Epson 1400 via Print Server

Bristolian

Suspended / Banned
Messages
4,428
Name
Steve
Edit My Images
Yes
Howdy folks,

I've just purchased an Epson 1400 printer which only has a USB connection. Epson sell a print server unit to enable the printer to be accessed via the LAN - but it's almost £200!!!

Loads of places sell print servers for £20-50, all of which say they work with USB printers. I wonder what makes the Epson one so expensive :shrug:

Does anyone use a 1400 printer in this way (or any USB printer) and can give me some tips on what to look for in the server specs?

TIA :)
 
I tried a few times to get mine to work over the network without success. Plugged it into NAS/print server via the usb port but although it could see it, the printer would never print.

Still have the 1400 but bought a wireless laser for every day use.
 
Steep,

The 1400 is only going to be used for photo printing but I'd like to be able to do that from any pc on the network.

Thanks for the info but it's a bit worrying that you had troubles :(
 
It depends what communication the printer needs with the PC... if its straightforward USB then it should be easyish to get it going. If it has some bidirectional requirements then you'll probably have to spring for the official piece... unless you can find someone locally with a print server you can try....
 
Last edited:
I used to have my printer plugged into a NAS unit back when I used such things but it would only install as a network printer and did not have full control like you would have if plugged into a PC. You could set paper type and print quality etc but utilities like showing ink levels did not work.

My PC is on all day so now the printer is just plugged into it and shared on the network.
 
I bought a print server from Maplins yesterday and set that up on my router without any problem. When I plugged the 1400 into the server USB port it was visible to the computers on the network but it doesn't respond to print commands or provide information on ink levels, etc.

This morning I have successfully set the printer as a share on the network and all the computers can use it fully ... provided my main pc is switched on. Not what I wanted but it will have to do I guess. I'm certainly not spending as much on a print server as I did on the printer itself just 'cos it's got Epson's name on it.

Thanks for your assistance folks but it looks like I've gt as good a result as I'm going to get :(
 
Back
Top