Belkin F1U109 User manual

1
Title: F1U109 Reversible AutoSwitch
User's Manual
I. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing Belkin Components' Reversible AutoSwitch! With the Reversible AutoSwitch, sharing one printer
between two PCs, or having one PC select from two printers is easier than ever - no more swapping cables, turning knobs, or
pushing buttons.
In forward mode, the AutoSwitch allows sharing of one printer among two computers. The AutoSwitch polls each port
constantly, waiting for a computer to request access to the printer. Once the AutoSwitch detects a computer wanting to print,
it will automatically lock onto that PC's port, and provide communication to the printer. When no more data is being
transferred after the TIME_OUT period, the switch will return to scanning both ports.
The AutoSwitch can also be “reversed”, allowing one computer to select between two printers. For instance, you can easily
switch between a laser and ink jet printer from any application. The included software creates special “virtual ports” which give
you printer selection capability from any Windows® 95 or 98 application.
The Reversible AutoSwitch will open a world of printing possibilities, unparalleled by any device on the market today in price
and performance.
II. Package Contents
•Reversible AutoSwitch F1U109 (2-Port)
•3.5", 1.4MB software utilities diskette
•Belkin Components Peripheral Sharing registration card
•This manual
Now, decide how you are going to use the
Belkin Components® Reversible AutoSwitch!
Two Computers Sharing One Printer One Computer Using Two Printers
-Go to Page 2--Go directly to Page 3
DO NOT go to page 2 -
F1U109 F1U109
OR

2
Two Computers Sharing One Printer
Set the Switches on the AutoSwitch, and connect the PCs, and the printer to the AutoSwitch as follows:
Important Notes:
•It does not matter if a PC connects to Port A or Port B.
•The software is not necessary, and must NOT be installed. Doing so may cause your printer to print garbage.
•Make sure the cables you are using are not file-transfer cables, otherwise the setup will not work.
•For best results, we recommend Belkin Components® cables:
!F3D111-XX Belkin Pro Series DB25 M/M, straight through
!F2A032-XX Belkin Pro Series DB25
M/Centronics 36 M parallel printer cable
“XX” is the length of the cable in feet
•Avoid using any status monitoring software, status toolbox,
or bi-directional printer drivers. As much as possible,
please use “output-only” or “Raster” drivers. This is so
that it will not lock up the AutoSwitch.
•Turn off bi-directional communication on your printer
driver. To do this, click on START, SETTINGS, PRINTERS,
right-click on your printer, choose Properties. Click on the
DETAILS tab, then on the SPOOL SETTINGS button. The
following window will pop up:
Make sure “Disable bi-directional support for this printer” is
selected. Ignore if grayed out.
•Check the end of this manual for information on disabling
bi-directional communication on your specific printer.
Using the AutoSwitch
The AutoSwitch automatically connects a computer to the
printer when a computer is ready to print. This is done on a first-come first-served basis. Just set the selector switch to the
middle “AUTO” position, and both LEDs should be lit up. Now it is set for automatic sharing mode.
YOU’RE DONE!
(Do not continue to the next page)
You DO NOT have to install the software, or do anything anymore. Just print like you normally do on any computer, and the
AutoSwitch will direct the print job automatically.
F1U109
A B
C
F3D111-XX F3D111-XX
F2A032-XX
Set this switch to the
AUTO (middle)
position.
Setting to “A” or “B” is
a manual override, and
locks the AutoSwitch to
that port.
Set this switch to the
FD (right) position.
Setting to “FE” is only
used if you are in DOS,
and your printer does not
eject paper after printing.
A
UTO
A
B
FD
FE
(SPARE)
DC 3.6-9V
142

