Big old printer, new little notebook PC

Most of us are not "computer people" so post your technical questions and comments here. If you have computer or Internet expertise, share it here.

Moderators: carlson1, Keith B

Post Reply
User avatar

Topic author
tomneal
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 2
Posts: 1187
Joined: Fri Dec 31, 2004 2:26 pm
Location: Houston
Contact:

Big old printer, new little notebook PC

#1

Post by tomneal »

I have a very large, very fast laser printer. HP Laser Jet 5si

I am going to use it to print scores for the Space City Challenge.
I use it now via a parallel port but the notebook I am planning to use, doesn't have a parallel port.

I noticed that the printer has a network plug labeled 10based-t

Is it possible to set up a network, and connect both?

Or

Is there some gadget to connect a parallel port to a new notebook?

or

Should I just drag my old desk top out to the range?


Any thoughts?
See you at the range
NRA Life, TSRA Life, USPSA Life, Mensa (not worth $50 per year so it's expired)
Tom (Retired May 2019) Neal
User avatar

Crossfire
Moderator
Posts in topic: 1
Posts: 5405
Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2006 10:27 am
Location: DFW
Contact:

Re: Big old printer, new little notebook PC

#2

Post by Crossfire »

Two options for you.

1. Go to RadioShack. Get a parallel to USB adaptor. Make sure they understand you are hooking up a parallel PRINTER to a USB PC, so you get the right male/female parts on the right ends. Install the print driver using the USB port.

2. A little bit less expensive, but more difficult. Get an ethernet crossover cable. Set an IP address on the laptop, like 192.168.0.1. Use the same address for the gateway. Set an IP address in the same range on the printer, like 192.168.0.2. Install the print driver as a network printer.
Texas LTC Instructor, FFL, IdentoGO Fingerprinting Partner
http://www.Crossfire-Training.com
User avatar

Topic author
tomneal
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 2
Posts: 1187
Joined: Fri Dec 31, 2004 2:26 pm
Location: Houston
Contact:

Re: Big old printer, new little notebook PC

#3

Post by tomneal »

Micro Center is on the way home.
I think I'll stop there tomorrow.

A cable is much easier than setting up a network.

Thanks for your help.
See you at the range
NRA Life, TSRA Life, USPSA Life, Mensa (not worth $50 per year so it's expired)
Tom (Retired May 2019) Neal
User avatar

Charles L. Cotton
Site Admin
Posts in topic: 1
Posts: 17787
Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 9:31 pm
Location: Friendswood, TX
Contact:

Re: Big old printer, new little notebook PC

#4

Post by Charles L. Cotton »

Are you using multiple computers for scoring? If so, we have the IDPA building cabled with Cat. 5 and we have a router.

Chas.

KinnyLee
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 1
Posts: 1295
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2005 12:59 pm
Contact:

Re: Big old printer, new little notebook PC

#5

Post by KinnyLee »

The printer is set up for directjet which will probably require an IP address. The printer will probably grab one from the router once powered on, and you will need to print the configuration page to install the IP port on your notebook. Let me know if you need help. I've done this many times at work. :cool:
Post Reply

Return to “Technical Tips, Questions & Discussions (Computers & Internet)”