Parallel printer to USB Computer Port

[Charlie Allnut]

I've got an excellent condition and little used HP LaserJet 6L printer that
only has a parallel cable output-- but my new computer doesn't have a
parallel port-- just USB.

So I got a parallel/Centronics to USB adaptor cable-- but the computer
doesn't recognize it and I can't find a driver that will work. The HP
website is no help.

It's not cost effective to set up a wireless print network. So-- any
suggestions? I'd hate to have to go out and buy a new printer to replace a
perfectly good one...

 

[Ivor Jones]

I've got an excellent condition and little used HP
LaserJet 6L printer that only has a parallel cable
output-- but my new computer doesn't have a parallel
port-- just USB.
So I got a parallel/Centronics to USB adaptor cable-- but
the computer doesn't recognize it and I can't find a
driver that will work. The HP website is no help.

It's not cost effective to set up a wireless print
network. So-- any suggestions? I'd hate to have to go out
and buy a new printer to replace a perfectly good one...

Do you have a network router..? Get an Ethernet print server with a
parallel port.

Ivor

 

[Tony]

I've got an excellent condition and little used HP LaserJet 6L printer that
only has a parallel cable output-- but my new computer doesn't have a
parallel port-- just USB.

So I got a parallel/Centronics to USB adaptor cable-- but the computer
doesn't recognize it and I can't find a driver that will work. The HP
website is no help.

It's not cost effective to set up a wireless print network. So-- any
suggestions? I'd hate to have to go out and buy a new printer to replace a
perfectly good one...

Some of these devices work and some don't with specific printer models. HP will
not have any information because they don't support these adapters.
The only way to be sure is to find an adapter that specifically states that it
supports the 6L.
Tony
MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[Warren Block]

I've got an excellent condition and little used HP LaserJet 6L printer that
only has a parallel cable output-- but my new computer doesn't have a
parallel port-- just USB.

So I got a parallel/Centronics to USB adaptor cable-- but the computer
doesn't recognize it and I can't find a driver that will work. The HP
website is no help.

It's not cost effective to set up a wireless print network. So-- any
suggestions? I'd hate to have to go out and buy a new printer to replace a
perfectly good one...

Options:

Return the USB-to-parallel adapter and try a different brand.

Install a parallel port card like the Lava brand.

A parallel print server should work, but involves the complications of a
network.

I'd check the 6L for the multiple page feed problem before spending much
money on it.

 

[Sideshow Bob]

I've got an excellent condition and little used HP LaserJet 6L printer
that only has a parallel cable output-- but my new computer doesn't have a
parallel port-- just USB.

So I got a parallel/Centronics to USB adaptor cable-- but the computer
doesn't recognize it and I can't find a driver that will work. The HP
website is no help.

It's not cost effective to set up a wireless print network. So-- any
suggestions? I'd hate to have to go out and buy a new printer to replace a
perfectly good one...

If you have an available PCI slot, try this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815150131

 

[tcfs1et02]

I've got an excellent condition and little used HP LaserJet 6L printer that
only has a parallel cable output-- but my new computer doesn't have a
parallel port-- just USB.

If this is a desktop and not a laptop, best solution is to install a
parallel port in it.
Check your motherboard docs, there's a chance there is a socket on the
mobo that you can plug in a cable to a parallel port connector (cost
$1-2). You'd probably have to activate it in the BIOS.

If it's really "legacy free", get a PCI parallel port card, a generic
one may be less than $10. These are more reliable than USB/parallel
cables.

But before all that, use the test print function on the laser to check
the paper feed. The 6L was renowned for jamming. There are repair kits
if you need.

 

[Gary Tait]

So I got a parallel/Centronics to USB adaptor cable-- but the computer
doesn't recognize it and I can't find a driver that will work. The HP
website is no help.

You need to find a driver for the USB-Centronics adapter.

Either let Windows search for a driver, or find the USB VID/PID of the
device and search the web for those.