'mini' parallel ports?

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funnyfela

350 posts

Ultimate Geek

#191124 24-Jan-2016 17:46

Hi guys

For my work, the IT install guys have used VGA to a circular plug, then back to vga at the other end to get the plugs through nice brush plates.

I'm needing to run a 5m parallel cable from the thin client, through 2 existing brush plates to the thermal receipt printer in a new location. But obviously parallel is way too big to fit.

Its a major fast food restaurant (brand new location), so I can't change the interface to a smaller one like USB or ethernet, and I can't cut out new holes in the new tiles. Ideally need to run through the existing brush plates.

Is there any such thing as adapter cables to a 'mini parallel' and then back. Need about 5 m total from thin clients parallel port to the printer.

(They used these on the VGA's)

vga

Cheers :)

If you have to run heating in winter, you don’t own enough computers.

k1w1k1d

1520 posts

Uber Geek

#1477911 24-Jan-2016 19:49

Can you get a suitable length lead, remove a connector, feed it through to the printer, and then refit the connector?

richms

28176 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1477916 24-Jan-2016 20:06

Back when parallel printers were a thing, and networks were rare, there were things to convert it to a RJ11 plug which would daisy chain between PCs and then go to a single parallel printer.

Perhaps see if you can find one of those old type parallel printer sharing things to get the data to the printer?

Richard rich.ms

Aredwood

3885 posts

Uber Geek

#1477991 25-Jan-2016 01:06

Just cut the plug off one end of the cable. Install the cable. And solder a new plug on. Jaycar sell the right replacement plugs.

Otherwise make some custom parallel port to rj45 adapters. But you will need two cat 5 runs for parallel port without using any active circuitry.