RE: [TCLUG:2721] Networking via parallel port

["Carl Patten" <cpatte@trimodalinc.com>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Christopher Palmer [mailto:reid@pconline.com]
> Sent: Thursday, December 10, 1998 11:51 AM
> To: tclug-list@listserv.real-time.com
> Subject: RE: [TCLUG:2721] Networking via parallel port
>
>
> On Thu, 10 Dec 1998, Carl Patten wrote:
>
> > For hardware you'll need a "LapLink" cable to connect your
> parallel ports
> > together.  You can make it yourself or buy one.  (I bought mine
> from Dexis,
> > located in Eden Prairie, MN).
>
> I wanted to try this out, too. What is it about a regular parallel cable
> that won't work? How is a 'LapLink' cable different, and how much do they
> cost?

A standard parallel cable has the DB25 connector on one end and a Centronics
(printer) connector on the other end, so it can't be used to connect
parallel port to parallel port.  Also, it's not wired right for PLIP.  The
"LapLink" cable is the parallel equivalent of a null-modem cable.  It has
DB25 on both ends and is wired for two-way data transmission.  Mine cost $19
at Dexis.  I've also seen them from time to time at Computer Renaissance and
CompUSA.

This cable also works with the DOS InterLink program, LapLink (of course)
and PcAnywhere.  If you want to make it yourself, wiring docs are in the
PLIP mini-HOWTO or in the DOS help file for INTERLNK.EXE.

--
Carl Patten
Systems Administrator
Trimodal Inc.