Inmac Clear Signal 803211 Parallel Smart Switch 2-Port Printer Sharing DB25

Inmac Clear Signal 803211 Parallel Smart Switch 2-Port Printer Sharing DB25

The Inmac Clear Signal 803211 is a 2-port parallel smart switch designed to share a single parallel printer between two computers. Made in the U.S.A. by Inmac of Santa Clara, California, this desktop unit features an AUTO/manual toggle switch on the front panel and Printer Status indicator lights. It connects via DB-25 parallel connectors on the rear — a Common port for the printer and two host computer ports.

Specifications & What's Included

• Brand: Inmac (Clear Signal series)
• Product Number: 803211
• Type: 2-Port Parallel Printer Sharing Switch
• Number of Ports: 2 host ports + 1 Common (printer) port
• Interface: DB-25 parallel (Centronics-compatible)
• Switching: AUTO mode and manual toggle switch on front panel
• Front Panel: Port Selection buttons (1 and 2), AUTO toggle switch, Printer Status indicators (BSY, SL, PE)
• Power: 9 VDC external (power supply NOT included)
• Form Factor: Desktop
• Country of Manufacture: Made in U.S.A.
• Note: Front panel knob is missing; power supply is not included

Applications

Parallel printer sharing switches like the Inmac Clear Signal 803211 were standard office and small-business tools in the late 1980s and 1990s, when parallel ports were the dominant connection standard for printers. They allowed two computers to share one printer without physically swapping cables. The AUTO mode would detect an incoming print job and route it automatically, while manual mode let the user select the active port. Inmac was a well-known direct-market supplier of computer peripherals, cables, and accessories during this era. These units are primarily sought today for legacy system setups, vintage computing environments, and situations where parallel-port printers remain in service with older equipment.