Canon Pixma MP495

[newtusmaximus]

Looking to "convert" a family member to LL. However they are concerned as to whether they can get their Pixma MP495 to work ( scan & print) Also the  original "non linux" software has utilities that instructs the Pixma to clean and maintain the jets on the ink cartridges and then carry out print test routines. -  Does anyone know whether the linux package for these Canon  "all in ones" has the same maintenance options for keeping the cartridges clean etc?  Thanks.

[shengchieh]

Anytime I seen a printer problem, I go to openprinting.org .  They do have Canon Pixma MP495, but not good news. 
From

https://www.openprinting.org/printer/Can...ixma_mp495

they quote

Black & White printer, this is a Paperweight

Rather than hassling, get them an HP printer (HP is linux-friendly) and shuffle the Canon printer to a Windoze friend.

Sheng-Chieh

[Valtam]

Rather than hassling, get them an HP printer (HP is linux-friendly) and shuffle the Canon printer to a Windoze friend.

Agreed, afaik there is no gui management software for Canon pinters on linux, only some drivers (refer to the Help Manual). HP support for linux is exceptional!

[newtusmaximus]

Thanks for the response - The answer was not what I was hoping for I must admit.  Will give it a try anyway - re other Canons on this topic appear to have worked?

Alternatively -  , biting the bullet, what would be the best  ideally not expensive HP all-in-one scanner ( colour) to go for  that is wifi enabled. i.e running costs intermittent use reliability and easy to use??

[Valtam]

Alternatively -  , biting the bullet, what would be the best  ideally not expensive HP all-in-one scanner ( colour) to go for  that is wifi enabled. i.e running costs intermittent use reliability and easy to use??

Ideally you would choose a model that has been out for a few months.  It'll be cheaper and it'll stand a better chance of being supported. Go to somewhere like www.newegg.com and apply filters in the Printer/HP section and go from there.

[Wirezfree]

Hi newtusmaximus,

I agree with Jerry, HP are the best, but I'm biased, I worked for them for 21 years
Back on topic, unless they are into serious printing needs, most of the standard Deskjet family will do.
I have a HP3070A it's an AIO, and was about £35, cartridge cost are a fact of life.
I have installed LL about... ??? lost track, adding the HP Linux print Software was never an issue.
You do get an equivalent to Windows "Toolbox".... Dave

[N4RPS]

Hello!

A lot of people hate HP because of the LaserJet 5L/6L debacle, but for me, their Linux support makes up for that, LaserJet 3100 notwithstanding. Since virtually all my printing needs are for monochrome, I use a LaserJet p1102w as my main printer here, and it's been an excellent printer for me. Toner cartridges run $60-$70, but no more than I print, they last for years, and I don't get messy cleaning ink cartridges before printing anything. I must shake it occasionally, but I'm still on the cartridge that came with the printer. (I have a new one waiting, for when it finally DOES run out.)

I also an HP color inkjet printer/scanner. However, due to the high cost of ink, I find it cheaper to have anything in color printed at an office supply center or Wal-Mart photo center. Ink in the cartridges also dries out quickly, requiring the cartridge to be 'primed' before use. This uses a LOT of ink in the process - at $65,000 per gallon, based on the cost of the ink in those tiny cartridges.

I saw a used HP color laser at a thrift store recently at a good price ($30). If it works when I check it out, I might pick it up, even though color toner cartridges run about $100 each (3 + black). At least I'm not spending $500+ for the printer...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob

[newtusmaximus]

Thanks for the advice - I agree that colour inkjets when not used frequently - need to be declogged before use - So as quality is not essential - grandkids schoolwork - I tend to use the syringe refill sets - good enough for what is needed.

My own is a Samsung ML1529 monochrome laser - lost track of how many years I have had it   Must be 10 years plus.  Worked on LL1  with no problems .

Also a Deskjet 1200C serial port which I inherited and never got round to using. But build quality is superb. Another rainy day project - if usb-conversion adaptors are available.


I still have an original HP deskjet 500 monochrome in the loft - will dig it out one day and give it a try for old time's sake.

[N4RPS]

Hello!

Refilling your own ink cartridges definitely cuts the cost per page considerably. As for a Centronics-to-USB conversion cable, they are available online. I have one or two around here somewhere...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob

[newtusmaximus]

Update.
Partial good news. On LL2.4 Kernel 3.13 updated - and following the Canon Printers Guidance as per the LL updated manual - I have been able to get the MP495 to print via USB cable, using the dedicated MP495 driver. 
A GUI appears  in menu/Graphics/canon-printer-maintenance  & Canon-printer-monitor.  . The former works well.  Have not tried the WIFI  connection route yet

Now to try and get the scanning part to work.  Printer  scnner part of the MP495 identified in the XSane GUI box "Xsane 0.998  Canon Pixma MP495  but error message "Error During Read: Error During Device I/O  There is a brief  "squeak"  of communication and avery brief sound of some movement within the MP495 before the error message comes up.

. Not sure how toi get round that.  Any ideas??  Thanks

Progress   Certainly don't have to junk it!!