need to share a LPT port

[RBBRMADE]

I have two XP machines networked with no issues.
On machine A, I have a plotter/cutter connected to LPT1:
This device does not show up in printers, or anywhere else I look. It works just fine with the software that runs it.

I run the same software on another machine, with a different plotter. I need to be able to 'print' on the device on machine A from machine B directly.

I figured if I could see that port on machine B, I can handle the rest. I cannot just share a printer since there is none listed! I wish it was that easy!

thanx in advance for any help.

 

[Matthias99]

They make A/B switches for applications like this. You'd have to go flip the switch to whichever PC you want connected, though. You may just be able to get a splitter, and it should work as long as both systems don't try to access it at the same time.

 

[RBBRMADE]

I was anting to stay away from the switches if I could, and share that port.
thanx,
Ron

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

You can't share the physical port over the LAN without breaking out your coding pencil and writing custom drivers.

 

[RBBRMADE]

Originally posted by: gunrunnerjohn
You can't share the physical port over the LAN without breaking out your coding pencil and writing custom drivers.

bummer, that's what I was afraid of!
thanx,

Ron

 

[JackMDS]

A Total shot in the dark since I do not know what is the nature of your printer.

Link to: The D-Link DP-101P+ is a "Pocket Size" Ethernet Print Server with a Centronics port (Parallel Printer connection) and a single RJ-45 (Ethernet) port.

 

[loup garou]

What model is the plotter? I've noticed that some plotters behave like this (not showing up in printers dialogs). Is there an available printserver card for it? Also, have you checked the software that came with it to see if there are any options when installing the driver to share it or install it as a network device (if it has a builtin printserver)?

 

[JCROCCO]

I use a print server for this. Buy one like mine with 3 ports, then connect both printers/plotters to it, install the print server software on both machines, change the ports to use the print server ports, and your all set.

NO A/B box!!!!!