If you’re looking to set up a serial printer, like the classic Apple ImageWriter II, to work with modern Macs and iOS devices, this guide will walk you through a simple, effective way to do it. The process involves configuring a Lantronix SGX 5150 IoT Device Gateway and using a Raspberry Pi as a dedicated print server.
First, you’ll need a few basics:
- The Lantronix SGX 5150 device
- A Raspberry Pi with network connectivity
- The ImageWriter II printer
- Proper cables and connectors (some may require soldering for a clean install)
- A compatible USB-to-serial adapter to connect your Raspberry Pi to the printer
Step 1: Set Up Your Lantronix Device
Start by unboxing the Lantronix SGX 5150 and connecting its antennas and power supply. After power-up, the device’s Status LED will flash a pattern indicating it’s waiting for a network connection.
If this is a used device, it’s a good idea to reset it to factory defaults. To do this, find the tiny reset button (usually with a toothpick), hold it down for about six seconds until the LEDs turn off, then release. Wait a moment for the device to restart.
Step 2: Connect to the Device’s Web Interface
The device creates its own Wi-Fi network—look for a network named something like “SGX-5101-XXXX.” Connect your Mac or iOS device to this network.
Open your web browser (Safari is recommended for easier authentication), and visit the device’s web server. The first prompt asks for login credentials. The default is often “admin” for username and “PASS” for password, but many devices will require the last few digits of the MAC address as the password. If you’re unsure, you can scan your network with a tool like Lantronix Provisioning Manager or use network commands like ‘arp -a’ to find the device’s MAC.
If you can’t log in through the web interface, you can use Telnet (older but still effective for initial configuration). Since macOS no longer includes Telnet by default, consider using a dedicated app like “Serial” from the Mac App Store. To start, open your terminal or Telnet app and connect by typing:
telnet [device IP]
Once connected, you can set an administrator password and configure basic settings. For example, to set a password, you’ll enter commands like:
enable
config
user management
admin password YOURPASSWORD
write
exit
exit
Replace “YOURPASSWORD” with a secure password of your choice. Remember, Telnet isn’t secure, so avoid using for anything sensitive, but for local network configuration, it’s fine.
Step 3: Connect the Printer to Your Raspberry Pi
Use the USB-to-serial adapter to connect the ImageWriter II to your Raspberry Pi. Once connected, verify the device appears in your Raspberry Pi’s system by checking:
ls /dev/ttyUSB*
You should see something like /dev/ttyUSB0. Ensure the proper driver is installed if not.
Step 4: Share the Printer on the Network
On the Raspberry Pi, install the CUPS printing system. This is straightforward:
- Update your system:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade - Install CUPS:
sudo apt install cups - Add your user to the ‘lpadmin’ group:
sudo usermod -a -G lpadmin pi - Access CUPS through your web browser at
http://localhost:631 - In CUPS, add a new printer connected via the serial port (
/dev/ttyUSB0) - Follow the instructions to select appropriate drivers or provide your own if necessary
Once configured, you’ll want the Raspberry Pi to share the printer over the network—this makes it accessible from your Mac.
Step 5: Connect Your Mac to the Networked Printer
On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners. Click “Add,” and look for the shared printer listed under your network. It might be listed as a network printer or with its network address.
Select it, and if prompted, choose the correct driver. You may need to download a specific driver if your printer isn’t automatically recognized.
Once added, printing from your Mac is just like printing to any local printer: you select “File > Print” and choose your shared network printer.
Final Tips:
- Keep your Lantronix device’s firmware updated if possible.
- Use strong passwords when configuring access.
- The setup involves some technical steps, but once complete, it provides a reliable way to print from your modern devices to your vintage Apple ImageWriter II.
This setup not only preserves a classic printer but also connects it to today’s technology with ease. More detailed later instructions for specific printer models or troubleshooting will be available as you progress.