3
One Computer Using Two Printers
Set the Switches on the AutoSwitch, and connect the PC, and the printers to the AutoSwitch as follows:
Important Notes:
•Take note which printer is connected to which port on the AutoSwitch.
•Make sure the cables you are using are not file-transfer cables, otherwise the setup will not work.
•We recommend Belkin Components® cables for best results:
!F3D111-XX Belkin Pro Series DB25 M/M, straight through
!F2A032-XX Belkin Pro Series DB25 M/Centronics 36 M parallel printer cable
“XX” is the length of the cable in feet
•Avoid using any status monitoring software, status toolbox, or bi-directional printer drivers. As much as possible, please
use “output-only” or “Raster” drivers. This is so that it will not lock up the AutoSwitch.
•Check the end of this manual for information on disabling bi-directional communication on your specific printer.
Software Installation – Windows® 95 and 98 only.
The software will not work in Windows® 3.1 or NT.
1. Insert the software disk into your floppy drive.
2. Click START, RUN.
3. Enter “a:\setup.exe”, and click OK.
Set this switch to the
AUTO (middle)
position.
Setting to “A” or “B” is
a manual override, and
locks the AutoSwitch to
that port.
Set this switch to the 1
4
44
42 (left) position.
The “FD” and “FE”
positions will not work for
your configuration.
C
A B
F1U109
F3D111-XX
F2A032-XX F2A032-XX
A
UTO
A
B
FD
FE
(SPARE)
DC 3.6-9V
142
Printer A Printer B

4
4. The program will begin installing at this point.
The first screen you will see is the following:
•Select “F1U109” because that is the
autoswitch that you have.
•Select which LPT port you installing the
AutoSwitch on. Normally, it is always
LPT1.
•Click continue when done.
5. The install program will then ask you for the
location of the install files. Because your floppy
drive is “A:”, just click OK.
6. When done, the program will display the following message:
Click OK, and installation is complete!
7. Next, you will see a box with the following
instructions. Click OK.
8. Reboot your computer. THIS IS A VERY
IMPORTANT STEP!!! YOU MUST REBOOT,
OTHERWISE, THE SOFTWARE WILL NOT
INITIALIZE, AND YOU CANNOT CONTINUE
PROPERLY. Do this by clicking on START, SHUT
DOWN, and RESTART.

5
9. Add your printers. Do this by clicking on START, SETTINGS, PRINTERS. Then, double-click on the Add New Printer icon and follow
the instructions.
IF YOUR PRINTER IS NOT LISTED - YOU HAVE TO ADD YOUR PRINTERS USING THE SOFTWARE THAT CAME WITH
YOUR PRINTERS. IF THIS IS THE CASE, RUN YOUR PRINTER SETUP PROGRAM ACCORDING TO YOUR PRINTER
MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS, AND SKIP DIRECTLY TO PAGE 6.
IF ALL YOUR PRINTERS ARE ALREADY INSTALLED – YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ADD PRINTERS ANYMORE. SKIP
DIRECTLY TO PAGE 6.
When you are asked to choose a
port, select AUTOLPTx, where x
corresponds to the port letter you
would like to use.
For instance, your DeskJet printer is
connected to Port A of the
AutoSwitch. Select AUTOLPTA in the
Add New Printer setup.
Do the same for the printer
connected to Port B on the
AutoSwitch. But this time, select
AUTOLPTB.
10. Turn off bi-directional communication on your
printer driver. To do this, click on START,
SETTINGS, PRINTERS, right-click on your
printer, choose Properties. Click on the
DETAILS tab, then on the SPOOL SETTINGS
button. The following window will pop up:
Make sure “Disable bi-directional support for this
printer” is selected. Ignore if grayed out.
10. SKIP DIRECTLY TO PAGE 7.

