Need USB to respond as Serial

[PureLoneWolf]

Hi all

Not really sure where to post this, but I need some help.

I am setting up a Cash Desk system for a family members shop and have fallen foul of an issue.

Essentially, the Cash Desk software can only utilise Serial port reciept printers. We have a USB Reciept printer.

I need to map the USB port so that it responds to Serial port data....is this possible?

Thanks

 

[MacGyvr]

You can get a USB/Serial converter cheap. Search on eBay.

 

[PureLoneWolf]

Unfortunately, that won't help.

I need to access the printer wirelessly...so am using a Wireless USB hub. The printer only has a USB connection, the PC only has USB connections. Unfortunately, the software only works with Serial reciept printers.

It came with something called VCOM4USB Configuration Tool...but even though the printer works fine through windows, this tool never sees the printer, so I am looking for another solution

Thanks

 

[logicearth]

so I am looking for another solution

Thanks

Get different software...or talk to the developers of the software in question.

 

[PureLoneWolf]

Thanks..I have already asked the developers, but they rarely see the urgency of an individual, so I don't expect a quick response....and replacing the Cash Desk software is pretty expensive. I looked for freeware alternatives, but they are few and far between and the ones that do exist either have the same issue or don't fit what is needed.

Ah well

 

[PureLoneWolf]

Hi all

I managed to solve it by redirecting to LPT as the software has the capacity to use parallel receipt printers aswell. Thought I would post in case it helps anyone in the future with a similar issue.

#1 Make sure the USB printer is working normally in Windows
#2 Share the printer
#3 Bring up a cmd prompt and do the following:

net use LPT3 \\server\share /PERSISTANT:YES

I wasn't sure if LPT1 and 2 were reserved. Hence LPT3
#4 Add a new local printer on LPT3 (I chose Generic - Generic/Text first)
#5 In Printer Properties/Advanced, change the Driver dropdown to be the correct driver for the printer
#6 Tell the software to use the newly created printer on LPT3
#7 Replace hair, have coffee/smoke/vice of preference

I must confess, I didn't try and map a COM port in this way, purely because the net use help doesn't mention COM ports...not sure if it would have worked though...maybe I will give it a try at some point

Cheers

**EDIT**
Apologies, I just re-read my first post..it was late and, at the time, I didn't know it could use parallel...I suspect someone would have known my solution above..you live and learn