USB to Parallel port

[TBSN]

Hi,

I have this old dot-matrix printer that I want to get set up. It is loud but it prints fast as hell

I am not sure about the USB to Parallel port cables, though. Do they require drivers? (other than the USB drivers, of course). The reason I ask is because I'm on Linux, so I am hoping they are just plug and play...

thanks!

 

[Rottie]

I had one usb to parallel cable from walmart and it does not require any drivers it worked just like a normal. but of course you need to install printer driver if any.

 

[TBSN]

alright, thanks. They are pretty cheap from newegg so I think I'll just take the chance. As for drivers, I'm not sure if it has any, being such an old printer... Maybe whatever linux has built in will work, we'll see.

 

[Zepper]

If your mobo has a free PCI slot, why not use a parallel port or multiport card (with both parallel and serial ports on it). Much more flexible and better than the USB to parallel cables. Many dot matrix impact printers use Epson or Oki drivers that are included in many versions of Win. IDK what Linux has in terms of dot matrix drivers. I'm thinking those converter cables are very Windows centric...

.bh.

 

[TBSN]

I was hoping to use it for a laptop, so that's why I wanted USB. I got the cable and it seems to work, now I just need some ink! thanks for the help

 

[Zepper]

Dot matrix printers generally used ribbon cartridges. May be hard to find these days.

.bh.

 

[TBSN]

luckily, epson still sells them. It was only 6 bucks too!