Different Types Of Parallel Cables

[lisalover1]

I just bought a Parallel-to-USB cable off Amazon, but now that it's here, it doesn't work with any of my devices . Was there a second type of parallel cable, that's different from the normal type?
This was the type of port on the cable I received:


But this is the port I need:


Is there something I'm missing, or did I just order the wrong cable?

[avrame]

I dunno, that looks like the plug for an old printer. I'd assume that is for hooking an old school printer to a usb port.

I can recall clearly enough, but didn't a printer use a different port other than a parallel port? I remember being able to hook up my parallel port joystick and printer to my computer at the same time back in the day.

[gtmtnbiker]

What devices are you trying to use with this cable?

[Marspants]

I can't see the second image but I assume it would be for something like this
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.27180
You got a CN36 Male Parallel Port so I'm assuming you want the DM25 Printer Port
If you don't mind me asking what are you using it for? I used one once to try to fix my N64 Gamesharks but I couldn't get it to do much on Windows 7

[lisalover1]

Actually, I did buy it with the intent to update my N64 gameshark. Well, also my Saturn Action Replay, if I can find the latest firmware. I think I'll just return the cable, and get a new one.

[Ziggy]

Yeah, that's for a printer. This is more like what you want (with out the USB part)...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Parallel-DB25-25-Pi ... 1c122028a5

I don't remember off the top of my head if the GameShark has a male or female port on it, but obviously you want to make sure you get the correct gender cable as well.

Also, you might get better results if you get a regular old parallel cable and a parallel PCI card. I read that those parallel-USB cables don't often work (depending on what you're using them for). Also, you might have to use EPP parallel mode for the GameShark.

[Hobie-wan]

You got a USB to Centronics printer cable. Some printers use this special end instead of a normal parallel cable and unfortunately they get confused sometimes. Keep in mind that some devices (some printers at least) don't like those USB convertors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centronics_printer_port

[lisalover1]

Actually, I have a laptop. Would a PCMCIA Card work, too?

[gtmtnbiker]

I think I'll just return the cable, and get a new one.

Which ad/item did you buy? I don't see how you can return it. I think you messed up by not doing your homework and selecting the right cable unless the vendor had an incorrect ad/description.

It's possible that even if you buy the right cable, it still won't work with those devices.

[Hobie-wan]

Really you're better off finding someone with an old school PC and scanner that uses a parallel cable and borrow the PC for 5 minutes. Are people still adding codes? Will you ever need to update it more than once?