can anyone tell me if i can do the following. I have an older laptop that i use for my telescope and it has only 1 parallel port. is there a cable that is a y harness that would put 2 parallel connecters into 1 connector and then connect to my computer? i want to run 2 periferals from 1 parallel port. they would not interfear with each other as one would be on while the other is off.
I have this type of box that takes a standard 25 pin out from the PC parallel port, terminating in a Centronics connector on the box, thence to two ancient printers. You want a box to ensure complete isolation of the devices. The price shown in this link is too high.There are cheaper ones available. http://www.chariotdesign.com/dbfetocecnfe.html
what attar links to will do what you want. there is also electronic versions but i think they cost alot more.
i'm pretty sure that if you switch parallel devices with windows running you have to restart windows for it to recognize the new device. but maybe i'm mistaken, i haven't used parallel in years.
that makes since cause the last time i used parallel devices is when windows was still based on DOS...the good old windows 95 and 98 days...
if i get this box, what type of cable will i need to connect the box to the parallel port of my laptop?
i had a friend give me a 4 port switch box. the problem is the i/o connection is 25 pin female. does anyone know where i can get a 25 pin male to male paralles cable so as to use this box? i have looked in cables to go and couldn't find one, all they have is 25 pin male to 36 pin male. Thanks
i think what you need is a 25pin straight thru cable, male to male, pin 1 to pin 1. they exist as i have at least 2 of them & know how to make them as used to be 1 of my jobs back in the early 90's.
