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Too many printers - not enough ports?

FuZZ1L0G1C

Mar 25, 2014
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Mar 25, 2014
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Hi all.
I've just invested in a new hi-res color inkjet printer, which now makes a total of 2 lasers and one inkjet.
However, the (Gigabyte) motherboard only has 4 ports, 3 already in use, the fourth used for my printer.
The printers each have their unique advantages, so if possible, I want to somehow use a USB hub or similar, where from Windows 7, I can simply select required printer.
The research I've done so far describes connecting multiple computers to one printer, but I need the reverse.
What would such a device be called, and would it affect maximum resolution? (6400x2400 DPI I/jet for PCB transparencies).
USB 2.0 x 4 at rear, 1 available for printer, front panel has 2 USB ports, unknown type.
Printer 1: Samsung SCX-3405 Mono Laser M/F.
The one I mostly use for everyday 600 DPI scanning / printing of GS documents / schematics.
Printer 2: Samsung CLX-3170 CMYK Laser M/F.
Seldom used for printing, but good res flatbed color scanner at 4800 DPI max.
Printer 3: Canon Pixma iP7240 CMYKB (5X) I/Jet Printer.
Plan to use firstly for (OH transparencies?) or suitable media for PCB manufacture.
As a bonus, it also has a Disk tray (for printable disk labels).
Thanks, Clive.
 

Hopup

Jul 5, 2015
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You can buy PCIe USB card or the hub that you suggested already. I don't know if the hubs work since I have never used them with multiple printers.
 

FuZZ1L0G1C

Mar 25, 2014
366
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Thanks.
I'll check out the PCIe / hubs at our computer stores on Monday.
Now I'll need to build/buy a stand for my overcrowded work-space. :p
 

Hopup

Jul 5, 2015
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Good luck, I also have one of those Canon Pixma printers, A3 size, its very nice printer for photos.
 

kellys_eye

Jun 25, 2010
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???? Any USB hub will (should) work. What's the problem?

We have three (sometimes four) printers connected to our office PC via a USB hub and simply select which one to print from via the 'print' menu - as we've always done......
 

dave9

Mar 5, 2017
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Cheapest way is a hub, which can be found for around $1 delivered on eBay (would not need to be powered, include a PSU for printers), but personally I would think about adding a 4 port USB3 PCIe card, especially if you have USB3 external HDD(s) or flash drives or expect to get some in the future before the system is replaced with one having USB3.
 

FuZZ1L0G1C

Mar 25, 2014
366
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Scratching through my boxes of cables, old cards and modems, I found this small, active 4-port hub. I'll just have to buy another USB-to-mini cable as it appears the mini-usb on hub is the computer-connected port, while other 4 USB 2.0's are the connected devices. I tried using a USB 2.0 port to the computer's port, but does not work. "Printer Offline...".
I used this HUB many years ago on my previous VIA ASRock PC, and it worked for mouse/modem/keyboard/camera.
PICT0002.JPG
 

FuZZ1L0G1C

Mar 25, 2014
366
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Mar 25, 2014
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Update- after PC was powered down then re-booted, it now works USB-USB. :D
I suspect BIOS had to recognize the new config.
Problem solved, Thanks all.
 
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