Description
Buffalo Printer Buffer SL 4-Port Parallel 6-Port Serial 25-Pin DB25 120V AC
The Buffalo Printer Buffer SL is a standalone parallel and serial printer buffer and sharing device that allows multiple computers or data sources to share a single printer. It accepts input from up to 10 channels — 4 parallel and 6 serial — each terminated with a DB25 (25-pin) female connector, and queues data for output to a connected printer. The unit runs on 120V AC and features front-panel LED status indicators for each channel.
Specifications & What's Included
- Brand: Buffalo
- Model: Printer Buffer SL
- Parallel ports: 4 x DB25 female (CH0, CH1, CH2, CH3)
- Serial ports: 6 x DB25 female (CH4, CH5, CH6, CH7, CH8, CH9)
- Total channels: 10
- Connector type: DB25 (25-pin) female on all ports
- Power: 120V AC via rear IEC C14 inlet
- Power switch: rear-panel rocker (ON/OFF)
- Configuration: rear-panel DIP switch bank
- Status indicators: front-panel green LEDs per channel (STATUS + CH0–CH9)
- Form factor: desktop / tabletop, beige metal enclosure
- Unit only — no cables included
Applications
Printer buffers like the Buffalo SL were a standard office and workgroup tool from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, when parallel-port dot matrix, daisy-wheel, and early laser printers were shared among several computers or terminals in an office or small network environment. Before networked printing became common, a printer buffer served two functions: it stored incoming print data in its own memory so the sending computer could resume work immediately rather than waiting for the slow printer to finish, and it multiplexed input from multiple host ports to a single printer output. The SL model's combination of parallel (Centronics-compatible) and serial (RS-232) inputs made it compatible with a wide range of host computers of the era — from IBM PCs and compatibles using parallel ports to minicomputer terminals and workstations using serial connections. Today, units like this are sought by vintage computing enthusiasts, retro hobbyists maintaining legacy printer setups, and institutions still running older equipment that depends on parallel or serial printer connections.
This Buffalo Printer Buffer SL powers on and the front-panel status LEDs illuminate and cycle — after a short startup sequence, the green channel indicators blink left-to-right across CH0, CH1, CH2, CH4, CH5, CH6, CH7, and CH8 and repeat normally. The beige enclosure shows typical light wear consistent with office use; cosmetically it is in good shape overall. All 10 DB25 ports (4 parallel, 6 serial) appear intact and undamaged. The rear DIP switch bank and IEC AC inlet are present and accessible. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions. Please note: We have multiple units in stock — yours may not be the one shown in the photos, however, it will be similar in condition and function.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Buffalo |
Model: |
Printer Buffer SL |
MPN: |
Printer Buffer SL |
Type: |
Printer Buffer / Data Switch |
SKU: |
25802 |
Condition: |
Used – Inspected and Tested |
Number of Parallel Ports: |
4 (CH0–CH3, DB25 Female) |
Number of Serial Ports: |
6 (CH4–CH9, DB25 Female) |
Total Ports: |
10 |
Connector Type: |
DB25 (25-Pin) Female |
Interface: |
Parallel and Serial (DB25) |
Power Requirements: |
120V AC |
Power Connector: |
IEC C14 (standard 3-prong AC inlet) |
Form Factor: |
Desktop / Tabletop |
Configuration: |
DIP Switch configurable (rear-panel DIP SW) |
Status Indicators: |
LED status per channel (STATUS, CH0–CH9) |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
Japan |
Seller Notes: |
Unit only; no cables included. Powers on and LEDs operate normally. |
Condition Notes: |
Buffalo Printer Buffer SL powers on; green status LEDs cycle across CH0–CH8 in normal sequence. Enclosure in good cosmetic shape with typical light wear. All 10 DB25 ports present and intact. Please view photos and contact us with questions. |
