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Parallel Scanner to USB port

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Original Message
Name: beachsands
Date: October 23, 2006 at 09:13:18 Pacific
Subject: Parallel Scanner to USB port
OS: Windows Media Center
CPU/Ram: AMD 64 3500
Model/Manufacturer: Compaq
Comment:

I have a scanner that has a parallel output, and my new computer doesn't have a parallel port to attach it to. This old scanner works really well and I hate to spend a bunch of $$$ to replace it. I use it to scan pics for on line auctions and its plenty fast enough. Can I use one of the Parallel to USB cables and make it work? I only see a few flatbeds out there for under a hundred bucks. I only paid $39 for this one at Sam's club.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated

Joel


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Response Number 1
Name: dosser
Date: October 23, 2006 at 09:32:23 Pacific
Subject: Parallel Scanner to USB port
Reply: (edit)

Parallel to USB cables are very finicky and mainly for printers. In the UK can buy new scanners for under £30.00.......


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Response Number 2
Name: sterlingk
Date: October 23, 2006 at 09:33:28 Pacific
Subject: Parallel Scanner to USB port
Reply: (edit)

You might consider slapping in a parallel port card. Inexpensive and easy to do.


I wonder what'll happen if I do this ?


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Response Number 3
Name: Michael J (by mjdamato)
Date: October 23, 2006 at 09:36:43 Pacific
Subject: Parallel Scanner to USB port
Reply: (edit)

A little searching found this page ( http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/... ) where it states "USB to parallel port converters are for printers only!". That may just apply to the ones that company sells.

But, even if a converter cable works, it would cost at least 1/2 as much as the price of a new scanner. You can get a new scanner for less than $40. It would probably be faster and better quality thatn the one you have. I only say that because parallel scanners haven't been available for quite a while now.

Michael J


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Response Number 4
Name: Mechanix2Go
Date: October 23, 2006 at 10:02:56 Pacific
Subject: Parallel Scanner to USB port
Reply: (edit)

http://search.ebay.com/search/searc...


=====================================
If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

M2



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Response Number 5
Name: oldfogey
Date: October 23, 2006 at 15:37:11 Pacific
Subject: Parallel Scanner to USB port
Reply: (edit)

The other problem that you are pretty certain to find is that even if you have a parallel port, you are almost certain not to be able to get drivers that will work with XP.

Because of this, you can pick up a second-hand parallel scanner in the UK for a couple of pounds (a few dollars).

These scanners never were very high quality, so I would just look for the cheapest USB scanner you can find, and give the old one to somebody still running an older OS.


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