Ask HN: USB-to-WiFi print server for old printers – do you want it?

I'm thinking on making a crowdfunding campaign for the western audience for a proper, modern print server device which allows to:

    * Convert your old USB printer (or MFP) into Wi-Fi printer/MFP
    * Print and scan without drivers from Windows/macOS/Linux, as well as iOS/Android
    * Use your old printer with any modern PC, Mac or smartphone, even if the driver is obsolete and doesn't work on current OS versions
I've spend the last 3 years making and improving the underlying CUPS printing stack, SANE scanning engine, and open-source printer drivers, along with the device. It was selling mostly in ex-CIS countries, only some have been sold to EU, US, Canada, Africa.

In the EU, there are companies which specialize on buying old used printers from the golden era of manufacturing (2004-2012), professionally refurbish them, and sell with the warranty. These older printers are usually much sturdier and cheaper in maintenance than the current models. That's why there's a need for such a device even when the user buys 'new' printer, because many want to print over Wi-Fi.

Is it's the case for the US as well? I've seen different sellers on ebay for older printers, but the idea of buying a used printer doesn't seem to be common at all from what I could see.

This is more or less a preconfigured SBC with CUPS + SANE + AirSane + box86, with all the drivers installed and tested (incl. many proprietary, for x86, which are running under emulation), and many patches to ensure stable and fast operation.

The price would be around $45-60. Used to be cheaper, but due to current RAM prices can't go lower unfortunately.

Do you personally want such a device (or know someone who might want it) and would buy it for this price?

https://litter.catbox.moe/h0qx56.webp

5 points | by ValdikSS 10 hours ago

3 comments

  • leros 3 hours ago
    These already exist. I see wired ones on Amazon for $50 and wireless ones for $60.

    Is your device different from what's already on the market?

    [-]
    • ValdikSS 2 hours ago
      These are just a port-forwarding devices like the ones from the 90s, which just wrap printer port over TCP. No auto-discovery, need for drivers, no scanning support.

      Contrary to older-generation print server hardware or home routers with printer-sharing functions, my device does not require to install any printer-specific drivers or applications on your devices but uses universal standard drivers available in any contemporary operating system.

      The printer driver is running on the print server itself, freeing you from installing drivers on the PC.

      In other words, with it you can use AirPrint and Mopria to print and scan over the network on your USB printer.

  • j4nek 7 hours ago
    i really like the packaing of your device, this makes me smile! :)
    [-]