Connecting two computers to same scanner using usb? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

fhqwhgads · 12-13-2003, 07:06 PM

My wife owns a mac, and I have a PC. We both use the same scanner. Since there is only one usb plug on the back of the scanner, we have to constantly swap the plug out when each one wants to use it. Is there a way to have both machines connected to the scanner at the same time? (I'm obviously not trying to access it from both machines at the same time, I'm just tired of swapping the cables)

Thanx in advance...

charliex · 12-13-2003, 07:15 PM

currently the only way i know of is a usb switchbox
like this one
http://www.national-tech.com/popupspecs/40290.htm

darkure · 12-13-2003, 08:45 PM

I have a parallel (printer) switch box that works great. I don't know how usb scanners hold up over a switch box. But it is a very easy way to avoid having to pull the cable out of one computer and put it in another.

fhqwhgads · 12-15-2003, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by charliex
currently the only way i know of is a usb switchbox
like this one
http://www.national-tech.com/popupspecs/40290.htm

By looking at the back of the switchbox, it seems that it would connect one computer to two devices. (It has one i/o and two of the flat-type connectors). Sorry to get technical with the "flat-type" comment.

charliex · 12-15-2003, 04:15 PM

i think it'll work in reverse though, i imagine that the switch box is just purely a mechanical switch between the two ports, nothing else, its possible its not though.

on the other hand ,theres always this then, which is exactly what you seek i believe.

http://www.trianglecables.com/sw-121b.html

fhqwhgads · 12-15-2003, 06:56 PM

Charliex- Thanx a whole bunch. That's exactly what I was looking for.

The comment earlier about the switchbox was in reference to the ports on the back. In order to hook up two machines, you'd need two of the square type connectors (in) and one of the flatter type (out). At least I think.... I dunno for sure.

12-13-2003, 07:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
fhqwhgads Junkie	Connecting two computers to same scanner using usb? My wife owns a mac, and I have a PC. We both use the same scanner. Since there is only one usb plug on the back of the scanner, we have to constantly swap the plug out when each one wants to use it. Is there a way to have both machines connected to the scanner at the same time? (I'm obviously not trying to access it from both machines at the same time, I'm just tired of swapping the cables) Thanx in advance...

12-13-2003, 08:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
darkure Addict Location: Dodging the ice pick	I have a parallel (printer) switch box that works great. I don't know how usb scanners hold up over a switch box. But it is a very easy way to avoid having to pull the cable out of one computer and put it in another. __________________ COYW

12-13-2003, 07:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
charliex Junkie Location: North Hollywood	currently the only way i know of is a usb switchbox like this one http://www.national-tech.com/popupspecs/40290.htm

12-15-2003, 04:15 PM	#5 (permalink)
charliex Junkie Location: North Hollywood	i think it'll work in reverse though, i imagine that the switch box is just purely a mechanical switch between the two ports, nothing else, its possible its not though. on the other hand ,theres always this then, which is exactly what you seek i believe. http://www.trianglecables.com/sw-121b.html

12-15-2003, 06:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
fhqwhgads Junkie	Charliex- Thanx a whole bunch. That's exactly what I was looking for. The comment earlier about the switchbox was in reference to the ports on the back. In order to hook up two machines, you'd need two of the square type connectors (in) and one of the flatter type (out). At least I think.... I dunno for sure.