🚀 go-pugleaf

A W wrote:

> The boxes of the Hewlett Packard 695C and 812C printers say that you need an
> IEEE 1284 printer cable.  Will normal printer cables not work, or do they
> just recommend an IEEE 1284?

  Generally, they just recommend IEEE 1284 because it will eliminate one
possible problem area. A properly rated 1284 cable (I wouldn't put it past some
back-alley manufactures to simply stamp cheap cables) will pass all of the
handshak signal lines, is better shielded, and uses twisted pair wiring for all
of the data lines (which helps keep the signal clean.) A bi-directional cable
will usually pass on the lines, but has no guarantee about shielding or being
twisted pair. An unrated cable is a total crap shoot. It may not pass on all of
the handshake signals, which can disable bi-directional communication.

  In reality, a bi-directional cable is more than enough for printers. The extra
shielding on an IEEE cable is best suited for very long runs (over about 9-12ft,
3-4m), and for high-speed devices like ZIP drives, tape backup, scanners, etc...

  If you already have a cable, try it first. Try to avoid buying cables from
some of the electronics oriented retail stores like Best Buy or Circuit City.
They are EXTREMELY overpriced, with a 200-300%+ markup.

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