Problem

The HP LaserJet P1005 is a classic “host-based” printer. It does not contain permanent firmware. Each time the printer powers on, firmware must be uploaded before it can print. On Linux systems this is typically handled by the foo2zjs driver. The firmware is downloaded using the getweb tool and then sent to the printer device (usually /dev/usb/lp0).  However, modern Synology DSM versions removed the built-in print server, so sharing an old USB printer like the P1005 requires a workaround.

Where did the Synology print server go?

Older versions of DSM included a built-in print server. You could connect a USB printer directly to the NAS and share it over the network through Control Panel → External Devices → Printer. Internally DSM used CUPS and supported features such as AirPrint and Google Cloud Print.

A single NAS could typically share up to two USB printers with Windows, macOS, Linux and mobile devices on the local network.

Starting with DSM 7, Synology began reducing support for many external USB peripherals and quietly deprecated several legacy features, including the built-in USB printer server. The management interface for printers is no longer available on many newer systems and models.

As a result:

• many USB printers can no longer be added through DSM
• printer drivers are no longer maintained
• the feature may disappear completely in future DSM versions

Because of this, running a small container‑based print server has become the most reliable way to share a legacy USB printer from a Synology NAS.

References:

• https://global.download.synology.com/download/Document/Software/UserGuide/Firmware/DSM/4.3/enu/Syno_UsersGuide_NAServer_enu.pdf
• https://global.download.synology.com/download/Document/Software/UserGuide/Firmware/DSM/4.2/enu/Syno_UsersGuide_NAServer_enu.pdf
• https://macandegg.com/2021/06/synology-dsm-7-0-ends-support-for-usb-devices/

This article shows how to

1. Download and convert the firmware
2. Store it on the NAS
3. Run a minimal print server using Docker (Container Manager)
4. Share the printer over TCP port 9100

How the P1005 Works

Unlike many printers, the P1005 requires firmware to be uploaded every time it powers on. Typical firmware loading command:

cat /usr/share/foo2xqx/firmware/sihpP1005.dl > /dev/usb/lp0

When the firmware loads successfully, the printer LED usually flashes for a few seconds.  Once firmware is loaded, the printer behaves like a simple RAW socket printer.

Step 1 — Obtain the Firmware

Run a temporary Debian container:

docker run --rm -it debian:bookworm-slim bash

Inside the container:

apt update
apt install -y printer-driver-foo2zjs wget
getweb P1005

This downloads the original HP firmware and converts it automatically. The resulting file appears at:

/lib/firmware/hp/sihpP1005.dl

Copy it to your NAS, for example:

/volume1/DockerVolumes/PrintServer/sihpP1005.dl

You only need to do this once.

Step 2 — Create the Docker Compose Stack

Create compose.yaml:

version: "3.8"

services:
  p1005-fw:
    image: alpine:3.19
    container_name: p1005-fw
    privileged: true
    restart: unless-stopped
    devices:
      - /dev/usb/lp0:/dev/usb/lp0
    volumes:
      - /volume1/DockerVolumes/PrintServer/sihpP1005.dl:/firmware/sihpP1005.dl:ro
    command: >
      sh -c "
      sleep 3 &&
      cat /firmware/sihpP1005.dl > /dev/usb/lp0 &&
      sleep infinity
      "

  p910nd:
    image: justinhimself/p910nd
    container_name: p910nd
    privileged: true
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "9100:9100"
    devices:
      - /dev/usb/lp0:/dev/usb/lp0
    command: ["-b", "-d", "-f", "/dev/usb/lp0"]
    depends_on:
      - p1005-fw

This stack runs two containers:

• p1005-fw — uploads firmware to the printer
• p910nd — exposes the printer via TCP port 9100

Step 3 — Deploy in Synology Container Manager

1. Open Container Manager
2. Go to Project
3. Create a new project
4. Paste the YAML
5. Deploy

Once started, check logs:

docker logs p1005-fw

Expected output:

upload firmware
done

At this moment the printer should briefly blink and spin.

Step 4 — Add the Printer on Clients

Configure the printer as a RAW socket printer:

socket://NAS_IP:9100

Most operating systems support this directly.

Examples:

• macOS: System Settings → Printers → IP → HP JetDirect
• Linux: AppSocket / JetDirect
• Windows: Standard TCP/IP Port

Notes

Firmware must be uploaded after every printer power cycle. If your NAS is connected to a UPS, but the printer is not, you may need to restart the p1005-fw container after a power outage.

If the printer loses power, firmware must be uploaded again before printing works. Since the container runs continuously, restarting p1005-fw will reload the firmware.

USB device path

On most systems the printer appears as:

/dev/usb/lp0

If the path changes (for example /dev/usb/lp1), update the compose file accordingly.

Result

This setup restores network printing for the HP LaserJet P1005 without installing a full CUPS server and works on Synology NAS with Docker.

The solution is lightweight, reproducible, and survives NAS reboots.