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Industrial Automation
Forum Need to find a "reverse" USB selector for a single computer; multiple downstream devices
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Related

Need to find a "reverse" USB selector for a single computer; multiple downstream devices

aspork42
aspork42 over 5 years ago

I have a need for what appears to be a rare device. I have software that prints to a default USB printer. I cannot change the software. The problem is I have two USB printers. I want an A/B switch box that I can use to select which printer is plugged in.

 

This would be the equivalent of just unplugging one printer and plugging the other in. This is for an industrial installation with 100's of devices required. The end user isn't able to change software and doesn't want associates swapping USB cables all day long.

 

All the USB selectors that I can find just share USB devices between two computers.

 

This is the only one that I have been able to find, but am weary about offering it: https://www.newegg.com/p/36F-00D5-00007?item=9SIAK1JB676151&source=region&nm_mc=knc-googlemkp-pc&cm_mmc=knc-googlemkp-pc…

 

I was really hoping to find a name brand like IOGear or similar, but keep coming up empty. I just need a single upstream device (the computer) and two downstream devices (Printer A, Printer B).

 

image

This image is from the NewEgg listing.

 

In theory, even the normal USB selectors 'might' just work by default if they are just A/B switch the D+ and D- on the USB bus between the two ports without other active components involved.. but the problem is I don't want to have to get a bunch of different samples to test with. I want to buy something off the shelf that I know works.

 

Has anyone seen something like this before?

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Top Replies

  • shabaz
    shabaz over 5 years ago +3 suggested
    Hi James, Since it's low-cost, I think it likely just contains a multipole switch, and it is switching over (at least) the two data lines and the 5V connection, if not the ground connection too. It is…
  • beacon_dave
    beacon_dave over 5 years ago in reply to aspork42 +2 suggested
    Or perhaps just use type A-to-type-A and type-B-to-type-B cables ?
  • beacon_dave
    beacon_dave over 5 years ago +1 suggested
    2-Port USB Data Switch - SB-422 https://cpc.farnell.com/pro-signal/sb-422/switch-manual-2-1-usb-1-1/dp/CS13282?st=usb switch
Parents
  • beacon_dave
    0 beacon_dave over 5 years ago

    2-Port USB Data Switch - SB-422 

    https://cpc.farnell.com/pro-signal/sb-422/switch-manual-2-1-usb-1-1/dp/CS13282?st=usb switch

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  • beacon_dave
    0 beacon_dave over 5 years ago

    2-Port USB Data Switch - SB-422 

    https://cpc.farnell.com/pro-signal/sb-422/switch-manual-2-1-usb-1-1/dp/CS13282?st=usb switch

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  • aspork42
    0 aspork42 over 5 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

    I need one with the opposite physical ports than that one.

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  • beacon_dave
    0 beacon_dave over 5 years ago in reply to aspork42

    Or perhaps just use type A-to-type-A and type-B-to-type-B cables ?

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  • aspork42
    0 aspork42 over 5 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

    I have proposed the Standard switch + reversed USB cables and will see what they will accept. Thanks for the suggestions!

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