Iomega Zip Drive as passthru for scanner 2

[homeric]

I've got an Iomega Zip Drive 250 (parallel port) and an HP ScanJet 5100C (parallel port) - I've only got 1 parallel port - Does anyone know if attaching the zip drive to the PC's parallel port and then attaching the scanner to the rear of the zip drive would enable both devices to work - I'm reluctant to try this out, without some input from you sages, in case I end up with no scanner and no zip drive - I've currently got the scanner running off this port (printer isn't a problem as mine's USB) - Zip drive is running on another PC at the moment - Neither Iomega or HP will tell me categorically whether this setup should work or not - I guess they won't if they've not tested it themselves

 

[edfair]

Worked OK on a parallel port 100 if I recall correctly. Has been several years.
An alternative is to use an AB switch.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[homeric]

Hi edfair
Tried this out Zip to parallel port then scanner to zip (scanner not found) re-installed scanner software (scanner not found) - tried AB switch (scanner not found) - (zip found) until reboot then (zip not found) - Looks like this combination isn't a goer on my PC
Homeric

 

[edfair]

Sounds like there is more going on than usual. AB switch should allow either one. The ZIP may not be passing all the signals through, just those required for a printer.


Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[bcastner]

Scanners are pretty demanding devices.
Add new a PCI-based parallel port. They average about US $20.

 

[garebo]

I had a zip 100 and a Umax scanner in win98se a while back, worked fine.
But if i recall, i had to read some faq's in advance as there were a few tricks in the settings.
I suggest you go to the scanners website and look for faq's there, or possibly some other place for similar info , or contact their support. YOu can do the same at iomega website.
I bet there is a way to get it all working nicely. Just maybe a lot of looking around.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[garebo]

Pardon me!!
This forum doesnt allow for deleting or editing ones posts.
I just realized that i had my HP 1120 printer and the Umax scanner hooked up together and they played nice. Still, the suggestion is the same, go to HP and Iomega websites, check out faq and other places, failing which contact their support, both places!
good luck.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[edfair]

There may be requirement differences for the ZIP and the scanner. Several choices on the parallel port, standard, ECP, EPP, and the combo ECP+EPP on some. And the combo may be such that you won't get it working. And without knowing what AB you have, if it is a parallel port AB there can be some lines missing. A 25 line would probably work if the port settings can be set common.

Bill probably has the more sane way to do it.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[homeric]

Thanks for all the advice folks - I've decided on getting the following hardware to (hopefully) solve the problem - It's from SIIG - It's not available here in the UK so gotta buy online from the US:-
Duet Parallel PCI Slotsaver 2-ECP/EPP IRQ Sharing PNP
When I've received it and tested it in situ I'll post the results here - It could prove to be useful to others - This is how the manufacturers say it works:-
"It has two IEEE 1284 ECP/EPP PCI parallel ports. PCI IRQ sharing feature eliminates IRQ conflicts. Unique 2-port (DB25) fan-out cable connects two ports to a single slot"
We'll see!

 

[garebo]

I have used that SIIG before with good results on a win98 machine.
good luck to you.



Good advice + great people = tek-tips