User's Manual

21
Printer Setup
Select a Communication Interface
12/2/05 XiIIIPlus/R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide 13383L-002 Rev. A
IEEE 1284 Bidirectional Parallel A common communication method available on most
PCs and other hosts.
• Advantages: Fastest of the communication interfaces; cables and connectors are readily
available from computer equipment stores and suppliers; two-way communication
between the host and the printer; easy to connect.
• Disadvantages: Shorter recommended cable length of 6 feet (1.83 m) with a maximum of
length 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.
Figure 10 • Communicating Using a Parallel Port
1
36-pin male connector, attaching to printer
2
25-pin male connector, attaching to computer
3
Maximum cable length = 10 ft. (3 m)
Printer Computer
36-pin
male
25-pin
male
10 ft. (3 m) maximum