Any option for Automatic printing a test page

[Christopher]

Hi,

I have a question for the ones with us who now more about programming and scripting than I do. I wanted to know whether there is a program, script, plugin or anything that would automatically print a file every day?

My point is that I currently have a Epson 9900 / 3880 and a Canon 1000. Now the Epson 3880 works fine without much cleaning or otherwise. Expect random starwheel marks.... The 9900 works great when used often, but if I don't print everyday a small thing I need to do a cleaning every time I fire it up. This isn't to bad if I don't print for 2 weeks or so, but very frustrating if I print every 2nd day or so. Don't have much experience with the Canon but just wanted to drop it in. A solution which works for any printer would be great.

I tried just printing a very small color file everyday for the last 2 weeks with the 9900 and it looks like I don't need any cleaning at all. Or only a channel or so.

So these are my conditions: One computer, on the same network as the printers, is always running. It runs Windows and has access to Photoshop or any other app possible.

Is there any way at all to make this happen ?

[Mark D Segal]

Do a site search in this Forum, because the topic has been covered before. and if my memory serves me correctly some folks have come up with clever ways of accomplishing this. It is doable without too much difficulty. I forget the references or the details otherwise I eould have pointed you more specifically.

[howardm]

I'm not a Windows user but google -> windows cron service

You should be able to use the command line lp (printer interface) to print some file intermittently via cron.
There's a commercial Harvey Head Cleaner and QImage also has a similar function.

[Christopher]

Mark I know it was discussed, but wasn't able to find the topic...

I will look again.

[AFairley]

Mark I know it was discussed, but wasn't able to find the topic...

I will look again.

Search in the forum for Harvey Head Cleaner and you should find the threads, it gets mentioned in practically every thread on the topic of unattended printing to keep heads clear.

[Geraldo Garcia]

So these are my conditions: One computer, on the same network as the printers, is always running. It runs Windows and has access to Photoshop or any other app possible.
Is there any way at all to make this happen ?

You should try Qimage Ultimate. It is a printing program, a "pseudo-RIP" as some call it. It is not really a RIP software because it uses the manufacturer/O.S. printer driver. It works with every printer and, besides being an excellent option to print, it has an automated test print feature. It costs less than the ink you waste on cleaning cycles.

[garyhill]

There is a detailed podcast / blog entry at the link below

http://www.martinbaileyphotography.com/2014/11/17/prevent-printer-head-cleaning-with-automation-podcast-448/

which does exactly what you want except it is the Mac environment and the automation software / app is mac only. I thought you might find the detail of some benefit though.

Cheers,

Gary

[Christopher]

Thanks to all.


Christopher Hauser
ch@chauser.eu