This is a stretch...
I have an older EPL-7000 laser printer I want to connect to my computer.
This is not box computer this one is homemade. In putting the computer together I have a soundblaster card, 56k modem, monster video card, and my regular com card. There is physically no way I can install another card.
My COM2 is a db25 male serial connection. The printer has both a parallel and a serial connection which is also a db25 male. Tried to get in touch with Epson with no response. I was told I needed a serial cable to connect them which i was also told can only be gotten thru Epson. In the owner's manual therer is a way to connect by a serial connection and gives the codes to input into the printer, but nothing about the CABLE. Can this be done or is it a pipedream? (and I'll still have to email my stuff to kinko's so I can print it out) Any idea would be great.

It can be done, with a serial cable, which might be proprietary for the Epson, but I would run it on the LPT port, which will be faster. Serial transmits data one direction at a time, while parallel allows two way communication with the printer. That makes parallel much faster.

If you are already using the LPT port for a printer, get a data switch, about $20 anywhere computer accessories are sold. I use one to run an ink jet printer, a laser jet printer, and a scanner from one LPT port, LPT1. The main reason originally was to use the laser jet, which will not work with the scanner in a parallel configuration. But now that the laser jet is down, I still use it, and can hook up any printer I want for testing purposes without shutting down. Just make sure the switch is not set to the channel the printer will be on when connecting the cable. It will handle up to 4 devices. Run the scanner through the ink jet and I can run 5.

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If you had everything...Where would you put it?

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

Thanks I'll have to get a hold of Epson. the prob is after replacing alot of boards for video and sound I was left with no LPT port think the cd-rom is running on it can't remember. Thanks for the answer that it can be done.
BTW this site and the boards are excellent I'll make sure to tell my friends (the ones who give me all their hand-me-downs) about it. Thanks Again http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

The EPL 7000 will certainly allow for serial connection to your com2. The cable needed can be made fairly easily (soldering required). I assume that you have the manual - if not you can get it from:
http://files.support.epson.com/pdf/epl7k_/epl7k_u1.pdf

Check out page 219 onwards for details of the cable and instructions on setting up the printer to acccept serial data.

Basically you will need pins 2 and 3 (crossed from the PC to the printer) for communication and 7 (straight thru) for signal ground, additional pins for flow control are 4 and 5 (crossed), also 6 and 20 (crossed), it's also a good idea to connect pin 1 for frame ground. So in summary the following should help:

PC Printer
Pins Pins
1 connected to 1
2 " 3
3 " 2
4 " 5
5 " 4
6 " 20
7 " 7
20 " 6

Hope his helps, but if it's as clear as mud then feel free to get in touch.

Mark