plotting with parallel to usb converter

[tgm4548]

Im running autodesk architectural desktop 3.3. I've got a manhattan parallel to usb converter connected to a designjet 430. i downloaded the driver from hp. no problem adding the printer either. when i go to print from word or autocad i get an immediate failed print message. i successfully printed from my bosses computer without the parallel cord. can someone give me a rundown in setting up this plotter correctly with a paraller converter?

[ReMark]

So you have a "pigtail" (USB to parallel) connected between the plotter (HP DJ 430) and your computer, right? Please click on Start > Printers and Faxes > right click on your printer and select Properties. Now click on the Ports tab. Is there a listing for a port named USB001? Is Enable bidirectional support checked off? Have you tried printing a test page (from the tab named General)? What other steps have you taken to troubleshoot the problem?

[tgm4548]

Ive tried using a parallel to usb cord and a usb to parallel converter that plugs into the parallel cord that was given to me by hp. I have usb ports 001-007 but only 4 usb plugs in my laptop. Enable bidirectional support is unchecked and deactived. When I added the plotter I selected LPT1 as the port. I've tried using all the usb ports as well when adding the printer as well as the com port with no success. I also have no success plotting from command prompt or word. i feel like im missing one little detail thats screwing everything up. let me know if u need any more information.

[ReMark]

I'm plotting with a HP DesignJet 500. When first purchased my CAD computer at the time had a parallel port as did the plotter. When I swapped out my computer for a new one the mobo did not have a parallel port so I had to resort to adding a USB (computer) to parallel (plotter) connector between the two. Since it was only three feet long it is plugged into the end of the original plotter cable.

 

Have you looked in Device Manager at all under Universal Serial Bus Controllers for the entry USB Printing Support?

 

A laptop. Too bad. If it were a desktop another way around the problem would have been to install a parallel port add-in card (such as NetMos PCI ECP parallel port). This would be installed in an open PCI slot. The card would have a parallel port at the rear and would have come with its own drivers for Windows.

[tgm4548]

i looked in device manager but there is no usb printing support. i've emaild hp and they said they won't help me fix the problem since they don't support converters. but an old employee got his laptop to plot with the converter cable. looks like im gunna have to buy a cheap pc and hook it up to a network since it doesn't seem to like local connections. oh well. if u have any other ideas let me know im all ears.

[ReMark]

I found this at a website for a cable manufacturer. Maybe it will be of some help to you.

 

"The easiest way to reinstall the printer and drivers would be to delete the printer from your "Printers and faxes" folder, (assuming you are using Windows) disconnect the printer, and the USB adapter then resart your computer.

 

First connect the USB to Parallel adapter. It will load with default drivers (built into Windows). Then you can reconnect your printer. It should reinstall itself and should be working properly."