| As long as computers still have parallel printer | | | | sale terminal, long distance cable runs are not an issue. |
| connections, parallel receipt printers will be a smart | | | | Another reason that parallel cables are not good for |
| choice for business owners. Receipt printers come in a | | | | long runs is the thickness of the cable and the cost. |
| wide variety of interfaces, but parallel interfaces are a | | | | The connectors at each end of a parallel cable are |
| great choice for receipt printers. | | | | very wide and impossible to run through conduit |
| Using the standard parallel printer connection for your | | | | without cutting off the ends. These cables are also a |
| receipt printer gives you the option to utilize the serial | | | | big benefit because of their fast data transfer and |
| and USB connections for other peripheral devices that | | | | reliable signal. |
| will not work on a parallel interface. For the most part, | | | | These same connectors are perfect for receipt |
| scanners, cash drawers and pole displays will not work | | | | printers because they lock into place. This helps greatly |
| with a parallel interface. By using the parallel interface | | | | with receipt printers as it keeps the printer cable |
| for the receipt printer you then open up the serial and | | | | securely in place and difficult to accidentally come |
| USB ports for other devices. | | | | loose. These are very important factors with regard to |
| Parallel printer connections are newer technology than | | | | a point of sale receipt printer. |
| serial interfaces. In the 1990's a group of printer | | | | USB cables do not lock into place and can come loose |
| manufacturers banded together to create the parallel | | | | with repeated movement of the printer. Unless you |
| interfaces. They did so because of the superior speed | | | | screw in a serial cable you will have the same problem |
| and reliability of the parallel interface compared to the | | | | with cables coming loose. It is the unique and easy |
| then standard serial connection. | | | | locking parallel cable connector that makes a parallel |
| To check to see if your computer does have a parallel | | | | receipt printer the perfect choice. |
| connection look at the bank of connections generally | | | | By utilizing an otherwise ignored communication |
| found in the back of your computer. A parallel | | | | interface, freeing up other interfaces to be used for |
| connection is a wide 25-pin female connector. For | | | | other devices and by having a locking connector |
| verification look for the parallel connector label above | | | | parallel receipt printers are truly the perfect receipt |
| or below the connector. | | | | printer for point of sale systems. |
| Parallel printer signals are not good for long distances. | | | | As always, check with your point of sale software |
| Generally, parallel connections are only for cable runs | | | | vendor to make sure that they support parallel receipt |
| of 10 meters or less. That makes them difficult to use | | | | printers. Not all point of sale software uses parallel |
| as remote printers since those runs require distances | | | | printers. Be sure to consult your owner's manual or |
| of 100' - 300' feet from the connection point. Since | | | | your software provider for more details. |
| receipt printers are always located next to the point of | | | | |