We used to use a little switch that would select which one to use (you still had to select the correct printer in Windows) kinda like a KVM switch for a parallel I guess. That's probably not worth it, though.
You can get analog 2-way parallel switches for $20 used (max) all over the place.
In my experience legacy -> usb converters have been iffy at best. Sometimes they work, other times they don't. (Had tons of problems with the usb->serial cables). It might work better in reverse but if you go the converter route get it from somewhere that'll take it back easy.
gtghm,
we used to use a two-way A/B type switch for two parallel printers at my work. It was a little annoying having to throw the switch when we wanted to change printers, but it worked like a dream.
I would not use a USB to Par. adaptor. I tried to use one for an old zip drive, and I never got it to work. I would either get a par. card or a par. switch box.
:thumbsdow Switch Box - Manual boxes are a pain, and unless buffered somehow mean you either have to shut down the computer, or do what amounts to hot-plugging the printers when you flip the switch. Auto boxes cost more.
:thumbsdow USB/Parallel adapter - as others have pointed out, this is a crapshoot. Do you feel lucky? Well, do you, punk? (Sorry, had a Dirty Harry flashback... )
:thumbup Parallel Port Card - add a second port with a little PCI card (or even ISA, if you've got the slot). Both printers are always available, and you are far less likely to have "where did it go?" hardware problems. I have used the SIIG cards primesuspect mentioned - he has the best idea (IMHO).
Comments
In my experience legacy -> usb converters have been iffy at best. Sometimes they work, other times they don't. (Had tons of problems with the usb->serial cables). It might work better in reverse but if you go the converter route get it from somewhere that'll take it back easy.
we used to use a two-way A/B type switch for two parallel printers at my work. It was a little annoying having to throw the switch when we wanted to change printers, but it worked like a dream.
Does anyone have any experience with these?
The 2 printers that I want to use are old.
I ask because I have a serial to USB converter that I tried to use for an old Joystick that I used to have, and it would not work.
So is it one of those deals that the printer has to have an updated USB driver in order to work?
I know that these printers are much too old for them to have been updated for USB.
Epson Stylas color 600 and a Cannon Multipass L6000 all in one.
Thanks,
"g"
:thumbsdow USB/Parallel adapter - as others have pointed out, this is a crapshoot. Do you feel lucky? Well, do you, punk? (Sorry, had a Dirty Harry flashback...
:thumbup Parallel Port Card - add a second port with a little PCI card (or even ISA, if you've got the slot). Both printers are always available, and you are far less likely to have "where did it go?" hardware problems. I have used the SIIG cards primesuspect mentioned - he has the best idea (IMHO).
Prof