lpt to usb converter

[jaylee11]

I am trying to use 2 printers on one computer. What I am doin is using a conversion cable that is lpt on one end, for the printer side, and usb on the other, for the cpu's usb port. However, everytime it is plugged in windows finds the new hardware but dosnt know what it is and it wants the usb drivers for it. If you change the cable on the printer to the lpt cable windows finds it, installs it and everything is fine. I'm trying not to buy a usb printer because the printer I have is good quality and fast. Any ideas what kind of drivers it wants and where I can find them? I've looked throughout win98 and the printer software. I cant find anything that will work.

 

[nagger]

Firstly a question:

- Whats the printer?

I heard that some EPSON printers function with that cable (Stylus Color 1520 and 3000), I dunno if other brands have the same technique

 

[bacillus]

with your present problem, have you considered getting a 1 or 2 Parallel Port (Bi-Directional) (Configurable) PCI card?
will give you 1 or 2 extra parallel ports & no hassle for usb drivers from windows!

 

[corkyg]

What it is looking for are the USB converter's drivers. Example, Belkin parallel/USB converter cables/plugs came with a floppy disk that had the drivers on it. I had one and still have the Diskette labeled "USB Parallel Adapter" installation disk. I ran it for about a year, but ended up getting rid of it. The printer was a laser, and would go to sleep. Every time it did that, it lost the USB connection and I had to hot plug it to use it.

Bacillus makes a very good point. You might be able to have two parallel ports . . . or use a A-B switch (electronic if one printer is a laser.)

 

[jaylee11]

 

[jaylee11]

The solution that involves adding an lpt port sounds like what I'm looking for. What do I look for at pricewatch or what do I call it if I call and ask for it at newegg or somewhere. Thanks for all the help guys. The printer is a hp 2000c profesional series. I know it has to be at least 6 years old. And the laser is a hp laser 4

 

[eplebnista]

Here is a link to one for $22+S&H.

hth,
eplebnista

 

[toshiba3020]

When you use one of these, do you have to use special drivers, or once it is installed can you access it like a standard parallel port. I have an lcd I interface to the parallel port and if I cant address it to the lpt1(or2), it just wont work.

Thanks
Garrett.