exits. Substantially the same thing happens if I use hp-plugin
outside of the installer, it just tells me that it can't download the
file due to an invalid checksum. 

H-P support are as much use as a chocolate teapot, all they will do is
to point me back to the site where I can download the installer again.
I have tried to point out to them that it appears to be a corrupted
file on their website (if I believe the error message!) but it gets me
nowhere. 

Anybody got any ideas before I package the printer up and send it back
to Amazon to exchange it for another brand? I'm using 64-bit testing,
should anyone feel that makes a difference. 

Thanks, 

Brian.

---

From: Brian <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 09:34:33 +0100

> file on their website (if I believe the error message!) but it gets me

To be fair to HP they make it crystal clear how Linux printing support
is provided:

  http://hplipopensource.com/hplip-web/support.html

You might want to co-operate with the process and report your problem as
a question if it persists.
 
> should anyone feel that makes a difference.

1. Go to

     https://www.openprinting.org/download/printdriver/auxfiles/HP/plugins/

   and download the latest *.run.

2. 'mkdir plugin' and move your file into it.

3. The file is a shell script containing needed plugins and other files.
   Make it executable with 'chmod 755 *.run' and look at its help with
   './*.run -h'.

4. Check what you are going to install by using './*.run --tar vxf' to
   extract the files from the script.

5. Install with './*.run'. Only this final step needs root privilege.

-- 
Brian.

---

From: brian <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 05:56:44 -0400

>a question if it persists.

The installer clearly identifies the problem as a corrupted file on
H-P's (unnamed) website. But OK, I have tried it the way you suggest,
let's see whether it gets me anywhere. I had hoped that (contacting
H-P support directly) the response might have been "OK, we'll refresh
the copy of the file/checksum" (I'm assuming the checksum is taken
from an associated file) but obviously that was a fit of unwarranted
optimism.  

>5. Install with './*.run'. Only this final step needs root privilege.

Thank you very much, that all worked, given an extra step of removing
HPLIP and installing the version I downloaded from the URL which you
gave (the version I had installed was from the Debian repos, that one
apparently wasn't correctly detected by the plugin software). Why the
original installer couldn't refer me to that website, I have no idea. 

Brian.

---

From: Brian <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 14:43:27 +0100

> original installer couldn't refer me to that website, I have no idea. 

hp-plugin is setup to go to the openprinting site for the plugin. :)

It has been some time since I used this technique so I was working
partly from memory. Step 5 was poor advice because that script would
expect a GUI with QT to be available. The situation I devised the
method for was one in which there was no X; step 5 should read

5. Make installPlugin.py executable and do './installPlugin.py'.

Another mistake is in step 1. The advice should be to download the
version of *.run corresponding with the hplip version you have.

But it is good it all worked out. You could purge the version of hplip
you now have, install from the Debian repros and install the plugin
again if you wanted.

-- 
Brian.
wanted.

---

From: Ralph Katz <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2016 19:15:48 -0400

On 09/19/2016 09:43 AM, Brian wrote:
[snip]
> partly from memory. Step 5 was poor advice because that script
> would expect a GUI with QT to be available. The situation I devised
> the method for was one in which there was no X; step 5 should read
> 
> But it is good it all worked out. You could purge the version of
> hplip you now have, install from the Debian repros and install the
> plugin again if you wanted.
> 

Some searching would have saved time as we discussed this printer back
in June without needing any plug-ins or non-debian software to get it
working.  I posted:

> I use the standard cups foomatic driver for your P1102w printer on
> my very similar (or identical)  HP LaserJet Professional P1109w on
> my stable/Jessie system.
> 
> Browsing to localhost:631/printers shows:
>> Description:	Hewlett-Packard HP LaserJet Professional P1109w 
>> Driver:	HP LaserJet Pro P1102w Foomatic/foo2zjs-z2 (recommended)
>> (grayscale, 2-sided printing) Connection:
>> dnssd://HP%20LaserJet%20Professional%20P1109w._pdl-datastream._tcp.local/
>
>> 
> [There is no 2-sided printing.]

https://lists.debian.org/debian-user/2016/06/msg00953.html

Regards,
Ralph

---

From: brian <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2016 04:27:53 -0400

>https://lists.debian.org/debian-user/2016/06/msg00953.html

Searching *was* done prior to posting. I ran a search on my entire
Debian mailing list hierarchy looking for p1102w or p1109w, as well as
trying a number of searches via DuckDuckGo to try to find any
information on the problem. 

Unfortunately the subject line of the thread you reference didn't
mention either printer - it was 

> USB printer CUPS stalls on "Sending data to printer"

Now if you feel that I'm in some way remiss in not interpreting this
as relating to my problem, then that is of course your privilege, just
the same as it's my privilege to regard you as someone trying to be a
smartarse. 

