foo2lava

foo2lava [options] [1|2|4] <height> <width> <res> [<input.pcl>]

-p#
    Print in # passes (1-16, default 8)

-z#
    Compression mode 0-9 (0=none, default 0)

-s#
    Print speed 1-7 (default 7)

-l#
    Linefeed compensation (pixels, default 0)

-k
    K-only (monochrome) printing

-d0|1
    Duplex mode (0=off, 1=on)

-m size
    Media size (e.g., letter, a4)

-w#
    Page width in pixels

-L#
    Lightness/gamma correction (0.1-4.0)

-n#
    Number of copies (1-99)

-X
    Debug mode, hex dump output

--debug
    Verbose debugging

--ppd[=file]
    Generate PPD file

The foo2lava command is a printer driver from the open-source foo2zjs suite, designed specifically for Lava Computers thermal transfer printers such as the LA2400, LA4800, and LA57600 models.

It processes high-resolution monochrome bitmap data generated by Ghostscript (using the foo2lava device) and converts it into the printer's proprietary PCL-like language for direct printing. Typically used in a pipeline: Ghostscript renders PostScript/PDF to raw raster output, which foo2lava then compresses and optimizes with parameters like passes, speed, and resolution.

Key strengths include support for resolutions up to 1200x2400 dpi, variable passes (1-16) for quality vs. speed trade-offs, and options for media size, duplex, and ink simulation. It's commonly integrated with CUPS via foo2lava-wrapper or foo2lava-ppd files for seamless Linux printing. The driver emphasizes efficiency for high-quality text and graphics on thermal printers, bypassing proprietary drivers.

Requires Ghostscript with foo2lava device; supports only specific Lava models (LA2400/LA4800/LA57600); input must be 1/2/4-bit raster PCL; not for color printing.

gs -r600x600 -sDEVICE=foo2lava -dBATCH -dNOPAUSE -sOutputFile=- - < input.ps | foo2lava -p8 -z4 -s7 1 2400 1200 600

Use foo2lava-ppdfile.ppd with lpadmin; install via foo2zjs package for automatic filter setup.

Developed by Toby Simpson in the foo2zjs project around 2003-2005 to provide Linux support for Lava printers using reverse-engineered protocols. Integrated into major distros via foo2zjs packages; last major updates circa 2010, with wrappers for CUPS.

foo2zjs(1), gs(1), lp(1), foo2lava-wrapper(1)