How to configure a printer using IP address? (LP connection)

The LP type of connection is designed for large-format printers equipped with controllers, like many HP printer models, enabling a direct connection from CalderaRIP to the printer. 

This article will guide you through the configuration of a printer using the LP connection:

1. Assuming you already have your printer driver installed, open CalderaRIP.
   
   
2. In the Application bar, open the Settings tab. Then, double-click the ServerAdmin icon:
   
   
3. Choose the print server you wish to configure its connection to from the list:
   
   

    

4. Click the Configure... button:

   
   
   

5. Another pop-up will appear, with the Connection tab open. 
   
   
6. When selecting "LP" as the connection type, multiple parameter fields will appear:
   

     Warning

   Except for the Host/IP address field, it is not recommended to modify the default values unless you are an experienced operator.
   Incorrect values may cause unexpected behavior and malfunctions at the level of your print jobs.

   • Auto-detection: Some printers, like the HP PageWide XL Pro Series, are equipped with an "auto-detection" checkbox. This feature automatically detects the printer's IP address.
   • Max DMA(kb): The maximum temporary buffer size (in kilobytes) which enables data transfer to the printer. Some printers use a temporary file and others use memory allocation to restore previous data. For HP printers, this value corresponds to the packet size sent to the SDK packer.

       Info

     The availability of this field depends on your printer driver. A high value may speed up ripping, but it will also increase the memory usage of your workstation.

   • Host/IP address: The printer's name or IP address. You can set it manually or let the system autodetect it if the "auto-detection" feature is available. 
     How to find the IP of my printer with CalderaRIP?

     1. Return to the main ServerAdmin module window.
     2. Click on Devices. Another window will pop up.
     3. Go to the Network tab, and wait for the list of printers and their IP addresses to appear:
        

       Info

     If the above method does not work or is not available, please consult your printer manufacturer's Operations Manual on how to find or assign an IP address to your printer.

   • Timeout (s): Corresponds to the number of connection requests made by a printer before displaying an error.
     

       Info

     The actual timeout depends on the printer and is defined during the development of the driver.
     Also, the timeout is generally defined as “infinite” for network operations, except for some HP printers (Latex 300, 500, etc.), where the timeout is set to 90 minutes.

   • File or device: LP Protocol printer or device name (only used if the port number is 515). 
   • LP Port number. The LP port number specifies the printer's remote port used for sending print jobs:
   • Most printers use port 9100, which is the standard data stream network printer port.
   • HP PageWide printers typically use port 9101 for high-speed data reception.
   • Some printers utilize port 515, the Line Printer Daemon (LPD) port.

       Warning

     When port 515 is configured, metadata is added to each print job in compliance with the LP protocol. However, this may cause print job corruption on certain printers, such as HP models.

   • Max File (Kb): Maximum data size of an LP Protocol job packet (only used if the port number is 515). 
7. When you have finished configuring your printer, click on the Proceed button and enter your administration password (most probably "caldera") to save the changes.