Switch Box

[blazer2boy]

I'm trying to hook a printer to 2 computers. I found an old switch box.
It has Interek on it.

Now I hook the printer to the port in the switch box and than at port a attach the cable going to 1 of the computers. The problem is that the computer does not see the printer. So I reconect the printer to the conmputer dirictly and it works fine. Is the switchbox shot or am I doing something wrong? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif

Blazer http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Randy_tx]

I've never tried using a switch-box that way.....only to hook two printers to one computer......My guess is that since it's a one-way signal and you are using the switch-box backwards from the design......the printer signal aint gettin through http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif........but what do I know....!

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[tjaymadison]

Switch boxes come in many "flavors" -- some are 1-to-2, some are 2-to-1, and some are crossovers. Be careful with mechanical (rotary) switchboxes. They can arc and mess up the electronics in newer printers if you use a bi-directional cable. Belkin puts a warning on their switchboxes that they are not to be used with HP printers and will void the warranty.

[hiredgoonz]

excellent point tj...they make special switches for that purpose, if it's not the right kind you can break the printer

[blazer2boy]

Thank for the info everyone. I will have to check the local stores to see what is available.

PS TJ are you Physic as I am using an HP printer. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Cheers http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Blazer