Viewing 17 posts - 1 through 17 (of 17 total)
  • what do i need to convert USB printer to wireless?
  • meeeee
    Free Member

    I want to make my canon printer wireless (only has USB port, no network port), is there some kind of dongle type thing i can plug into it?

    I’ve seen wireless print servers, but they seem to be routers as well and i’ve already got a wireless router.

    thanks

    scaredypants
    Full Member

    I’d be surprised if you can, without some kind of device (like this wireless server, or maybe a network storage box?) that has a USB port on it (USB hosting is what the printer would need to have I think and I can’t see why it would)

    or maybe you have an old laptop that you could run it from – seems cumbersome & inefficient though

    then again, I know **** all about this stuff 😳

    Cougar
    Full Member

    Wireless JetDirect print server type box, I’d guess. Probably set you back about £200.

    There might be cheaper solutions, I’ve not looked at this in a long time. Basically though, you need not only something to convert USB to wireless ethernet, but also something that’s intelligent enough to manage a print queue.

    I’d question what you’re trying to achieve; by far the simplest way would be to plug it into a PC and share it on the LAN.

    flowmtbguy
    Free Member

    new printers are only 60 quid with wireless built in. depends if yours is anything special or not I guess

    Cougar
    Full Member

    Seems they’ve got a lot cheaper since I last looked.

    https://pc-stop.co.uk/product/wifi-usb-print-serve-wireless-print-server-single-usb20-port

    … for instance.

    infidel
    Free Member

    a NAS would do it…

    steelfan
    Free Member

    Apple airport or airport express does it all. It has a wireless printing facility built in.apple airport express

    simonlovell999
    Free Member

    OR just get a hp wireless photosmart printer, £45 off amazon. Problem solved

    meeeee
    Free Member

    looks like new wireless printer it is then if they are that cheap! Plus mine needs new inks at the moment as well so will save a few quid there.

    Doesnt seem very ‘green’ though 😕

    Cletus
    Full Member

    +1 new printer.

    Buying some sort of print server may not solve the problem – I have an aging OfficeJet G55 which I have tried plugging into NAS’s from Freecom and QNap without success.

    CharlieMungus
    Free Member

    I converted mine using an old portable TV aerial and a wire coat hanger

    grantway
    Free Member

    I have the Canon 640 brilliant and with a strong in built wireless networking

    Both me and my daughter have Mac,s but would not bother with the
    Apple Airport dont need it waste of money.

    Bought mine through Amazon

    sweepy
    Free Member

    I converted mine using an old portable TV aerial and a wire coat hanger

    I used 2 cocoa tins and some string, the string does need to be tight tho

    Trampus
    Free Member

    Before buying the cheapest wireless printer on the planet, take some time to offset where you can buy the cheapest ink!

    Cougar
    Full Member

    mine needs new inks at the moment as well so will save a few quid there.

    Bear in mind that many printers come with “starter” cartridges which are nearly empty, so you might not be getting as much as you think.

    NZCol
    Full Member

    I always buy sh lasers. Last two have lasted years and been less then the price of a cheap inkjet. Current one is a laser jet 4600 with jet direct card and full set of spare toners -cost me $200. once they die I give them to the recyclers. Networks fine off a switch.

    molgrips
    Free Member

    Don’t get a new printer, it’s wasting working equippment. Just buy one of the dongles, they are cheap as chips.

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