Parallel or Serial to USB when connecting to a Mac

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-23-2009, 12:05 PM

I'm looking at large format printer/plotters and they seem to be made for the CAD/PC world using parallel and serial ports.

All I've got are USB, both on my Powerbook and a wireless print server. The HP laserjet shows up on that via its IP address and I think that may work for an HP plotter/printer as well, but am wondering if someone has addressed this issue before.

DasBoot · 03-23-2009, 12:18 PM

Not sure about MAC compatability, but here's an adapter cable (if that's what your askin'):

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=585391

stomachmonkey · 03-23-2009, 12:42 PM

Shaun,

Which brand are you looking at?

What is your basis for making the selection?

The HP units should all have ethernet on board.

If not an ethernet/usb or parallel print server will work just fine.

Personally I'd look at a Fiery as an option. The PostScript support may be important to you.

Have had a bunch of plotters in the past and you know what my OS is so if you wanna gimme a call the numbers still the same.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-23-2009, 12:56 PM

Thanks Boot, who knew such a thing existed.

Scott, various HP Designjets. I need something that does 24 inches wide so I can print vellum/transparencies for screen printing on men's shirts. Below is one example.

My basis is 24 inches and cheap! It will get used very little just printing out black film positives on transparency so I can burn screens. Scanning CL for stuff and it looks like I can get a decent printer for well under $500.

Will call.

idontknow · 03-23-2009, 02:48 PM

HP does sell a LPT print server to allow you to link your mac to it. That's the way they make it work at the office.

Wasn't Apples slogan "It just works"?

Conversely, WinXP does have built in drivers for most HP DesignJets. Maybe it's time to upgrade to a PC? j/k

stealthn · 03-23-2009, 02:52 PM

Shaun,

I use an Intel NetportExpress print server, connects my old laser (parallel) and plotter (serial).

Cheers

stomachmonkey · 03-23-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idontknow

HP does sell a LPT print server to allow you to link your mac to it. That's the way they make it work at the office.

Wasn't Apples slogan "It just works"?

Conversely, WinXP does have built in drivers for most HP DesignJets. Maybe it's time to upgrade to a PC? j/k

The drivers are not the issue.

stomachmonkey · 03-23-2009, 05:54 PM

Just checked the garage.

Have a Xircom Portgear USB to DB9 converter and a Belkin USB to DB9 and RS232 converter.

Would be better if you get a plotter with USB or Ethernet but these might do.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-23-2009, 06:05 PM

Thanks Scott. The first two I found on CL have already been sold. Who'd have thought that $1200 printers would sell so fast for $300 to $500.

jeffgrant · 03-23-2009, 06:12 PM

I've had a few large-format printers that I used with my Mac, all HP's, and they all had USB ports.

Best print server I've used has been an Apple Airport Express.

http://www.apple.com/airportexpress

Stupidly small, and does a great job. I have about 4 of the things, and even take one with me when I'm on the road so I can always have wireless internet in hotel rooms.

I bought mine for $89 each at the local Mac store.