One Printer to Two Computers. (DB-25 parallel)

[ZachWhite0]

Alright I need some help/suggestions.

I have a Laser printer with parallel DB25 hookup that needs to go to two computers with parallel DB25.

The computers cannot be upgraded with USB. I cannot use a parallel switchbox because they don't work with laser printers. The computers cannot have NIC cards so I cannot use ethernet/print server. Basically neither the computers or the printer have or can be upgraded to usb.

Is there a way to share this printer between these two computers using only db25 cables or db25 to usb cables?

 

[GotNoRice]

No. You would either need a parallel port switch box or you would need to create a network between the two.

You've precluded both of these possibilities, but why?

There is certainly no reason and nothing about a laser printer that makes it special in such a way that it would not work with a parallel port switch box.

As far as installing a network, what exactly is the hold-up? Do they physically not have slots to install Ethernet cards? If it is some sort of policy that they not be hooked up to the web, you could always just connect the two directly using a crossover cable and setup private IP's. That would still allow printer sharing.

If you're really in a situation where no reasonable option is available to you, then just run two DB25 cables to the printer and switch them every time you want to print.

 

[GreenMonkey]

You used to be able to get a printer switchbox/server to do this...they tended to require power cycling once in a while though. When I worked in a computer lab in the late 90s we had them for folks to share printers.

http://cgi.ebay.com/3Port-DB25-Para...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45ddded733

Here's one on ebay...dunno if it is any good.

But you said this won't work with this particular printer? I don't think you can do anything else.

 

[engiNURD]

I don't understand why the printer would not work with that mechanical switchbox greenmonkey linked?

... Basically neither the computers or the printer have or can be upgraded to usb.

Is there a way to share this printer between these two computers using ... db25 to usb cables?

Now I'm even more confused. You said neither have USB, but now ask if a DB25 to USB cable is possible? huh?

 

[ZachWhite0]

I was under the impression they would not work with laser printers because most of the switchboxes for sale mention something about not working with laser printers...

"Product Description
Use CtG's DB25 all-lines switch boxes to share connections between serial or parallel devices. They are ideal for use in print sharing applications not involving laser printers. "

http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-032...9?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1257371520&sr=1-9

Maybe I should just try it with a laser printer though?

 

[ZachWhite0]

I don't understand why the printer would not work with that mechanical switchbox greenmonkey linked?

Now I'm even more confused. You said neither have USB, but now ask if a DB25 to USB cable is possible? huh?

Well the DB25 connections would go to the printer and computers. The usb end could have went to some other device. I was just trying to incorporate some type of connection flexibility for possible solutions.