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ASSIGNING PRE-INSTALLED PRINTERS TO
THE BELKIN AutoSwitch VIRTUAL PORTS
•If you are trying to add your printers to Windows® and it is not listed in the default Add Printer Wizard, you will have to use the
software that came with your printer to install the printer. Follow the instructions that came with your printer, then REBOOT your
computer.
•If your printers are already installed in Windows®, all
you have to do is to change the port assignment from
LPT1 (or any other LPT port) to the virtual autoswitch
ports.
Example:
You installed a DeskJet and LaserJet in Windows®. The
DeskJet is connected to Port A of the AutoSwitch, and the
LaserJet is connected to Port B of the AutoSwitch, as shown
in the diagram on the right.
1. Click on START, SETTINGS, PRINTERS, and right-click
on your printer. Select PROPERTIES.
2. Click on the DETAILS tab above. You will see the
Window on the right.
Click on this pull-down menu to select which port your
printer is connected to. Choose AUTOLPTA, because
our example had the DeskJet on Port A of the
AutoSwitch.
3. Repeat procedure from #1 above, and do the same for
the second printer. Our example has the LaserJet on
Port B on the AutoSwitch, so the port that it will
connect to in the PROPERTIES will be AUTOLPTB.
C
A B
F1U109
DeskJet LaserJet

7
You’re Done!
Now, when you print in any Windows® 95 or 98 application, simply select which printer you wish to print to, and the AutoSwitch will
automatically direct your print job to the correct port!
This image is the Print dialog
box, showing how the
DeskJet is using Port
AUTOLPTA, because it is
connected to Port A on the
AutoSwitch.
This image is the Print dialog
box, showing how the
LaserJet is using Port
AUTOLPTB, because it is
connected to Port B on the
AutoSwitch.

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III. Troubleshooting
Problem: Printer does not print or prints garbage.
Solutions:
•Disable the printer's bi-directional software (see attached document).
•When connecting 1 computer to 2 printers, make sure the switch is set to "auto" (in the middle) and "1>2" (all the way to the left.)
•Confirm cable from the PC to the AutoSwitch is
straight through, Belkin cable number F3D111-xx. If
you have a Belkin cable number F3D508-xx (or any
Interlink / Direct Cable Connection cable), this will
NOT work.
•Check to make sure your printer is on line.
•Make sure that you are using the correct printer
driver. If you are, try downloading the latest
“Raster” or output-only printer driver from your
printer manufacturer’s website.
•Add power supply, 9V @ 300mA, sold separately.
Belkin P/N F1U109-PWR
•Avoid using cables longer than 15'.
Problem: When connecting 1 computer to 2 printers and using the software, the AutoSwitch is not switching between ports A or B.
Solutions:
•Make sure the slide switch is set to "auto" (in the middle) and "1>2" (all the way to the left).
•Make sure the software is installed correctly. If in doubt, simply reinstall the software as described above.
•Confirm cable from the PC to the AutoSwitch is straight through, Belkin cable number F3D111-xx. If you have a Belkin cable number
F3D508-xx (or any Interlink / Direct Cable Connection cable), this will NOT work.
Problem: Errors such as “Parameter not set” or “Parameter not correct” or “Illegal Function” showing up.
Solutions:
•Disable the printer's bi-directional software (see attached document).
•When connecting 1 computer to 2 printers, make sure the switch is set to "auto" (in the middle) and "1>2" (all the way to the left.)
•Confirm cable from the PC to the AutoSwitch is straight through, Belkin cable number F3D111-xx. If you have a Belkin cable number
F3D508-xx (or any Interlink / Direct Cable Connection cable), this will NOT work.
•Check to make sure your printer is on line.
•When using 1 computer to 2 printers, make sure the software is installed correctly. If in doubt, simply reinstall the software as
described above.
•Make sure that you are using the correct printer driver. If you are, try downloading the latest “Raster” or output-only printer driver
from your printer manufacturer’s website.
Problem: I have an old tractor-feed printer, and is running under DOS. Each time I print, it does not eject an entire page.
Solutions:
•This is valid only if you are sharing 2 computers and 1 printer – set the slide switch to the “FE” position. The reason why your printer is
doing this is not because of the autoswitch, but rather the nature of the DOS operating system.
Problem: I installed the AutoSwitch software, but now I want to remove it.
Solution:
•Click on START, PROGRAMS, BELKIN AutoSwitch, UNINSTALL. Follow the directions. Once you have rebooted your computer, the
printers will be attached to port LPT1.
A
UTO
A
B
FD
FE
(SPARE)
DC 3.6-9V
142
Optional 9VDC, 300mA power supply
connects here (mini-jack)

