Re: Trouble with A/B switch box on Printer Port

[dempson@atlantis.actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

In article <4calag$eof@newsbf02.news.aol.com>,
FermiLevel <fermilevel@aol.com> wrote:
> What do you mean "straight through cable"?  I have a standard DIN 8 cable
> between the GS and the box, and then two other cables to each of the two
> printers.  Please explain...

All computers and peripherals with a Mini-Din-8 connector have the
same pinout.  A standard "computer to printer" cable with Mini-Din-8
connectors (e.g. Mac-to-ImageWriterII) is actually a "null modem"
cable, because it swaps over the signal pairs.

If you are using a Mini-Din-8 switch box, the box may be wired so that
all of the plugs have the same pinout as the computer and printer,
allowing you to use standard printer cables for both sides, or it
might be wired so that the connector for the computer uses the
opposite pinout, so you have to use a "straight through" cable between
the box and the computer.  (This would allow "straight through" wiring
to be used within the switch box.)

The "straight through" cable is basically an extender cable, but it
has male connectors on both ends.
-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand