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How connect 2 printers on one port

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Name: moonnightingale
Date: December 26, 2005 at 07:16:07 Pacific
OS: WinXP
CPU/Ram: 1.1/128
Comment:

I have two printers which connect on parallel port. In CPU there is only one parallel port but i want to to connect both the printers simulatneously. Is there any way or switch to connect two parallel port printers on one parallel port. Plz help me



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Response Number 1
Name: Ray Peate
Date: December 26, 2005 at 07:22:21 Pacific
Reply:

Yes, there is - it's a switchable box: it connects via parallel lead to the printer port on your PC and has a number of "printer ports" into which you plug your printers. Then you switch between printers as and when you want at the box! I am sure they will be obtainable from your nearest PC shop?


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Response Number 2
Name: XpUser
Date: December 26, 2005 at 07:24:25 Pacific
Reply:

Google for printer ab switch.

i_XpUser


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Response Number 3
Name: Ray Peate
Date: December 26, 2005 at 07:25:02 Pacific
Reply:

In fact there are several on eBay right now for next to nothing eg

Item number: 5844531565 on

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Centronics-Parallel-Printer-2-Way-Switch-Box-and-Cable_W0QQitemZ5844531565QQcategoryZ45341QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and another below it!!!


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Response Number 4
Name: DCM
Date: December 26, 2005 at 09:02:28 Pacific
Reply:

I had the same problem and don't like AB boxes so I installed a PCI card with an extra parallel port. Works perfectly.


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Response Number 5
Name: XpUser
Date: December 26, 2005 at 09:07:31 Pacific
Reply:

Hi DCM,

I'm curious (and I believe others are too) to know why you didn't like the A/B box. Thanks for your input.

i_XpUser


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Response Number 6
Name: Dick Johnson
Date: December 26, 2005 at 09:22:55 Pacific
Reply:

PS: They also make a parallel printer output to USB cable. They work just fine and use a "virtural USB" printer port instead of LTP-1 or 2.


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Response Number 7
Name: DCM
Date: December 26, 2005 at 11:04:34 Pacific
Reply:

I thought that the AB boxes were a nuisance. I used them for several years but with the card, I just select the printer I want to use when the Print window pops up and that printer starts printing. I had several and gave them all to Salvation Army.

An alternative would be the USB cables plugged into a hub or USB port if you have enough of them. I have not tried them but one of those might do the same thing as my PCI card. You could have one printer on the parallel port and the other on the USB cable.


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Response Number 8
Name: XpUser
Date: December 26, 2005 at 11:24:45 Pacific
Reply:

Thank, DCM for your explanation. I think the card is better in that you don't have to physically reach out to switch AB box. I recall the inconveniences involved from a time long gone. Happy Holidays to you all.

i_XpUser


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Response Number 9
Name: ham30
Date: December 26, 2005 at 12:49:08 Pacific
Reply:

There are also 'automatic' parallel port switches.

Sorry, I do not check for private messages


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