StarTech USB to Parallel Port Adapter is a Personal Computer accessory that links 36‑pin Centronics parallel printers to USB‑A 2.0 ports, restoring older office printers to modern PCs. That removes the frustration of replacing reliable kit when only a parallel port is missing. Is this the simplest way to keep small offices and workshops printing reliably?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Connection Type: USB-A 2.0 male to 36‑pin Centronics parallel male, 1.8 m cable
- • Best for: Offices, IT technicians and hobbyists who need to revive legacy parallel printers
- • Not ideal for: Setups that require built-in parallel ports for advanced printer-specific functions
USB bus-powered cable uses a Prolific PL2305 chipset for USB-to-parallel translation. Plug-and-play installation on Windows with supported drivers for Linux and macOS.
Keep legacy printers working – With a USB-A to 36‑pin Centronics connection
A male-to-male cable implements USB 2.0 signalling and a Prolific PL2305 chipset to translate USB traffic into IEEE-1284 parallel communications. The 1.8 m length gives room for typical desk and printer placement without intermediary hubs.
Restore older Centronics-equipped printers to USB-only PCs, preserving existing workflows and consumables. Users report original print speed and quality are maintained when using supported operating systems.
Fast deployment for IT teams – Thanks to plug-and-play compatibility
Provides plug-and-play installation on Windows systems and offers support for Windows Server, Linux 2.6.x and later, and macOS 10.6 through 13.0. Drivers or extra configuration are typically unnecessary on supported Windows setups.
IT staff can roll the cable out quickly without rewiring or adding expansion cards. Broad OS support reduces time spent troubleshooting cross-platform installations.
No extra power required – With USB bus-powered design
Operates from the host USB port at approximately 0.9 W (5 V at 0.18 A), removing the need for an external power adapter. The cable construction uses plastic housing and has Centronics and USB-A male connectors.
Suitable for desk environments and mobile setups where a mains outlet is inconvenient. Plug straight into a laptop or PC and power the connection from the USB port.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for StarTech USB to Parallel Port Adapter
- Prolific PL2305 chipset – Maintains stable USB-parallel translation for reliable print jobs
- 1.8 m cable length – Allows flexible printer placement up to 1.8 metres from the PC
- USB 2.0 connectivity – Supports standard USB ports for broad compatibility and steady throughput
- Two-year warranty and 24/5 support – Provides business-grade backing for IT environments
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Cable type: USB to Parallel (male/male)
- Cable length: 1.8 m (6 ft)
- Connector A: USB-A male
- Connector B: 36-pin Centronics parallel male
- USB standard: USB 2.0
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this work with my Centronics parallel printer?
A: The cable connects a 36-pin Centronics-equipped parallel printer to a computer via a USB-A 2.0 port, so compatible parallel printers will be supported when used with a supported OS.
Q: Does the cable need an external power supply?
A: No, the cable is USB bus-powered and draws approximately 0.9 W (5 V at 0.18 A), so no external power adapter is required.
Q: Which operating systems are supported?
A: Provides plug-and-play installation on Windows (including XP and newer) and supports Windows Server (2000 and newer), Linux 2.6.x and later, and macOS 10.6 through 13.0.
🏆 Our Verdict
Ideal for office managers, IT technicians and hobbyists who must keep Centronics parallel printers working with modern USB-only PCs. A straightforward USB-to-parallel solution uses a Prolific PL2305 chipset and USB 2.0 to preserve print quality and speed. Offers clear long-term value for maintaining legacy hardware, backed by a two-year warranty and multi-lingual support.