My debian-user folder has somewhere in excess of 80,000 messages in
it. Not really too practical to search it manually. 

Brian.

---

From: deloptes <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2016 12:20:24 +0200

> it. Not really too practical to search it manually.

I still use google and if I type in "debian p1109w", the first 10 results
cover both threads.
About 1999 doing a research on search engine algos, we (at the university)
came to the conclusion google has the best one ... so why would you relay
on something else?

---

From: deloptes <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2016 14:27:59 +0200

[email-masked] wrote:

> Privacy?
> 
> See, sometimes there are reasons beyond technical ones. At least for me.
> 
> (I alternate between DuckDuckGo and searx)

Not sure where the red line is. I don't think searching on debian+p1109w
would impact googles or anyones live in anyway, but each individual decides
for him/herself where the red line is.
I personally think that in such cases google is a good alternative, but I
would never have private or confidential mails or information shared with
them.
But in this case I do not see anything of private nature ... well they might
tag you of owning hp printer ... so what ... even if you get
advertisements ... it doesn't really matter. You get and give. If you don't
give you don't get.

regards

---

From: Lisi Reisz <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2016 14:18:13 +0100

On Thursday 22 September 2016 13:27:59 deloptes wrote:
> But in this case I do not see anything of private nature ... well they
> might tag you of owning hp printer ... so what ... even if you get

But people are entitled to their own opinion on that.  You win some, you lose 
some.  Only you can decide where the line is for you.

I use Gmail*, but lie on Facebook and for Google registration.  I am called 
Reisz and live in a village.  I was amused that when I searched for my nephew 
on Facebook, he was difficult to trace because he too had lied!!  He too 
lives in a village.

*I wouldn't with what I know now, but there are quite a lot of advantages, and 
the horse bolted long ago.

Lisi

---

From: Brian <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2016 12:48:40 +0100

On Thu 22 Sep 2016 at 12:54:37 +0200, [email-masked] wrote:

> On Thu, Sep 22, 2016 at 12:20:24PM +0200, deloptes wrote:
> 
> [...]
> 

The issue was one in which the plugin from HP would not install because
it was seen to have an invalid checksum. The printer model is of no
relevance because hp-plugin has no idea for which printer it is being
installed. 

The thread referenced by Ralph Katz has no mention of corrupt plugins so
would be of no help in solving the issue, irrespective of the p1109w
getting a mention. However it does hint at using printer-driver-foo2zjs
as an alternative to printer-driver-hpcups. Had it been impossible to
install the plugin from openprinting (we saw it wasn't) this would have
been an option to take. Not ideal in terms of the stated problem but
much more elegant and less hassle than buying a different printer.

-- 
Brian.

---

From: brian <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 06:17:16 -0400

>original installer couldn't refer me to that website, I have no idea. 

I forgot to add - the options to try to set up the GUI resulted in
unresolved dependencies. The packages listed as missing are not in the
Debian repos, at least not under the names the software was expecting.
If you refuse the GUI options and go for an interactive setup (it's
one of the questions) then the unresolved dependencies go away. 

Brian.

---

From: deloptes <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 08:22:35 +0200

brian wrote:

> it apparently needs a proprietary plug-in to print properly.

No idea what you are talking about, but I find this
http://hplipopensource.com/hplip-web/models/laserjet/hp_laserjet_professional_p1109w.html

---

From: brian <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 04:41:33 -0400

>http://hplipopensource.com/hplip-web/models/laserjet/hp_laserjet_professional_p1109w.html
Yes, that's the page I started from - and if you work through it all,
you will find that this particular printer is one of the models that
apparently needs an additional plug-in to work, and the file is
corrupted according to the software which you download from the URL
which you posted. 

Brian.

---

From: Doug <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2016 19:52:18 -0400

> should anyone feel that makes a difference.
I think you are better off with a wifi router and a printer with an 
Ethernet connection. I have an HP LaserJet PPro M-201dw that works 
nicely with no problems.

--doug

---

From: Dutch Ingraham <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2016 18:09:29 -0500

> should anyone feel that makes a difference. 

I'm not a Luddite, but if you still can, I'd ship it back and go on
e-bay and pick up a used 4050/4100 or some such.  Similar to your 5N,
but a little newer.  Most importantly, speaks perfect PS and drivers are
no problem (just CUPS+Gutenprint).  Get the N version for network
connectivity, because otherwise will likely come only configured for
parallel, which might be a problem.  Should be in the $100-$135 range.
I've got over 60000 copies on the ol' 4050N I've got.  If you've got the
cash, there are of course newer versions of pure postscript printers
available.

I got rid of my "modern" HP 1005p after sooo much frustration, needing
not just a driver and firmware, but something called a "hotplug" as 
well.  So glad I lucked into the 4050 dinosaur.

