We
Review: The Last of the Parallel Connected Printers
Written by: J.P
It is called the HP Officejet K-80 and it
is on
sale. It is being replaced by the K-85. The only
difference is the K-80 has a parallel connector and
all the newer printers, scanners, drives, modems, have
a USB connector. The new connector even uses a less
expensive cable.
Well, I need a color printer for my photo work.
I pick the K-80 with the parallel port.
The new USB ports can have up to 127 connections.
Since the ports are inexpensive, the newer computers
often have as many as seven USB ports. I already
have an IEEE 1284 cable, and I install using the parallel
port connector.
There is a README file with the HP software.
Typically, the README would be a text file so it can be
read by almost anything. Such files are filled with
tips and late additions about the software. [Trivia:
In German, it is known as a READ file. In German, the
word for READ is "LIES."] But, the HP README file
is
README.DOC which means it is in Microsoft Word format.
If you do not have Microsoft Word, (like me) you can
open it in Wordpad and read the text as one long line
between little boxes of format code. Here I learn
more about the USB port.
"If your PC is running Windows 98 or Windows 2000 and
has an USB port, we recommend that you purchase and
use a high-speed (12 Mbps) USB cable to increase
performance." Good advice, but I am still going to use the
parallel cable. Besides; it is a longer cable.
This old printer comes with a warning for Windows
XP users. "Do not use the enclosed software CD. Simply
connect this product to the computer and Microsoft
Windows XP will automatically install built-in printing
and scanning software. To use other features, such as
copying or faxing, use the front panel of this product."
Another change to learn. The newer operating systems
are doing more. Windows XP will also check for and install
drivers for most things.
The README file also says:
"DOS Printing: Your HP OfficeJet K Series does not support
printing from DOS, printing from DOS programs, or printing
from a DOS box within Windows."
That is a pity. From DOS you could write, "Print
*.txt"
and that would print all your text documents using Notepad.
The titles would appear at the top of each page! Even I
must admit I did not have a need to do that often.
Just from installing my new Officejet, I learn something
about the future. New devices are faster, Windows XP is
taking over, and the old technology is being unsupported.
George Burns once said, "The future just isn't what it used
to be." This is still true.
COMMENTS & TECH QUESTIONS (with answers)
QUESTION: Date/Time of Posting: Aug 31 2002 /
23:12:35
IP Address: 64.12.96.46
name = Tracey
where = tns60644@aol.com
replyemail = connecting a usb printer to a parallel port
comments = Is there an adapter that connects usb printers to parallel
printer ports?
ANSWER: Yes. If you have USB ports, and a USB
capable system, you
can add a parallel printer port. But I caution that a passive
cable could have a few problems. A passive cable is just a
cable with one USB port on one end and a parallel port on the
other. I would suggest a converter with an active driver in it.
I found one at:
http://www.cablemax.com/cablemax/index.html
If you decide on a passive cable, be sure to get a driver with it.
If it does not come with a special driver, keep shopping.
The reverse is NOT true. If you have a parallel port, and want
to
connect to a usb printer, you will have problems. For starters,
the strobe rate won't match.
JP
The Modamag techie.
QUESTION: Date/Time of Posting: Sep 05 2002 /
16:50:53
IP Address: 24.234.78.112
name = marco
where = mrsmith25@hotmail.com
replyemail = stupid fax machine
comments = Iam currently using a hp office jet k-80, and the printer
cartrides wont align. I have trie3 different cartridges and all the
usual attempts at switching the power off and hitting it and swearing
and etc.. nothing helps. I currently am unable to receive any faxes
while this error exists. the HP website is a piece of crap and i cant
find any help there either. Every time i press enter and run the
alignment it just says fails upon completion of the task. then it says
push enter to align. aaaaaaaagggh!!!!!
ANSWER: Hello Mr. Smith. I apologize for not getting back to
you sooner. I gather that you are having trouble aligning the
printing. This
could mean, 1) It prints fine but just won't pass the test. 2)
It does not print at all. 3.) It prints crooked.
Let me start with #3. PULL THE POWER PLUG from the back
of the machine. WAIT a full 30 seconds. Then AFTER A FULL
30 seconds, plug it back in. The on/off switch won't do
quite the
same thing. After you plug it back it a test will run that will
align
your print heads. That worked for me.
Now print something. If it is still printing crooked visit:
http://www.hp.com/cposupport/multifunction/support_doc/bpu02063.html
and print out the instructions. (Yes, it will be crooked.)
Follow the
instructions and all should be well.
If your problem is #1 (Prints OK but won't pass the test). I would
ignore it. If your problem is #2 (Doesn't print at all). This is
serious. It needs
servicing.
As for hitting it and swearing, I do not recommend that. It
doesn't
work on most machines nowadays. (Doesn't work on most people
either.)
Blessings and good luck,
JP - The Modamag Techie
COMMENTS
Question: Date/Time of Posting: Dec 19 2002 / 13:54:40
IP Address: 65.25.22.183
name = Gary Frye
where = gfrye@neo.rr.com
Subject = Friggin IJ 750
comments = Perfectly streight lines through the printed copy with no
ink. Plus most of the words are slightly blured. Both cartridges are
brand new and I've cleaned the cartridges and heads according to the
book. Other than get a new printer, can you give me a little help?
Thanks!!
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