Description
PC Concepts 2-to-1 Parallel Interface Switch Non-Powered DB25 Printer Sharing
This PC Concepts non-powered 2-to-1 parallel interface switch allows two computers to share a single parallel (LPT) printer or other parallel-port device without any external power supply. The switch operates passively and includes a manual 2-position selector as well as an automatic timeout feature configurable via internal jumpers. An optional DC 9V 100mA power jack is present but not required for normal passive operation.
Specifications & What's Included
- Brand: PC Concepts
- Type: Non-powered 2-to-1 parallel interface / printer sharing switch
- Configuration: 2 inputs (computer side), 1 output (printer/device side)
- Connector type: DB25 female × 3 (all ports)
- Power: Passive / non-powered; optional DC 9V 100mA jack (labeled SPARE)
- Manual selector switch: 2-position (1 / 2)
- Timeout jumper (JP1/JP2): 10 seconds — default (ON/OFF); 90 seconds (OFF/ON)
- Switch signals supported: /STB, D0–D7, /ACK, and additional parallel handshake lines
- Form factor: Compact desktop box, beige/ivory housing
- Unit only included; no power adapter needed
Applications
Parallel port A/B switches like this PC Concepts unit were a common solution in the 1990s DOS and early Windows computing era, when parallel ports were the standard interface for printers, plotters, ZIP drives, and scanners. A single office or lab might have several computers needing access to one shared printer, and passive switches like this provided a simple, low-cost way to handle that without a network print server. The non-powered design meant no additional cabling or power outlet was needed — the unit sits inline between two host machines and one peripheral. The configurable timeout jumper allowed the switch to automatically release the line after a period of inactivity, preventing one computer from locking out the other. While parallel ports have largely been replaced by USB on modern systems, these switches remain useful for maintaining legacy DOS-based industrial controllers, CNC machines, label printers, and other parallel-only equipment still in production use.
This PC Concepts 2-to-1 non-powered parallel interface switch has been inspected and is in good used condition. The housing is clean with only minor surface wear typical of a previously used peripheral. All three DB25 female connectors appear intact with no bent or missing pins. The label is fully legible and the manual selector switch moves freely. 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: |
PC Concepts |
Model: |
2-to-1 Parallel Interface Switch |
MPN: |
None-Powered 2 To 1 Parallel Interface |
Type: |
Parallel Port Data Switch / Printer Sharing Switch |
SKU: |
29777 |
Condition: |
Used – Inspected and Pulled from Working Environment |
Number of Ports: |
3 (2 input DB25-F, 1 output DB25-F) |
Connector Type: |
DB25 Female (x3) |
Interface Type: |
Parallel (Centronics/LPT) |
Power Requirements: |
Non-Powered (passive); optional DC 9V 100mA jack |
Switching Type: |
Manual / Automatic with configurable timeout |
Timeout Setting: |
JP1/JP2 jumper: 10 sec (default) or 90 sec |
Switch Signals: |
/STB, D0-D7, /ACK (parallel handshake signals) |
Selector Switch: |
2-position manual selector (positions 1 and 2) |
Form Factor: |
Desktop / Compact Box |
Color: |
Beige / Ivory |
Seller Notes: |
Unit only; no power adapter required for passive operation |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
Taiwan |
Condition Notes: |
PC Concepts 2-to-1 parallel interface switch inspected and in good used condition. Housing clean with minor surface wear. All DB25 connectors intact, selector switch functional. No power adapter needed. |