[Misc] KM Driver types

[mrwho]

Good morning, all!

I'm looking for some info on the different driver types (KX, PCL, KXPS, KPDL) available to KyMi machines, pros and cons of each one. Also, how can I know (via web or on the panel) if the machine has any kind of PS emulation?

I've been looking on the Kyocera site for this info, but couldn't find it.

Thank you.

[CWP]

Re: KM Driver types

First off, ALL Kyocera manufactured MFP's / Printers have Postscript built in (KPDL) except for the really small b/w home office devices (MA2000w / PA2000w / PA2100w).

As far as drivers, the KX driver has PS (KPDL), PCL5, and PCL6 (PCLXL) built into one driver and you can easily change this emulation on the fly without the need of reinstalling drivers. There are also emulation specific drivers posted for PCL and KPDL (mini or Uni drivers) that are fixed emulations and cannot be changed. Much smaller and simpler drivers than the KX. The KXPS driver (or XPS) is a GDI driver that I have never cared for much and do not install it. About the only times that I see it is when someone else has installed it and they are having print issues.
For the large majority of installations just go with the KX driver and call it a day. Personally I prefer the KPDL driver emulation over the other two, but that is just my preference.

[dalewb74]

Re: KM Driver types

have you tried a google search for the specs sheets for the machines you are asking about?

[mrwho]

Re: KM Driver types

First off, ALL Kyocera manufactured MFP's / Printers have Postscript built in (KPDL) except for the really small b/w home office devices (MA2000w / PA2000w / PA2100w).

As far as drivers, the KX driver has PS (KPDL), PCL5, and PCL6 (PCLXL) built into one driver and you can easily change this emulation on the fly without the need of reinstalling drivers. There are also emulation specific drivers posted for PCL and KPDL (mini or Uni drivers) that are fixed emulations and cannot be changed. Much smaller and simpler drivers than the KX. The KXPS driver (or XPS) is a GDI driver that I have never cared for much and do not install it. About the only times that I see it is when someone else has installed it and they are having print issues.
For the large majority of installations just go with the KX driver and call it a day. Personally I prefer the KPDL driver emulation over the other two, but that is just my preference.

Short and informative. Thanks.

I was trying to find a way of printing PDF files via batch file (choosing between duplex/simplex and color/mono), and finally managed to do it using portable SumatraPDF - but the only driver that didn't ignore the color/mono switch was the KPDL - which I only found out after starting this thread.

have you tried a google search for the specs sheets for the machines you are asking about?

I was asking because sending a PDF file directly to the printer resulted in printed garbage - but there must be something other than that. But since I finally devised a solution, it's no longer needed. Thank you!

[tmaged]

Re: KM Driver types

Try the Net Direct Print utility, but as far as drivers, don't use anything but the KX.

[mrwho]

Re: KM Driver types

Try the Net Direct Print utility, but as far as drivers, don't use anything but the KX.

I started with that one, but if I remember correctly, there's no option to set bw or color. Also couldn't find any documentation on command line switches.

As a whole, so far, Kyocera tools start out as good ideas, but badly implemented...