Dear Larry:
Have you considered a peer to peer network on the two computers?  That way,
you could attach one printer and one other parallel device to each computer
(i.e. run one printer through the zip drive and one printer though the
scanner), and simply share the devices over the network between the two
workstations?  That would seem to me much easier than the switch box (which
seem to be very short lived and full of problems if they are not set
appropriately on start up).  I am not completely sure about accessing a
scanner over the network, but the zip drive should represent no problem
whatsoever.  I have been able to daisy chain my parallel scanner, zip drive
and Canon BJC 4200, and the same configuration with my HP Deskjet Plus, but
not using both printers.  I overcame this by purchasing a secondary parallel
port.  SIIG makes a really good one, but they run in the $75 area.  You can
buy cheaper ones that will work with most products, but the newer HPs (like
the OfficeJet series) require the SIIG chipset.  Good luck.

Gina Hunkins
Georgia


>A client has two printers (laser and an inkjet), a parallel scanner and
>parallel
>zip drive and wants to use them all on two computers.
>The scanner (microtek x6 parallel port) has to be on and connected to be
>recognized by the computer.
>I put the two computers on a manual 2-way switch them ran to
>a 4-way manual printer switch. the printers worked, but the
>scanner won't work on that long of cable (scans are streaky).
>
>I put another parallel card on one computer for the scanner,
>but it died shortly;computer wouldn't boot with the card installed.
>It was a generic $8 card maybe it was just bad.
>Is there a auto switch that can handle all these devices and switching
>between two computers.  It is a nightmare at best for my
>elderly client to switch everything to the proper positions.
>Ideas????

         The PCBUILD web site always needs good submissions.  If
          you would like to contribute to the website, send any
               hardware tech tips or hardware reviews to:
                           [log in to unmask]