USB vs Parallel Cable

  • Thread starter Thread starter Liz
  • Start date Start date
L

Liz

I have an Epson 1280 connected with a parallel cable; it works but is it
worth using USB 2.0 instead ... It came to mind because my status monitor
(up to date version) does not work and I thought it might be because of
using the parallel cable

Thanks ...
 
Liz said:
I have an Epson 1280 connected with a parallel cable; it works but is it
worth using USB 2.0 instead ... It came to mind because my status monitor
(up to date version) does not work and I thought it might be because of
using the parallel cable
Click to expand...

If the status monitor doesn't work, then you probably don't have the
parallel port set to bi-directional. Right-click My Computer,
Properties, Hardware tab, Device Manager, expand the Ports link. The LPT
port should show as ECP or EPP. If not, then you don't have it set in
the computer BIOS properly.

You can either check and change the settings in the BIOS, or just swap
to a USB cable and see if that works.
 
Bill said:
If the status monitor doesn't work, then you probably don't have the
parallel port set to bi-directional. Right-click My Computer,
Properties, Hardware tab, Device Manager, expand the Ports link. The LPT
port should show as ECP or EPP. If not, then you don't have it set in
the computer BIOS properly.

You can either check and change the settings in the BIOS, or just swap
to a USB cable and see if that works.
Click to expand...

ok, it says ECP ... and now it's working after another re-boot (it doesn't
display in the main window; I have to click Status Monitor and then it
shows) ... but is a USB cable any better anyway ? it's not like it's a big
investment ...

thanks ...
 
I have an Epson 1280 connected with a parallel cable; it works but is it
worth using USB 2.0 instead ... It came to mind because my status monitor
(up to date version) does not work and I thought it might be because of
using the parallel cable
Click to expand...

I second what Bill said. Are you sure the 1280 supports USB 2.0? I know my
1270 is only 1,1.
________________________________________________________
Ed Ruf Lifetime AMA# 344007 ([email protected])
http://EdwardGRuf.com
 
Liz said:
ok, it says ECP ... and now it's working after another re-boot (it doesn't
display in the main window; I have to click Status Monitor and then it
shows) ... but is a USB cable any better anyway ? it's not like it's a big
investment ...
Click to expand...

There's little difference between the two because most printers are much
slower than USB or Parallel data transfer rates.

Just use which ever is more convenient or practical in your setup.
 
Bill said:
There's little difference between the two because most printers are much
slower than USB or Parallel data transfer rates.

Just use which ever is more convenient or practical in your setup.
Click to expand...

I guess what's practical is what's already in place; thanks for the useful
info !
 
Ed said:
I second what Bill said. Are you sure the 1280 supports USB 2.0? I
know my 1270 is only 1,1.
________________________________________________________
Ed Ruf Lifetime AMA# 344007 ([email protected])
http://EdwardGRuf.com
Click to expand...


No it doesn't! It's too ancient! Anyway, the point is moot - no printer can
take data fast enough for 1.1/2.0 to be an issue.
 
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