What do you drivers do for a printer in your truck? I want to start using Drivers Daily Log software. I don't have AC in the truck do they make a 12v printer that is low priced?

I guess I am looking for a small printer just to print logs and can be portable without costing a lot. I would really prefer one that is just powered off usb but I havn't run across one yet.

Give me your input.

 

I was thinking about a printer for my truck too. However, I opted to g with a printer/scanner unit and an inverter (12v-110v).

HTH

 

If you are going to have a printer in your truck I suggest getting an all in one. You can find them at places like Wal Mart starting at around $50 and while some are bulky they do have some that are small.

With a printer/copier/scanner you will be able to print your DDL pages, copy bills if need be, scan in bills, reciepts, etc for your records in case your company "loses" them and refuses to reimburse or pay for a load, etc. The printer will easily run off a 350 watt plug in power inverter which you should have if are going to have electronics in the truck.

 

I agree with UTURN. I use mine all the time for making copies. In addition to printing DDL print-outs.

I used a brothers MFC - 210C with a small inverter when I was driving. I got so use to having a printer I had a second one the truck just in case the one died (which it did).

One thing you want to do when the truck is parked during winter is either take the printer out or remove the ink. The ink will freeze.

Two thing you also want is extra ink and a ream or two of paper.

Also have a copy of the installation disk.

kc0iv

 

you will not find a printer that will power off the usb..
if you check ebay you can find some cannon bj-30's that will run on a 100w inverter half as big as a loptop single page feed that will do what you want

we use an hp-1210 all-in-one and a 350w inverter

 

Thanks for the advice.

I never thought about ink freezeing until it was mentioned. That coud be a problem as my truck does sit without heat in the cold often.

I like the idea of an all in one unit but I have a Cannon scanner that is powered off just the usb and it works great for scans and one could fax with it if needed with some simple software. I havn't yet had a need either yet but ya never know.

Might have to go to Wally Mart and take a look at a small power inverter I guess.

 

You are still not drawing power from the USB cable! It is a data cable!

 

Some scanners do work off the USB cable alone, and do not require an AC plug as USB ports have a 5v feed in them.

 

Must be one of those office things...lol

 

There are 4 wires. The first 2 wires provide a balanced data signal. The third wire is power and the 4th wire provides a common ground.
...
Voltage: 4.4V - 5.25V.
Current: 250mA

...

If the device can work with 5 volts and 1/4 amp .. it can run off USB alone. Typically these are networking devices like Bluetooth USB connectors and wireless networking ... I would be interested to know how well a printer works within these constraints.

I have an old (1995) BJC-70 printer that I used on the road.