[Update: 26-2-2022] The foo2zjs download link from rkkda seems to be offline.
According to a post on the Ubuntu Forum foo2zjs can still be downloaded from a mirror on Github .
I managed to successfully install the HP Laserjet 1018 printer on a Raspberry Pi 4 with Raspbian Buster by following the instructions below. It makes use of the foo2zjs linux printer driver.
Update 2025-12-31: URL to foo2zjs.rkkda.com removed (site is offline)These instructions are based on andrum99’s blog-post which is available on the Internet Archive .
- Install pre-requisite packages:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install tix groff cups- Add user pi to lpadmin group:
sudo usermod -a -G lpadmin pi- Download and build foo2zjs:
wget -O foo2zjs.tar.gz http://foo2zjs.rkkda.com/foo2zjs.tar.gz
tar zxf foo2zjs.tar.gz
cd foo2zjs
make- Get the printer firmware:
./getweb 1018- Install foo2zjs and tool to download firmware to printer. Also, restart CUPS:
sudo make install install-hotplug cups- Plug in the HP Laserjet 1018 printer, and switch it on. Orange light should flash and the printer motor will run for a few seconds, indicating firmware has been downloaded successfully. Verify it with:
usb_printerid /dev/usb/lp0The output of this command should include FWVER:20051028 or similar. If no FWVER shown, firmware download has not worked.
- Manually create cups printer (do not use the web interface):
sudo lpadmin -p hp1018 -v "usb://HP/LaserJet%201018" -E -P /usr/share/cups/model/HP-LaserJet_1018.ppd.gz- Set system default printer to the one we just created:
sudo lpadmin -d "hp1018"- Set default page size to A4: (use media=Letter to change back to letter if required)
sudo lpoptions -o media=A4- Create a text file with the “Text Editor” application and use File -> Print… to print it.
The selected hp1018 printer should print the text file, possibly with a delay of up to 5 seconds.
Please read the following disclaimer before making changes to your device / software:
I’m not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards, thermonuclear war, or you getting fired because the alarm app failed. YOU are choosing to make these modifications, and if you point the finger at me for messing up your device, I will laugh at you. Your warranty will be void if you tamper with any part of your device / software.
