parallel port cables

Discussion in 'All other topics' started by gandydanc, Jun 9, 2009.

  1. gandydanc

    gandydanc Member

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    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.
     
    gandydanc, Jun 9, 2009
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  2. attar

    attar Senior member

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    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
     
    attar, Jun 9, 2009
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  3. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    what attar links to will do what you want. there is also electronic versions but i think they cost alot more.
     
    ddp, Jun 9, 2009
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  4. djscoop

    djscoop Active member

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    just remember you will need to reboot your computer when switching from one device to another.
     
    djscoop, Jun 10, 2009
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  5. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    switch boxes you don't.
     
    ddp, Jun 10, 2009
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  6. djscoop

    djscoop Active member

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    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.
     
    djscoop, Jun 10, 2009
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  7. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    in dos yes but not in windows.
     
    ddp, Jun 10, 2009
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  8. djscoop

    djscoop Active member

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    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...
     
    djscoop, Jun 10, 2009
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  9. gandydanc

    gandydanc Member

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    if i get this box, what type of cable will i need to connect the box to the parallel port of my laptop?
     
    gandydanc, Jun 11, 2009
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  10. attar

    attar Senior member

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    All three would be IBM 25 pin male/36 pin Centronics male.
     
    attar, Jun 11, 2009
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  11. gandydanc

    gandydanc Member

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    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
     
    gandydanc, Jun 11, 2009
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  12. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    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.
     
    ddp, Jun 11, 2009
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  13. djscoop

    djscoop Active member

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    online would be the cheapest place to find them
     
    djscoop, Jun 12, 2009
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  14. gandydanc

    gandydanc Member

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    i did find one. thanks alot guys. you were very helpful.
     
    gandydanc, Jun 12, 2009
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  15. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    no problem, teach & learn.
     
    ddp, Jun 12, 2009
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