• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Converters for Centronics/parallel to USB?

M

MikeSp

Member
I have a trusty old HP LaserJet 4100 that appears willing to be immortal and only has a parallel printer cable port. There are convertors by Belkin and other brands that connect to the parallel port which then connect to a USB cable and I am wondering how well these convertors work in converting data from the Centronics standard to USB.

My needs for such a converter rises from the fact that new motherboards no longer have parallel ports.

Thanks,

MikeSp
 
Originally posted by: Billb2
Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.
But it where you can return it.
Click to expand...

Which is kind of what I suspected -- wonder if it a Centronics/parallel to ethernet converter would be more dependable?
 
There is always the trusty old parallel card as another option. However, if you have a LAN and multiple machines, just go with a JetDirect EX (or similar) print server.

Edit: Actually, the 4100 has an EIO slot so you could go with an internal print server for it and use one less AC outlet.
 
I say give the cable a try, they are inexpensive and seem to work. I was in a similar position when my wife bought a new dell we ended up trying one with an older HP printer (I don't remember the model), and it has been working perfectly for almost three years now.
 
Better to buy a PCI Slot Parallel Port cardm than to buy the cable .. and as long as the card has BiDirectional ports, the printer should be very happy. The one linked to has good specs and should work fine.
 
Originally posted by: bruceb
Better to buy a PCI Slot Parallel Port cardm than to buy the cable .. and as long as the card has BiDirectional ports, the printer should be very happy. The one linked to has good specs and should work fine.
Click to expand...

Dunno why I didn't think of this obvious solution--thanks for jarring my aging,
sieve-like memory!!

MikeSp

 
There's no need to pay anywhere near $40. for a single parallel port card (or wasting a PCI slot on a single function. Though if you really like to have the best, there is a Lava serial/parallel card for about the same money. This card is plenty good enough: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16815166006 -plus you get some serial ports which are also being omitted along with other legacy devices on newer mobos (personally, I won't buy a mobo that lacks the legacy ports). It doesn't hurt that it's a 5-egg rated over 20+ buyers either. There are also cards that include other ports like a PATA drive adapter (lots of mobos have only one PATA connector too - some have none), USB ports, FW port, along with the parallel and serial ports to get more use from your PCI slot. Generally you can disable any functions you won't be using to free up resources (check first to be sure, if you'll need that function).

.bh.
 
Found this in Newegg reviews be sure it doesn't apply to your system:

" Crashes System

Pros: Purports to provide parallel AND serial ports

Cons: After installing the card and drivers and rebooting my system, I am greeted with a Blue Screen of Death. Downloading drivers from the manufacturer's website and installing them produces the same result.

Other Thoughts: My system is a Dell Dimension E520 running Windows XP SP2 and Novell Netware.
Manufacturer Response😀ear Customer,

The Rosewill RC-303 works only with 5V PCI slot system. Please contact rma@rosewill.com for a possible replacement or refund. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you.



Best Regards,

Rosewill"

.bh.
 
I bought a serial to USB device to connect my serial modem to my PC. It worked sporadically, mostly...except during some heavy modem usage the PC would BSOD. I ended up buying a PCI card with serial ports on it and have been without trouble sense.

The jetdirect seems like the way to go for your setup though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top