CompuServe Thread

Mike, One solution, which is quite simple, is to get a small parallel extension cable, say 3 feet, and attach the block to it, so that its rests on the ground… then the printer cable won't be putting stress on the block… John

>> Without starting a new opinion war on why we have these things , I would like to hear some of your solutions. Does anybody build outboard devices specifically for this problem? I really do not want to take up valuable slots to support more parallel ports just to accomodate hardware locks. << i take it no one chose to comment on this one. <ggg> it's a tough issue too, Mike. i had the same problem with lock after lock.. finally, i bought a small parallel cable extension, one end of which went to the port, the other to the top of the table… then i taped lock after lock securely on the table… and after the locks, continued another extension cable to the laserjet. this way, everything lays flat, not bending over time, no pressure on pins, so far no weirdness, and my table can accomodate about another 20 locks (which may happen at the current rate of application growth) <g>. can't blame an appdev for trying to protect their work, and a few cables and some duct tape solved this one for me. can even be taped under a table if needed. so there's an idea anyways. -dave

Mike: >> I would like to hear some of your solutions. What we did was to make a 12" ribbon cable which we run out of the parallel port and back inside the computer. All the locks are then strapped inside with cable ties, and another ribbon cable back out if you need the parallel port. Works great, and also prevents the locks from "walking away" when you aren't looking! Greg Pyros

We solved the heavy lock problem by unscrewing the parallel port cable from the back and placing the lock on the inside of the computer and then attach the lock to the space where the cable was attached. Then from the outside attach your printer cable as you normally would. This relieved the pressure on the lock by using the computer case as support. Andrew Sinagra Digital Art & Motion, Inc.