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Thread ID: 27829 2002-12-03 22:22:00 running printers in parallel robc (2685) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
103125 2002-12-04 02:41:00 I've seen 2 switches in action although both have been in use for some years so aren't hooked up to the latest printers.

Only troubles have been when the knob hasn't been flipped till it clicked into place. Then the printers didn't work (One tech call to me for that one!) or forgetting to flip the switch when using the other printer (thus the suggestion for the memory aid in the printer name).

I guess buying the switch from a reputable seller and asking if there could be problems covers you under the Fair Trading Act. If you ask, they say "no problems" and then there are it becomes their problem.
Heather P (163)
103126 2002-12-04 03:20:00 A switch is a "way around" a problem: not enough ports. A card supplying a port (or two) is a cure for the problem. I've used switches too ... but I don't think I would use one on an ECP/EPP printer interface. (I've actually got a simpler solution: a printer server on the network). Graham L (2)
103127 2002-12-04 10:12:00 Mmmmm, but... will there be enough IRQs available to add a card with extra ports? Heather P (163)
103128 2002-12-04 19:21:00 That is not an issue since the additional card will share with LPT1 IRQ 7.

It is the DMA setting and memory address that are important
Merlin (503)
103129 2002-12-04 19:43:00 Your'e all making it a bit complicated. I have an HP on LPT1 & Canon on USB. No problems - no switches - no extra cards. Keep it simple.
Bye
Peter H (220)
103130 2002-12-04 20:52:00 Solutions in order of cost:

1. Unplug one then plug in the other when needed.
2. Buy a switch - after first checking with sales staff that it works with late model printers
3. Buy a dual parallel port card - after first checking that you have a slot free
4. Invest megabucks in a print server
Heather P (163)
103131 2002-12-05 09:44:00 Option 5. Pay an experienced consultant to provide a solution. Merlin (503)
103132 2002-12-06 01:17:00 Thanx people,
so much attention paid to my little problem.
I like the simple approach of Peter H and it won't cost the earth, but I appreciate all the input.
Robo, no I don't think I am you and I am sure you are not me as I would have had the solution and wouldn't have to ask.
Ummmmm, what about a prize?
robc (2685)
103133 2002-12-06 01:56:00 >> Ummmmm, what about a prize?

You're out of luck -- Rob Clark's aren't allowed to win prizes. :D
Susan B (19)
103134 2002-12-06 02:06:00 How many computers are you running at the moment? Maybe you could run one printer from each?

I have to agree that parrelell ports are not always bulletproof. i had a mac laser printer that i scored from a garage sale for $20, it never worked, and neither did anything else i tried to run from Vanessas parrellel port from the day of that folly onward. I took to the printer with a large hammer to ensure that no poor bastard would score the same problem after i disposed of it. So take care of those ports!

.Clueless
Clueless (181)
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