[gentoo-user] Re: {OT} reliable USB extender?

[Grant Edwards <grant.b.edwards@gmail.com>]

On 2015-03-04, Grant <emailgrant@gmail.com> wrote:

> I need to connect a Zebra LP2844 USB label printer at about 35 feet
> from a Gentoo machine.  I got this:
>
> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003L14ZTC
>
> but it is proving to be unreliable.  The printer stops responding many
> times per day and needs to be power cycled.  Is there a reliable way
> to make this connection?

Are you _required_ to use USB?

If I were you, I'd stick an an Ethernet connected RS232 port widget on
the printer and talk to it via Ethernet.

OTOH, if it's only 35 feet, you could just run a serial cable to it
(you might need to add a serial port to your host).

The LP2844 has a serial port, right?

<rant>
Using USB for anything other than keyboard and mouse is asking for
trouble.  Due to MS/Intel's backing, and a few other historical
accidents, USB beat out _far_ better options like Firewire and gets
used/abused for all sorts of things for which it's not really
appropriate.  But, it's still a horrible protocol and oughtn't be used
for anything where the Microsoft motto of "it sort of works most of
the time" isn't good enough.
</rant>

-- 
Grant Edwards               grant.b.edwards        Yow! Am I elected yet?
                                  at               
                              gmail.com