printer cable bi??

[Merk]

how do you tell if a printer/parallel cable is bidirectional or not

or conversely

what is the difference between a standard parallel cable and a bidirectional one.

thanks
merk

[fishboy]

the more expensive cables ieee 1284 are bidirectional meaning the printer and computer both "see" each other. Some printers require this type of cable

[This message has been edited by fishboy (edited 09-01-99).]

[Merk]

i want to know if a cable i have is bi directional or not. can i test the pins with a multimeter or something??

[fishboy]

go here http://www.fapo.com/ieee1284.htm

[Carl Uman]

Sometimes the cable has some info printed or stampted into it. As fishboy said ieee cables are bi-directional so look for that. Second if nothing is printed and you have/know how to use an electronics tester you can check to make sure that all 25 pins are wired through. I didn't check fishboy's site listed but you will need to know the pin out of the cable in order to do the testing or test every combo ;-)

Carl

[Merk]

much obliged guys. /forum/smile.gif