Using a Linksys NSLU2, I’ve got it unslung using v6.10.
Originally I got the NSLU2 because it seemed like a good, cheap way of getting a big networked data drive on my home network.
I quickly realized that the factory firmware from Linux was rather limited.
You get A LOT more functionality when you use Unslung.
The real bonus was that I was also going to get a home print server AND a more powerful shared network drive.
I started by carefully following the instructions to get the NSLU2 working with Unslung.
I chose to use a 250GB external USB drive connected to Port 1 for my Unslung install.
Once Unslung was installed, I was able to use the drive as an networked storage device.
The next step was to install CUPS and get the NSLU2 working as a print server.
I have an HP Photosmart 7350 that I wanted to use with the NSLU2.
All the instructions to add CUPS are available here.
The actual CUPS installation when pretty smoothly – according to plan.
However, I got stuck once CUPS was installed, trying to get the printer to do anything.
I connected the usb cable to port 2. The port 2 light on the NSLU2 never lights up.
The CUPS instructions say that you should “just try printing” once you get CUPS installed.
I did this by trying to click the “Print Test Page” button for the default hp990c printer.
I got garbage out on my page.
DON’T TRY CHANGING ANY SETTINGS ON THE NSLU2 AT THIS POINT.
- I tried permissions changes, more software installs on the NSLU2… totally wrong approach.
- Just leave the base CUPS install and config alone.
The hp990c should be setup as a RAW printer in CUPS on the NSLU2 at this point. If it isn’t (because you messed with it) – click “modifiy printer” and change the driver to RAW.
From either a Mac or Windows machine on your network you now setup an Internet Printer.
Windows
- Add Printer
- Networked Printer
- URL – the address should be the entire link to the CUPS address on your NSLU2
- http://192.168.0.110:631/printers/hp990c
- make sure to include the “http://”
- also make sure to include the port “:631”
- When prompted, select the print driver that matches your printer
- In my case for the Photosmart 7350 I had to click “Have Disk”
- This also required having ALREADY INSTALLED the printer as a local usb connected printer so that the drivers were installed by the HP software in the directory c:\program files\HP Photosmart 11\enu\drivers
- Finish the Add Printer install and give it a try by printing a test page!
Mac
- DO NOT USE THE SYSTEM PREFERENCES PANEL TO DO THIS
- Open a web browser and go to http://localhost:631/admin
- This is the local admin control panel for the CUPS system that is built in to your Mac
- Use the Add Printer wizard
- Install using Internet Printing (HTTP)
- when you’re asked for the printer location, use the entire CUPS address on your NSLU2
- http://192.168.0.110:631/printers/hp990c
- make sure to include the “http://”
- also make sure to include the port “:631”
- Finish the wizard and give it a try by clicking “print test page”