Printer Setup 21

Select a Communication Interface

IEEE 1284 Bidirectional Parallel A common communication method available on most personal computers and other hosts.

•Advantages: Faster than the serial connection; cables and connectors are readily available from computer equipment stores and suppliers; easy to connect; two-way communication between the computer and the printer; no printer parameter changes required to match the host computer.

•Disadvantages: Recommended cable length of only 6 feet (1.83 m) with a maximum length of 10 ft (3 m); many computers are equipped with only one parallel port, allowing only one IEEE 1284 bidirectional device to be connected at a time; an Ethernet print server takes up or covers this port on the printer.

Figure 7 • Connecting the Printer through the Parallel Port

Printer Computer

1

3

2

136-pin male connector, attaching to printer

225-pin male connector, attaching to computer

3Maximum cable length = 10 ft. (3 m)

6/30/06

105SL User Guide

11342L-001 Rev. A