---

From: [email-masked]
Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2016 17:30:01 -0500

On Sun, September 18, 2016 5:10 pm, brian wrote:
> it's recognised (USB connection, not wireless) but the problem is that it
> apparently needs a *proprietary* plug-in to print properly.
>
> it goes to an unspecified H-P site to download the plug-in.

Installer?  Plug-in?  Are you using CUPS?  Is the P1109w not in the CUPS
menu?

I picked up a P3015 for $150; it runs perfectly under CUPS and is the best
printer I ever have used.  I am using the Ethernet interface.

RLH

---

From: Lisi Reisz <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 07:40:23 +0100

> printer I ever have used.  I am using the Ethernet interface.

If we are putting in plugs for other printers, then Sumsung has brilliant 
support for Linux, once you get past first level support.  They have a chap 
(Linux Support Department!), whose permission I have to give out his name and 
contact details, who will stick with it to help until the printer/all-in-on 
works in Linux, if the supplied Linux drivers don't work.  (I've always 
managed to get printers going - it was an all-in-one I needed his help for.)

Lisi

---

From: gianluca <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 08:59:53 +0200

> managed to get printers going - it was an all-in-one I needed his help for.)

Ok, but try to use them (the Samsung's printers) on Linux ARM, MIPS or 
even PowerPC. Their installers are designed for x86 CPUs.

-1 to me so I tell to everybody to avoid samsung printer not seen by CUPS.

Brother's Printer has a better support to my knowledge.

-- 
Eurek s.r.l.                          |
Electronic Engineering                | http://www.eurek.it
via Celletta 8/B, 40026 Imola, Italy  | Phone: +39-(0)542-609120
p.iva 00690621206 - c.f. 04020030377  | Fax:   +39-(0)542-609212

---

From: Brian <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 10:18:15 +0100

On Mon 19 Sep 2016 at 08:59:53 +0200, gianluca wrote:

> Ok, but try to use them (the Samsung's printers) on Linux ARM, MIPS or even
> PowerPC. Their installers are designed for x86 CPUs.
> 

Debian packages software which has a free licence for Brother printers
and, of course, it would be available for the architectures you mention.
Printers which have software with a non-free licence (and the there are
quite a few which fall into that category) is not packaged and users
will generally employ Brother's installation software to get their
printers going.

TTBOMK the installers (as .debs) are i386 only and there is no source
code for a filter they contain. So the situation is really no better
than at Samsung.

---

From: Lisi Reisz <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 11:03:11 +0100

> code for a filter they contain. So the situation is really no better

Except that Samsung has really good human back-up support for x86 at least!!

Lisi

---

From: brian <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2016 18:58:53 -0400

>Installer?  Plug-in?  Are you using CUPS?  Is the P1109w not in the CUPS

Yes, yes, yes, and yes it is, respectively. However, while the printer
is *recognised* without the proprietary software, it will not *print*
anything without the plugin. 

>printer I ever have used.  I am using the Ethernet interface.

I suppose I could enable wireless on my router and try the wireless
connection (I'm still all cabled here, it has no socket for an
ethernet cable nor for a JetDirect card) but I don't think it's going
to make any difference, it's not communicating with the printer which
is the problem. My system recognised the printer without any problem
whatsoever. 

However, if you look on H-Ps website, they state explicitly that some
printers will require one of their plugins to print, and some will
not. I guess they ought to know about their own printers. :) 

This printer was slightly more than half the price of yours ($79), but
if I do have to return it and get a different model, I'll keep your
recommendation in mind. 

Brian.

---

From: Dan Ritter <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2016 19:29:54 -0400

> if I do have to return it and get a different model, I'll keep your

Pick a Brother with BRScript3 (their version of PostScript), an
ethernet port, and a duplexing feature (model name will have a D
near the end). Should be in the $100-150 range.

You can run it under CUPS with no bizarre driver downloads,
though Brother will offer you one.

-dsr-

---

From: Brian <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 18:32:34 +0100

> though Brother will offer you one.

I didn't understand the final sentence first time round. After mulling
on it I still don't understand it. Any enlightenment in the offing?

-- 
Brian.

---

From: deloptes <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 20:22:06 +0200

> on it I still don't understand it. Any enlightenment in the offing?

I understand he means that you do not need additional software for scanning,
although such software is offered by the vendor (Brother).

IMO the new multifunction devices confuse a lot of people.

regards

---

From: Brian <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 19:29:24 +0100

> although such software is offered by the vendor (Brother).

He could mean that but the thread is about printing. The connection
between the two concepts is tenuous and they should not be confused.

> IMO the new multifunction devices confuse a lot of people.

Could happen. That's their problem.