AC-Print Setup Linux Using CUPS

A complete guide to adding the "Find-Me" print queue on Linux distributions using IPP and the standardized Mobility Print protocol.

• Prerequisites

  Prepare your system by installing the necessary CUPS and Samba utilities.

  A. Install Packages

  Distribution	Command
  Arch Linux	sudo pacman -S cups cups-pdf samba
  Debian / Ubuntu	sudo apt install cups cups-pdf samba
  Fedora / RHEL	sudo dnf install cups cups-pdf samba

  B. Start Services & Permissions

  Enable the CUPS service so it starts automatically.

  sudo systemctl enable --now cups.service

  Add your user to the local printer admin group:

  sudo groupadd lpadmin sudo usermod -aG lpadmin your_username

  Important Running the usermod command for the first time usually requires a Logout/Login cycle to apply the new group membership.
• Samba Fix

  The smbspool backend often requires a valid configuration file to function, even for client use.

  A. Check Status

  testparm

  If you see "Loaded services file OK", you can skip this step. If it errors, proceed below.

  B. Create Config

  Create a minimal /etc/samba/smb.conf:

  [global] workgroup = WORKGROUP security = user

  To save: Press Ctrl + O, then Enter. To exit: Press Ctrl + X.

  This file ensures the CUPS backend can load the necessary libraries without crashing.

  C. Verify Config

  Run the test command again to confirm the fix:

  testparm

  It should now output "Loaded services file OK". You can now proceed to the next step.

• Windows Config Extraction Optional

  This step is highly recommended to verify the exact printer configuration details, including the URI and driver name, by checking a working Windows machine.

  A. Open PowerShell

  Press the Windows Key and search for powershell.

  B. Run Dump Command

  Get-Printer | Format-List > C:\Users\YourUser\Documents\ALL_Printers_Config.txt

  User Path Change YourUser to your actual Windows username. If unsure, open cmd and type whoami. The output format is DEVICENAME\user (e.g., Shorekeeper\eagle)—use the name after the backslash.

  This command creates a text file in your Windows Documents folder containing all active printer configuration details.

  Critical Tip Open the generated text file and find the printer AC-PRINT. Look for the PortName value and copy the URI only up to the "AC-PRINT" part. Use this if it differs from the example in the next step.
• CUPS Configuration

  Navigate to http://localhost:631/ and go to Administration > Add Printer.

  Connection URI:

  http://rpc.pc-printer-discovery.ottawa.ad.algonquincollege.com:9163/printers/AC-PRINT

  1. Select Internet Printing Protocol (http)
  2. Enter the Connection URI (as seen above)
  3. Name it AC-Print-Mobility
  4. Select Driver: Generic PostScript Printer
  5. Click Add Printer
  6. Click Set Default Options
• Authentication

  When you print, you will be prompted for credentials.

  Username AC Network User

  Password AC Network Pass

  Success Once the job status is "Completed", tap your student card at any printer to release.