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USB to parallel printer cable

journeys
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USB to parallel printer cable

I suddenly find I need to print to an old A3 parallel printer.
Any one have any tips /suggestions/experience of USB to parallel printing?  Would this one off ebay do the job?
TIA
9 REPLIES 9
twocvbloke
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Re: USB to parallel printer cable

Question is, does the OS you're using have the drivers available for said printer?
VileReynard
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Re: USB to parallel printer cable

Quote from: journeys
I suddenly find I need to print to an old A3 parallel printer.
Any one have any tips /suggestions/experience of USB to parallel printing?  Would this one off ebay do the job?

I don't think that includes the actual printer side of the parallel connector - you need a 25 pin (probably) Centronics printer cable.

"In The Beginning Was The Word, And The Word Was Aardvark."

Kremmen
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Re: USB to parallel printer cable

Belkin used to do a USB to parallel lead. I've still got an old one in the loft somewhere. Other than the lead I didn't need anything else for it to work.
Let's be careful out there !
pwatson
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Re: USB to parallel printer cable

Quote from: vilefoxdemonofdoom
I don't think that includes the actual printer side of the parallel connector - you need a 25 pin (probably) Centronics printer cable.

Huh  Looks complete to me...
Worth a punt at that price though I echo another poster's comment about printer drivers...
journeys
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Re: USB to parallel printer cable

thanks all, drivers exist for OS, @PW, agree with your sentiments for the cost.
HairyMcbiker
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Re: USB to parallel printer cable

I've got one of these somewhere, bought it to use with a printer that I no longer have, never used it bar plugging it in to check it worked. Should do the job fine.
twocvbloke
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Re: USB to parallel printer cable

Quote from: vilefoxdemonofdoom
I don't think that includes the actual printer side of the parallel connector - you need a 25 pin (probably) Centronics printer cable.

Unless you're thinking of computers from the pre to early 80s, that Parallel to USB adaptor is the right way round for operating a Parallel printer on a USB-equipped comptuer... Cool
A regular parallel cable has a DB25 Male plug on the computer end, and the printer end is as pictured, a Male 36-pin "Centronics" Micro-Ribbon connector... Smiley
VileReynard
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Re: USB to parallel printer cable

Yes - parallel cables were common in the 1980's - they replaced serial interfaces!

"In The Beginning Was The Word, And The Word Was Aardvark."

twocvbloke
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Re: USB to parallel printer cable

Until Universal Serial Bus replaced, well, everything, and Serial-ATA replaced Parallel-ATA... Grin