Parallel switch project ?

I have need for a parallel switch device which takes two parallel
cables; one to hook to one of 6 printers and one to control which
printer is selected. Now, I was able to build such a device with 245
Octal transciever ICs, but they do not allow for bidirectional data
movement. I was wondering if there is such an IC which is similiar
which would work with bi-directional printers. Oh, though I could use a
network system, I need to do this in DOS from a C++ program and not in
windows.

Roger

 

Roger,

To do bidirectional data transport you need a parallel printer port that is
able to handle this in the first place. As you have to program it yourself,
you will also need to know how the printerport distinguishes between sending
and receiving. Usually one line is used as a R/W line.

The 245 octal transceivers are perfectly equiped for bidirectional data
movement. That's where the "Direction" pin is meant for. You really need to
study the datasheet of this chip if you want to build circuits with it.

petrus bitbyter