I recently bought a new computer and it does not have parallel, serial, or ps/2 ports (stupid on my part). All of my old hardware is connected using these ports. Can I buy USB converters for these and will they work on the new computer. Cognitive Barcode Printer is Parellel, Epson Receipt Printer is Serial, Verifone Pinpad 1000SE is Serial, Card Reader and Keyboard are PS/2. Thanks in advance for any help.
Changing Connection Types
Jun 11, 2008
4 Replies
We have found that you can often get old equipment to work via USB as long as you have the correct adapters. For PS/2 -> USB make sure you get an Active converter. If it does not say active, it probably will not work. For serial and parallel connection, as long as you get a converter that acts as a serial/parallel host, you should be good. Basically those devices will require a driver (which may auto install) that will emulate a standard serial/parallel port. Hope this helps.
Thanks,
I am go> We have found that you can often get old equipment to work via USB as long
Ryan, this is important as we have suffered through this many times!
CS Barcode printer work fine with aftermarket usb adapters, however a lot of items don't!!! Some companies make their own adapters, like epson. Most Epson printers have a replacable card that you can get, like the tm series - you can get parallel, series, network & usb adapters for those printers. I strongly recommend that you contact the manufacturer or your supplier and check on each item, as the factory adapters always work and aftermarket ones don't always work.
Buy a combo PCI card (Parallel, Serial) to add the ports. ~$30.
Good luck on the PS/2 items. None of the converters I've tried work. It seems most computer manufacturers no longer offer PS/2 ports as an option.
Ed
"RyanMatk> I recently bought a new computer and it does not have parallel, serial, or
Join the Discussion
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask the community — no account required