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ADDENDUM: Disabling Bi-directional Communication for IEEE 1284 Printers
Newer models of printers come with bi-directional software such as “status monitor” or “tool-box” software, which allows you to consistently
view the status of your printer. This bi-directional software requires constant communication between the computer and printer, and is not
possible through networks or printer sharing devices. You should disable the bi-directional communication to be able to print correctly.
For Windows 95 users:
1. Click on the [Start] button, then [Settings], then [Printers].
2. Right-Click on your printer driver, then click on “Properties”. Click on the “Details” tab, then click on the “Spool Settings” button. If
it is not grayed out, make sure that the “Disable bi-directional support…” radio button is checked. Click [OK]. Click [Apply] if not
grayed out.
3. Also on the details tab, click on “Port Settings”. Make sure that “Check port state before printing” is unchecked . Click [OK].
For Windows 3.x users:
1. In Program Manager, go to your [Main] group window. Double click on [Control Panel], then double click on the [Printers] icon.
2. Highlight the printer driver, then click on [Connect]. Highlight "LPT1.DOS". Make sure that “Fast printing direct to port” is
unchecked .
3. Click [OK]. Click [Close].
HP DESKJET PRINTERS
Check the table for your printer. Take note of the corresponding configuration file.
Printer Configuration File
HP DeskJet 600/660C HPVCNFIG.exe or HPFCFG02.exe or HPFCFG01.exe or HPFCFG03.exe or
HPFCFG04.exe or HPFCFG05.exe or HPFCFG07.exe
HP DeskJet 670C/672C HPFCFG08.exe or HPFCFG18.exe
HP DeskJet 680C/682C HPFCFG04.exe or HPFCFG05.exe or HPFCFG07.exe or HPFCFG17.exe
HP DeskJet 690C/693C HPFCFG05.exe
HP DeskJet 690C/692C/693C/694C HPFCFG07.exe
HP Deskjet 710C/712C HPFCFG13.exe
HP Deskjet 720C/722C HPFCFG06.exe or HPFCFG14.exe
HP DeskJet 820C HPFCFG04.exe or HPFCFG09.exe
HP DeskJet 850C/855C HPRCFG01.exe or HPRCFG02.exe or HPRCFG03.exe or HPVCNFIG.exe or
HPRCFG08.exe
HP DeskJet 870C HPRCFG03.exe or HPRCFG08.exe or HPRCFG06.exe or HPRCFG11.exe
HP DeskJet 890C HPRCFG07.exe or HPRCFG06.exe or HPRCFG08.exe
HP DeskJet 895C HPFCFG15.exe
HP DeskJet 1000C HPW3CFG.exe
HP DeskJet 1100C HPW4CFG.exe or HPW5CFG.exe
HP DeskJet 1120C/Cse/Cxi HPW5CFG.exe
HP DeskJet 1600 Special Instructions for HP DeskJet 1600: Go to the HP1600 Utilities.
Open the status window icon. Uncheck the option "Run Status Monitor on
Windows Startup"
HP DeskJet 2000C HPRCFG07.exe or HPRCFG09.exe
HP DeskJet 2500C HPW6CFG.exe
Other DeskJet Printers Older DeskJets do not require any changes. For NEW printers, contact HP for
proper information.
For Windows 95 users:
1. Save any unsaved data and close all programs listed on your task bar. This procedure will require restarting Windows later on.
2. Click on the [Start] button. Click on [Run]. Type the name of the configuration file which matches your printer in the above table.
Click [OK].
3. A new window will open on your system, which warns you that this program will modify your INI files. Click [Continue]. Another
window will appear which contains several checkboxes with options listed beside them.
4. Locate the checkbox which corresponds to "Bi-directional Communication". Click on the checkbox to remove the check mark.
Locate the checkbox for "Print cartridge query". Remove the check mark.
5. Click the [OK] button at the bottom of the window. A window stating that windows will be restarted will appear. Click [Restart
Windows]. Windows will then restart.
For Windows 3.x users:
1. For Windows 3.x, go to your Program Manager.
2. Click on [File]. Click on [Run]. Type the name of the configuration file which matches your printer in the above table. Click [OK].
3. Follow instructions no. 3 through 5 listed above under “For Windows 95 users”. The same instructions apply for Windows 3.x users.
HP OFFICEJET & LASERJET PRINTERS

