There is a serial port besides the parallel. how can i make it work with serial cable?
I am trying to connect the serial port of the printer to a usb so i can use this nise printer with my new motherboard (no serials or parallels). I use a serial to usb cable, but its not working. (software can;t see the printer). Any suggestions? Do i have to configure the printer to receive data from serial? hao can i do this?
well, i am working on computer building since 1985 (zx zinglair spectrum-remember? good old days , just a visual basic) so plase you can treat me as at least intermidiate in pc please. The motherboard is the asus extreme-striker but the problem is that there is no serial or parallel ports on it. The printer has no usb ports on it only the usual parallel connector and a serial connector(it would be silly of me to try to connect it through serial to usb port if there was a usb on the printer) Of course there are working usb devices on the motherboard...a loooot of usb devices. Thank you for your interest, i appriciate you are trying to help me Tonerman. I am trying to find out if there is any special setting on the printer menu, to make the serial conector to receive data instead of parallel, becouse now the connector looks like not working. If this is done automaticly means that the problem is the cable (serial-2-usb)i use. The funny think is that with the parallel port the parallel-2-usb connector works fine. But i need to do this through the serial an not the parallel-printer port. So the tecnical question is: -is the serial port besides the printer port on the printer for receiving data? if yes, do i need to change anything on printer's settings to make it work? (my printer is oki ol400ex ports: 1 parallel, 1 serial)well, i am working on computer building since 1985 (zx zinglair spectrum-remember? good old days , just a visual basic) so plase you can treat me as at least intermidiate in pc please.
The motherboard is the asus extreme-striker but the problem is that there is no serial or parallel ports on it.
The printer has no usb ports on it only the usual parallel connector and a serial connector(it would be silly of me to try to connect it through serial to usb port if there was a usb on the printer)
Of course there are working usb devices on the motherboard...a loooot of usb devices.
Thank you for your interest, i appriciate you are trying to help me Tonerman.
I am trying to find out if there is any special setting on the printer menu, to make the serial conector to receive data instead of parallel, becouse now the connector looks like not working. If this is done automaticly means that the problem is the cable (serial-2-usb)i use.
The funny think is that with the parallel port the parallel-2-usb connector works fine. But i need to do this through the serial an not the parallel-printer port.
So the tecnical question is:
-is the serial port besides the printer port on the printer for receiving data? if yes, do i need to change anything on printer's settings to make it work? (my printer is oki ol400ex ports: 1 parallel, 1 serial)
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I know this is dreadfully old, but when using a Parallel-to-USB adapter with a non-USB printer, once the drivers have been installed for both the printer AND the USB adapter, you often have to point the printer driver to the correct port. Do this by going into the properties for the printer in the Printers folder (right-click, select properties). Select the Ports tab, then scroll down the list until you see the entry for the USB adapter - something like 'USB001 - Virtual USB Printer Port' or similar. Select this, hit 'OK' and give the test print a whirl.
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You won't find a cable or adapter that will allow both computers to connect simultaneously to the printer. This is because the printers would interfere with each other's signals. That said, adapters are available, but not cheap. Again, the problem is the language that each type of connector uses is different. On top of that, chances are that the printer software would not allow you to select a serial port output on the printer knowing it does not support serial port interface. Same issue with the parallel port. You apparently are using very old computers if all you have is serial or parallel port outputs. You may be able to get a USB card to install in the computer(s) to provide you with a USB interface. This would be cheaper than attempting to get a pair of adapter cables and more likely to work better as well. Often the adapter cables don't work right and will cause slow printing. Also, you CAN get a switching box that can connect two USB computer ports to a single printer.
Depending on what port do you have on the back (or side) of the printer (USB, parallel, serial). Use the correct cable (USB, parallel, or serial cable) to connect the printer to the correct port on the computer (USB, parallel, or serial). You need to install the software driver on the computer before it will work. Google the name and model of the printer to download the driver to your computer.
Hi craig931,
First try downloading the latest driver of your printer and your usb converter compatible for windows 7.
Second Checked your device manager if your printer and usb to parallel driver properly installed, it should be there. If not yet installed try using different usb port one at a time until the cable have been detected.
Third if you see already the printer port force to change it to USB001 or Com1, then try to print. regards,
The cable you need depends on the unit. I am not aware of a C171a model from Epson. I have seen it listed as a version of the RX500. In that case you need a USB cable with A/B male ends.
Otherwise, most printers (from about 1997 on) will use a USB cable. This has two male ends - a square end goes into the printer and a rectangular end that goes to the computer (called A/B). For older printers (there may be multiple ports or just one), you may see a parallel port (the cable has a wide rectangular plug on both sides with 36 pins) or serial port (the cable may have DB9 (9 pin), DB25 (25 pin) or both). Often it is called a RS-232 port. For a parallel port connection, you would need one that is designed for scanners and bi-directional communication (USB to parallel adapters are available to connect this to a new computer but you still need the bi-directional version). Similarly, USB to serial adapters are available.
Generally you can tell what cable you need by looking at the back of the unit where the ports are. (Although some all-in ones have the USB cables in other places - routed through the side of the unit but the plug is near where the ink cartridges go.) Then the size and pin counts for parallel or serial tell you what cable to get. There is usually a symbol indicating the cable type as well near each port. USB cables are usually indicated by a tree like symbol with curved branches.
Many USB to Parallel, and USB to Serial adapters/cables just don't work well, due to the processing 'overhead' in the software of the drivers for these devices.
The parallel (or serial) device at the end of the cable just doesn't 'see' responses quick enough, so asumes it not to be connected to anything.
Network adapters are plentiful and cheap for these printers. Perhaps this is the solution.
Cables are available from a number of sources which will convert from a USB plug for your computer to a serial or parallel connector for your printer. (I don't remember for sure whether that Panasonic is serial or parallel. I think it's a parallel printer and uses a Centronics connector.) Do a search for "centronics to USB" or "serial to USB" and you will find links to a number of sources.
I have a similar situation. Trying to print from a HP LaserJet 4 using a parallel cable to USB. It will not recognize the printer. What is the installation setup or what is the trick to get it to print?
the printer is designed to work with a parallel cabel connection. usb to parallel conversion cables may or may not work.
now for the second part is, about the driver (visit manufacturers website for updated drivers), usb driver behaves differently compared to parallel drivers as it expects a usb printer connected to a computer. try both drivers. remember, it may or may not work.
well, i am working on computer building since 1985 (zx zinglair spectrum-remember? good old days , just a visual basic) so plase you can treat me as at least intermidiate in pc please.
The motherboard is the asus extreme-striker but the problem is that there is no serial or parallel ports on it.
The printer has no usb ports on it only the usual parallel connector and a serial connector(it would be silly of me to try to connect it through serial to usb port if there was a usb on the printer)
Of course there are working usb devices on the motherboard...a loooot of usb devices.
Thank you for your interest, i appriciate you are trying to help me Tonerman.
I am trying to find out if there is any special setting on the printer menu, to make the serial conector to receive data instead of parallel, becouse now the connector looks like not working. If this is done automaticly means that the problem is the cable (serial-2-usb)i use.
The funny think is that with the parallel port the parallel-2-usb connector works fine. But i need to do this through the serial an not the parallel-printer port.
So the tecnical question is:
-is the serial port besides the printer port on the printer for receiving data? if yes, do i need to change anything on printer's settings to make it work? (my printer is oki ol400ex ports: 1 parallel, 1 serial)
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