Connecting one printer to 2 computers

  • Thread starter Thread starter MB
  • Start date Start date
M

MB

I have an Epson Stylus Color 600 printer. It connects thru the LPT1 port.

Is there a way to connect this to 2 computer systems?? What would I need?
(Is there some kind of A/B switch type thingy)

Mel
 
"Is there some kind of A/B switch type thingy"

Yep, should be pretty cheap too. Don't forget the extra cables you'll need
though (printer cable connects to box, each PC needs a cable to the box.

You could just share it across an existing network if you have one set up
 
GB:

OK -- the cable goes from printer to box. What kind of cable goes from
computer to box?? Would that also be a printer cable or would it be some
kind of USB cable?

Mel
 
GB:

OK -- the cable goes from printer to box. What kind of cable goes from
computer to box?? Would that also be a printer cable or would it be some
kind of USB cable?

Mel
Click to expand...

It depends on the switch box you get. Years ago I had an Epson dot
matrix printer connected to two computers through a switchbox. It had
db25 connectors for both input and output. For imput, you need a
parallel printer "extension" cable, db25 male at one end and db25
female at the other..... you need two of these, one from each computer
to the switchbox input connectors. For the output, you need a standard
printer cable.

That said, I've seen boxes with different connectors, so check the box
before you buy the cables.
 
they are normally a straight DB25 male to female cable, one for each PC
(connects to PC Printer port). In the end it just acts like a printer
extension cable.

Where ever you get the switch box from should be able to sort you out with
cables.
 
I have an Epson Stylus Color 600 printer. It connects thru the LPT1
I have two computers here on my desk and one printer, an Epson Stylus color
600. One of the computers is a PC, the other a Mac. The PC is connected via
the parallel port, the Mac via the USB port. No switchbox. No problems
whatever. I just can't print from both computers at the same time.

Michel
 
"Is there some kind of A/B switch type thingy"

Yep, should be pretty cheap too. Don't forget the extra cables you'll need
though (printer cable connects to box, each PC needs a cable to the box.

You could just share it across an existing network if you have one set up
Click to expand...
If you do not have an existing network, it might be almost as cheap to
set one up. Probably two network cards at about £10 each and a
suitable cable. Then set up printer sharing (it would need the
computer with the printer connected to it to be switched on to allow
the other computer to use the printer.) This is how my home system
works with one computer upstairs and one downstairs.
 
All
There are A/B switches. Automatic and manual. Usually used with parallel or
printer ports. PCs. We have one for our printer. Annually I check to make sure
it is there. Been there for the last 15 years. I would say it is reliable.
E-mail me for more.
Bob AZ
 
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