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Printer Instructions
HP OfficeJets Install and use HP Deskjet 500 driver instead, or HP 550c drivers for Color Officejets, or Win95 drivers
for HP Officejet (note: driver only supports printing). To add the HP Officejet printer driver under
Windows 95, you need to go to the Add Printers icon under Printers. Select HP and click on the HP
Officejet driver and install. For Windows 3.1, use the HP Deskjet 500/550c driver, or contact HP for
correct drivers.
HP Laserjet 5L/6L Delete the HP 5L/6L driver completely by going into the Uninstall icon for HP 5L/6L. (For Windows 95
you have to click on Start, Programs, HP 5L/6L printer and then select HP5L/6L uninstall. For Windows
3.1, go into the program manager, open the HP 5L/6L utilities icon and double on the uninstall icon).
Restart windows. Reinstall the driver, select Custom install from the main screen. On Custom install
screen make sure that PCL driver is checked but the
PCL status window is unchecked. Click [OK]
to install the driver.
HP Laserjet 6P/MP Look in your task bar at the bottom of the screen. Next to your clock at the right hand side you might
see a red or green printer icon. If you do, right click on this icon and select ‘Remove from taskbar’.
Hold down keys ‘Ctrl+Alt+Del’. In the ‘Close Program’ window, click on the file HPPROPTY and
then ‘End Task’. From the desktop, double click on ‘My Computer’, ‘C: (drive)’,Windows (folder),
then System (folder). Look for the ‘HPPROPTY.EXE’ file and delete it. Reboot you computer.
HP LaserJet 4000
series From the Printer’s control panel configuration menu Select
I/O MENU . From this menu change the
line that reads FUNCTION = ON to FUNCTION = OFF.
Other HP Printers Older HP printers do not require any changes. For NEW printers, contact HP for proper information.
EPSON PRINTERS
Epson Stylus 400, 600 and 800 printers:
Windows 3.x Windows 95
In Program Manager go to Epson folder. Open the Spool Manager and
make sure the Epson Stylus Color printer is selected. From the menu
bar, click on [Queue], [Setup] and select "Spool to local printer".
Next check "Use print manager for this port" and click [OK]. Close
the Spool Manager and restart the computer.
Go to the [Start] menu, select [Programs] and open the Epson
folder. Open the Spool Manager and make sure the Epson Stylus
Color printer is selected. From the menu bar, click on [Queue],
[Setup] and select "Spool to local printer". Next check "Use
print manager for this port" and click [OK]. Close the Spool
Manager and restart windows.
CANON PRINTERS
Canon 610 and Canon 620 printers: Download the BJC-610/BJC-620 BJ Raster Driver for Windows 95™ version 1.0 or BJC-610/BJC-620 BJ Raster
Driver for Windows 3.1™ version 1.0 from Canon's web page at
http://www.ccsi.canon.com
OR you can also add and use the Canon 600e driver instead. To add the Canon 600e printer driver under Windows 95, you need to go to the Add
Printers icon under Printers. Select Canon and click on the Canon 600e driver and install. For Windows 3.1, contact Canon to get the Canon raster
driver or the 600e driver.
ALL OTHER PRINTERS
For all other printers, you may or may not need to disable bi-directional communication. If you still have problems printing, go through your
printer documentation to disable bi-directional communication / status window software, or contact your printer manufacturer.