Some printers and scanners don't work on switchboxes.  HP's in particular
don't like switchboxes.  HP recommends against such connections.  However,
if you get an IEEE 1284 compliant box like the Belkin F1u123 or 125, you can
do it.  I ran my three printers and a scanner that way for years.  If you
have a spare ISA slot you can also add another LPT port, which I also did.
Belkin makes two-port and four-port boxes as described.  You could also
convert one of your printers to USB if your mobo and BIOS supported it.
Belkin's F5U002 is a centronics to USB connector cable for a printer.  It
comes with software for the USB connection.  I used it on my HP LJ 6 to
convert it to USB. Belkin says it will convert any printer.  Lots of
possibilities. Joel

Sent: Friday, March 30, 2001 3:53 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [PCBUILD] switch box


I am trying to set up a switch box so I can easily swap between printer,
scanner & MP3 download, these 3 devices all connect to my parallel port.

They all work when connected directly, none work through the switch box.

My PC is a P200, 64Mb ram running Win 98, 2 hard disks 1 x 330MB compressed
to about 700MB, and 1 x 3Gb plit into 2 drives.

Any advice greatfully received

Regards
Rod Moss

              The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech
                     support at our newest website:
                          http://freepctech.com

              The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech
                     support at our newest website:
                          http://freepctech.com