parallel port splitter?

[usual_suspect]

My sister has a Dell Latitude cpx that has one parallel port she is using to share two devices (external floppy and printer).

Since apparently neither the floppy or the printer has a pass through port, is a parallel port splitter her best option? I've never used one, if someone could recommend a good solution I'd greatly appreciate it.

The printer is a HP deskjet 350.

She wants to be able to switch back and forth between floppy and printer on the fly, so to speak.

Thanks for any help you can give.

-Tom

 

[usual_suspect]

I found this cable
that allows a parallel printer to run off of a USB port. Has anyone ever used one?

 

[sohcrates]

you can go to any radio shack and pick up a parallel port switcher box for like 15 bucks...it has an "a" and "b" setting. there aren't really any "splitter" just "switches" for parallel ports. that usb adapter thingy should work fine, BUT i'd imagine it's expensive, no?

 

[usual_suspect]

Ya well if you call $43 for a cable expensive (which I do).

The thing is, I've just now read in a Dell laptop FAQ that the external floppy signal gets too weak when used with a switcher.

So I guess my new technical question is, does anyone know if this is or could be correct?

Thanks for the reply sohcrates, maybe I'll go try the a/b switcher just to see. Radio Shack is usually good about taking items back that I couldn't use.

 

[sohcrates]

i worked at a radio shack for 2 years. as long as you bring it back within 30 days and WITH the receipt, they really can't argue with ya.

good luck

 

[usual_suspect]

I just had a thought about the switcher, what will the OS actually "see" as the device on that port.

surely win98 won't allow you to switch without re-booting will it? I think that's one of the things she was trying to avoid. :Q

 

[sohcrates]

yeah, i was wondering that too. i'd say your best bet would be to boot it up with the floppy selected always...then you hopefully will be able to go back and forth with the printer...but i really don't think you can find out unless you try.

 

[usual_suspect]

Right, thanks again.