15+ printers into one machine

conZ · 03-08-2004 07:18PM #1

I need to hook about 15 printers into one machine - some parallel, some USB.

There are two usb ports on the PC itself (its a Dell) and only two spare PCI slots, so adding a rake of cards is out of the question.

I was thinking about getting two or so of these - (CNet USB 2.0 hub 7-port NEC chip, with PSU) and connecting up the parallel cables to this using these - (Goodway adapter for USB to printerport. Connects parallell printer to USB-port).

A 16 port USB hub would be the best solution, or else a 7 or 8 port USB hub, and a 7 or 8 parallel port hub.

I was thinking I might have a bit of trouble getting all the printers set up through the parallel to usb connections etc.

Anyone tried doing this?
Any ideas?

Redrocket · 03-08-2004 07:27PM

why do you need 15 printers? whats going to manage different computers printing to different printers??

conZ · 03-08-2004 07:32PM

15+ printers are needed as test printers.

Want to have them all plugged in for convenience and so I wont have to go searching through a rake of cables to find which printer is which.

It's only gonna be one print job at a time, printing from this central pc which is not currently connected or networked with any other pc.

halenger · 03-08-2004 08:33PM

Can't remember for sure but I think there's problems converting from parallel to USB. Could be wrong. It's just something I rememeber hearing a while back.

If you really wanted you could get an octopus card. They're serial PCI cards with a tonne of serial ports. Split off from a few connections. Some I've seen add 8 serial ports. They are by no means inexpensive though so you'd really wanna want them for regular usage not once off.

15+ printers into one machine

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