New Kyocera copying machines are popping up around the Lab, the result of a new copier contract with a new vendor, MBA of California. The equipment also provides network printing, scanning, and faxing capabilities (on selected models). This has led to some confusion on how these devices will interact with the Lab's computing infrastructure.

At this point, the Computing Infrastructure Technologies Group (CITG) has tested one of the units with the Novell Distributed Printing Service (NDPS) and has not seen any problems. However, CITG has not yet had the opportunity to complete these tests with other environments (NT resource domains, for example, or on a variety of the Kyocera printers). It appears that the printers will work with PCL5, PCL6 and Postscript drivers provided by the vendor.

The Help Desk and Mac/PC Support Group should be able to support these units as printers, much as they do the Hewlett-Packard printers that are commonly used on the network. Customers should note that there will be an additional monthly flat fee for using the copier as a printer or scanner, and there will also be a per-page charge for printing, the same as there is for copying. Contact the Key Operator listed on the machine for details about the charges for each additional service.

The Computing Infrastructure Support (CIS) Department is in the process of working with the vendor to provide guidance for integrating the copies as printers for desktop computers. Although these instructions are still being drafted, here are some of the topics to be covered:

Network IP numbers
To take advantage of the options listed above, the machine will require an IP host number and network connection. You can request a number at http://www-lblnet.lbl.gov/. Select "Obtaining an IP Address" under Client Services, or contact the Help Desk at X4357 for assistance.

When ordering your IP number, please use the following host naming conventions to identify your printer/scanner:
bldg-room-km[model]p (Example: 50f-1647-km2030p)
bldg-room-km[model]s (Example: 50f-1647-km2030s)

Network Drops
Printer and scanner options require LBLnet network drops. To order a network jack go to http://www-lblnet.lbl.gov/ and select "Request a Connection" under Client Services. Network connections are provided on a time and material basis. Depending on the installation, you can expect average charges to range from $200 to $500.

If you are not sure if a network drop is in place or need assistance ordering a new one, contact the Help Desk (486-4357)

Fax service
Using the copier as a fax machine requires a separate analog telephone line. Contact your Telephone Services Coordinator or go to http://tscweb.lbl.gov/ and select "Service Request Site."

Any non-CIS questions about the new machines should be directed to Peggy Jellinghausen at X7210, or see the Procurement Web page.