[PCWorks] Converter/adapter from parallel printer port to USB port
- From: David Grossman <dgrossman@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: pcworks@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:48:41 +0200
I'd like to share a recent experience.
I didn't want to get rid of my ancient HP LaserJet 6L when I bought my new
computer, but the new motherboard does not have a parallel port.
I think I can picture the story behind eliminating the parallel ports in the
new motherboards. The big boss at Intel probably said, "I bought a new USB
printer, so now everybody else has to buy one too." At the same time, the VP
of Intel's Scratch My Back and I'll Scratch Yours Department made a deal
with HP and Epson: "For every new board we sell, we'll make them buy another
printer from you."
I searched for and bought a Centronix bidirectional to USB 1284 adapter
cable for about $9.
My new adapter cable may also be useful for those who want to use their
parallel port for a different printer, or for those who want to reserve the
parallel port for one of the older Zip drives, without using a switch box or
print server.
Setting up this cable is NOT for the faint of heart. There is no
documentation for the cable - not even in the the manufacturer's pathetic
website.
If any of you would like to use a similar converter cable, let me offer you
some tips.
Your computer has different kinds of USB ports (depending on whether it is
connected directly to the motherboard or with an extra internal cable or
connection). Your new USB/Parallel cable works better with the stronger
connections. In a desktop computer, those strong connections are in the
back.
Before installing your printer, plug in the cable, and let it install.
That's right, the cable itself has to install before you can install the
printer. You can watch the installation progress on the bottom of your
Windows screen.
Next, set your wizard for a virtual USB printer port. (Aha. It's a VIRTUAL
port. That explains how a parallel printer can work on a serial port!).
Let the computer check Windows Update for a recent version of your printer
driver.
Windows Update may make a mistake (it did for me) and suggest that I update
other Windows components instead of my printer. Deal with it.
Your printer may not work the first time you set it up. Or the second time.
Or the third time. Or the XXXth time. Keep trying. Cancel your appointments.
Tell your guests to go away. You'll be able to set it up eventually.
Save the tips in this email. They are the only documentation you will ever
find for this kind of cable.
David Grossman
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-zxdjhu-
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