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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?

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.

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.

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

Chas.

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.