Belkin Components has a cable built to connect a parallel printer to a USB
port on your computer. If your computer has USB this may be the best option
for using both printers.

Chris Hayes
ETC  Computers
Lubbock Tx.



----- Original Message -----
From: Yui Shin <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, March 06, 2000 12:16 PM
Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] Two Printers Off One Computer


> --- "Brian L. Sanburn" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> > Hello list members,
> >
> >         I have a HP LaserJet 5L and a Canon BJC-5100 that I'd like to
> > hook up to the same computer at the same time.
> > This would, of course, give me the option of choosing one over the
> > other and seeing the results immediately
> > without having to unplug the one and plug in the other and vice
> > versa.  Thinking it was as easy as buying a
> > splitter for the back of the computer, I headed off to my local
> > computer store.  Upon inquiring with the owner
> > I was told, however, that having both an inkjet (the Canon) and a
> > laser setup in such a way could damage the
> > laser (or was it the inkjet?).  In any event, I've put the plan on
> > hold in the hopes of getting some feedback
> > from you.
>
> Hi,
> sharing 2 printers off one LPT port is always going to be risky
> business. Unless you're using a very high quality switch you stand
> a good chance of spiking your ports while toggling the switch. Also,
> some switches do not support IEEE or bidirectional standards needed
> by color printers. I have seen this configuration work well between
> dot matrix printers, and perhaps the idea was originally intended for
> this.
>
> The best solution is to install another LPT/Serial I/O card. They're
> inexpensive, and easy to setup. In fact, they're about half the price
> of a mid grade A/B printer switch.
>
> -yui shin
>
>          PCBUILD maintains hundreds of useful files for download
>                      visit our download web page at:
>                      http://nospin.com/pc/files.html

         PCBUILD maintains hundreds of useful files for download
                     visit our download web page at:
                     http://nospin.com/pc/files.html