Ask HN: USB-to-WiFi print server for old printers

Ask HN: USB-to-WiFi print server for old printers – do you want it?

7 points by ValdikSS a day ago | 7 comments

I'm thinking on making a crowdfunding campaign for the western audience for a proper, modern print server device which allows to:

    * Convert your old USB printer (or MFP) into Wi-Fi printer/MFP
    * Print and scan without drivers from Windows/macOS/Linux, as well as iOS/Android
    * Use your old printer with any modern PC, Mac or smartphone, even if the driver is obsolete and doesn't work on current OS versions

I've spend the last 3 years making and improving the underlying CUPS printing stack, SANE scanning engine, and open-source printer drivers, along with the device. It was selling mostly in ex-CIS countries, only some have been sold to EU, US, Canada, Africa.

In the EU, there are companies which specialize on buying old used printers from the golden era of manufacturing (2004-2012), professionally refurbish them, and sell with the warranty. These older printers are usually much sturdier and cheaper in maintenance than the current models. That's why there's a need for such a device even when the user buys 'new' printer, because many want to print over Wi-Fi.

Is it's the case for the US as well? I've seen different sellers on ebay for older printers, but the idea of buying a used printer doesn't seem to be common at all from what I could see.

This is more or less a preconfigured SBC with CUPS + SANE + AirSane + box86, with all the drivers installed and tested (incl. many proprietary, for x86, which are running under emulation), and many patches to ensure stable and fast operation.

The price would be around $45-60. Used to be cheaper, but due to current RAM prices can't go lower unfortunately.

Do you personally want such a device (or know someone who might want it) and would buy it for this price?

https://litter.catbox.moe/h0qx56.webp

▲ leros 20 hours ago | parent | next [-]

These already exist. I see wired ones on Amazon for $50 and wireless ones for $60.

Is your device different from what's already on the market?

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ValdikSS 18 hours ago | parent [-]

These are just a port-forwarding devices like the ones from the 90s, which just wrap printer port over TCP. No auto-discovery, need for drivers, no scanning support.

Contrary to older-generation print server hardware or home routers with printer-sharing functions, my device does not require to install any printer-specific drivers or applications on your devices but uses universal standard drivers available in any contemporary operating system.

The printer driver is running on the print server itself, freeing you from installing drivers on the PC.

In other words, with it you can use AirPrint and Mopria to print and scan over the network on your USB printer.

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leros 16 hours ago | parent [-]

Interesting. I personally don't mind installing drivers as the OS makes it just a few clicks but I'm sure there is an advantage of not having to.

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ValdikSS 16 hours ago | parent [-]

Well, you can't do that on iOS in general for example. There may be no drivers for Windows on ARM, or for macOS ARM. Or for Android.

If you just need to convert USB printer to a Wi-Fi printer, the regular old print server will work for you, and you'll need to install the driver on the PC. You won't be able to print to such a printer from the smartphones, without third-party software or at all.

With my device, you can. It will act like a regular modern AirPrint-supported printer.

	▲	leros 16 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Gotcha. I don't use iOS so I haven't had that experience. On OSX, Ubuntu, and Android it's been just a few taps to connect to a network printer and install drivers. I think that might be a clue for you. This might be a problem most felt by iOS users. Could determine how you market such a a device.

▲ j4nek a day ago | parent | prev [-]

i really like the packaing of your device, this makes me smile! :)

	▲	ValdikSS a day ago \| parent [-]
		Designed by a friend of mine, I love it so much! https://www.behance.net/whorma https://dribbble.com/whorma