The source code for the Canon MP520 Linux printer drivers can be downloaded from:
http://support-sg.canon-asia.com/P/search?model=PIXMA+MP520&menu=download&filter=0&ca_os=Linux
<http://support-sg.canon-asia.com/P/search?model=PIXMA+MP520&menu=download&filter=0&ca_os=Linux>
Can any describe in easy to follow instructions how to make rpm drivers for both i386 and x86_64 versions of openSUSE 11.1?
WilliamSimonLewis, … the creation of drivers in an rpm package is seldom simple, and typically requires advanced knowledge. It, IMHO, is not something that a user can simply post “easy to follow instructions”.
I do note on the page that you provided that there are “generic” rpms available. Did you try those? If those do not work, then I also note that there is a link to the source code (which comes in a tarball (tar.gz) package). You could also try downloading that, then extract it (from the tarball) and carefully read its Install.txt and Readme.txt files. Those files will likely list the dependency applications that you need to install first, and will also give hints as to how to compile (may be with something like a recommendation to do:
./autogen.sh --enable-libpath=/usr/lib
make
make install
but you need to read the documentation with that application. Note “make install” requires root permissions.
Some of us, who use rpms ONLY on our PC, use the package “checkinstall” to create very crude and very limited rpms. ie by installing “checkinstall” and then instead of running “make install” run “checkinstall”. Sometimes “checkinstall” does not work when run instead of “make install”, but it often will run AFTER “checkinstall” . As noted, checkinstall creates a crude rpm, and when run after “make install” the rpm created by checkinstall can be installed, so that the files installed by “make install” are then tracked by the rpm database.
But if you wish to create a proper rpm then you have a lot of reading and learning in front of you. Its not something that you can be given “easy to follow instructions” on.
I myself have never created a “proper” rpm , but rather I typically create my rpms via “checkinstall” or “rpmbuild --rebuild rpmsource.src.rpm” when the rpm source is available.
I note gutenprint (for openSUSE-11.0) had limited mp520 support. I don’t know about 11.1. I also note that sane-backends (for 11.1) provides a version of libsane-canon. Whether that version is sufficient to work with your mp520, I don’t know.
Sorry, I can not provide more than these hints, where I know you wanted more than “just hints”.
I see now there is some history to this (that I was not aware of):
Canon MP540 and libusb - openSUSE Forums
So it appears the rpms they have may not work with 11.1, and even custom compiling may not work.
I suspect one may be forced to either:
a. modify the driver code, or
b. create appropriate symbolic links.
I can’t help with either.
I am making this second post only to note that my 1st post may not be relevant in light of the existing thread on this subject matter.
I would try configuring the printer portion of the MP540 all-in-one with the driver for the MP500 before attempting to compile and install the printer driver package from Canon. The same holds true for the driver for the scanner portion. As far as the scanner is concerned the latest cvs source for the sane-backends is likely to have this driver included. Also I’ve seen numerous posts stating that Kooka works much better than ScanGear. You are not likely to find adequate support here for the proper installation of third party drivers which is basically what we would classify the driver packages from Canon as being. You run the risk of messing your installation altogether if you attempt this. You are far better to stick to using driver packages that are known to be compatible with SuSE.
Many thanks for the replies…
I like the idea of check install - if yast can used to install and uninstall “crude” rpms made from source code of applications not supported by openSUSE or packmann. When I get a quiet moment I try this out.
As to kooka or scangear. I have used kooka in the past (with a HP all-in-one) for some semi-professional desktop publishing projects with good results.
The other users of this PC prefer the simplicity and ease of use of scangear.
That’s the good side of linux - linux is open as in freedom, freedom of choice…
I
I like the idea of check install - if yast can used to install and uninstall “crude” rpms made from source code of applications not supported by openSUSE or packmann. When I get a quiet moment I try this out.
Well,let me know how far you got with this. Meanwhile I reverted to suse 10.3 scannerMP520 works perfectly there with the Canon drivers.