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Data switch for parallel port for 3 devices

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Professional

Technical User
Mar 5, 2000
1
MY
Hi there ! <br>

<br>

I have 3 parallel devices - IOMega Zip Drive, Cannon scanner and a HP Laser Jet. But I have only 1 parallel port on the PC.<br>

<br>

Will an automatic data switch solve the problem ? I mean how can I be sure that the PC recognises each different devices ? I need all devices to work at the same time, is that possible with an automatic data switch ?<br>

<br>

Appreciate some help and feedback. <br>

<br>

Thanx a million !
 
Assuming you are using a stand-alone PC, the 3 devices should<br>
connect in series, using a pass-through cable to the next device.<br>
However, sometimes, Zip drives and parallel port scanners do not<br>
like to co-exist with an HP laserJet (especially the HP monitoring<br>
software). If you encounter any problems connecting the 3 devices,<br>
it is best to add an additional parallel port to the PC.<br>
Even with an automatic switch, all 3 devices could not be used at<br>
the same time!<br>
Hope this helps! <p>David J. Aller<br><a href=mailto:GoTech@GoTechnologiesInc.com>GoTech@GoTechnologiesInc.com</a><br><a href= Computer Systems & Networking Services</a><br>
 
I know the Parrallel Zip100 drive(which i have downstairs) you can plug the Zip drive into the computer(should go first anyways), then plug the printer or next device into the zip drive(which is why theires two ports in the back of the zip drive), i got 3 Parrallel devices, or had 3 setup<br>
Computer-&gt;Zipdrive-&gt;scanner-&gt;printer<br>
right now i have Scanner-&gt;printer, cuz i bought a USB zipdrive and put the Parrelle ont he computer downstairs, if the scanner doesnt have a passthru, you can least get a switcher for the printer/scanner, when hooked to the zip drive <p>Karl<br><a href=mailto:kb244@bellsouth.net>kb244@bellsouth.net</a><br><a href= </a><br>
 
kb244 - I would NOT recommend a switching device for a scanner or ZIP drive.<br>
These usually come with their own special S/W, and during Windows startup,<br>
if the device is not present (switched-out) the device will not be enabled when<br>
you want to use it. Again, your best bet is pass-through (if it works) or an<br>
additional printer port. <p>David J. Aller<br><a href=mailto:GoTech@GoTechnologiesInc.com>GoTech@GoTechnologiesInc.com</a><br><a href= Computer Systems & Networking Services</a><br>
 
make sure the parallel port is in the correct mode to do this . in the CMOS there is a setting for the EPP,ECP or normal .
 
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