Z-TEK USB to IEEE 1284 Printer Cable (1.5m)

Name: Z-TEK USB to IEEE 1284 Printer Cable (1.5m) | CN36 Adapter
Brand: Z-TEK
SKU: 21CE000759
Price: 99.0 HKD
Availability: InStock

Short Product Description

Revive your legacy parallel printers with the Z-TEK ZE388A USB to IEEE 1284 Printer Cable. This 1.5-meter industrial-grade adapter connects modern USB ports directly to classic 36-pin Centronics (CN36) printers. Featuring oxygen-free copper wiring, a 512-byte data buffer, and 24K gold-plated contacts, it ensures stable, high-speed data transfer up to 12Mbps. Completely plug-and-play for Windows and Mac OS, it is the perfect solution for offices and industrial setups. Available in-stock at Sun Cheong Computer Co. Ltd. (新昌電腦有限公司).

Key Features

Universal Plug & Play: Driverless installation for Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8/10 and Mac OS 9.1+ (Drivers only required for Windows 98).
High-Speed Transfer: Supports bi-directional IEEE-1284 communication with data transfer rates up to 12Mbps.
Built-in Data Buffer: Features a 512-byte hardware buffer to ensure stable, error-free printing for large documents.
Premium Construction: Made with oxygen-free copper and 24K gold-plated connectors for superior anti-interference performance.
USB Powered: Draws 5V power directly from the USB port, eliminating the need for bulky external power adapters.
Broad Compatibility: Works flawlessly with hundreds of legacy printers, including HP DeskJet/LaserJet, Canon BJC, and Epson Stylus models.

Full Product Description

Seamlessly Connect Legacy Printers to Modern PCs

Don't throw away your reliable, heavy-duty parallel printers just because your new computer lacks a parallel port. The Z-TEK ZE388A adapter cable bridges the gap between modern USB technology and classic IEEE 1284 (CN36) printer interfaces. It effectively turns your legacy hardware into a standard USB printer, making it incredibly easy to connect classic HP LaserJet, Epson Stylus, and Panasonic dot-matrix printers to modern Windows 10/11 or Mac systems.

Industrial-Grade Stability and Data Integrity

Designed for demanding industrial and commercial environments, this cable is built with high-conductivity oxygen-free copper (OFC) and shielded with transparent, eco-friendly PVC. The 24K gold-plated CN36 connector ensures maximum signal transfer and resists corrosion over time. Furthermore, the built-in 512-byte data buffer prevents data loss during large print jobs, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted bi-directional communication at speeds up to 12Mbps.

Technician Tip

When connecting this cable, ensure the 36-pin Centronics connector is firmly seated and the metal side clips on your printer are locked into place. Because this cable is completely USB-powered (5V), no external power adapter is required. For Windows 2000 and newer (including Windows 10), the cable is entirely plug-and-play—simply plug it in, wait a few seconds for the OS to assign a virtual USB printer port, and select that port in your printer settings. If you are setting up an older POS system or industrial machine and need assistance, visit our Sham Shui Po store at Sun Cheong Computer Co. Ltd. for expert advice.

Technical Specifications

Brand: Z-TEK
Model: ZE388A
Cable Length: 1.5 Meters
Connector A: USB Type-A (Male)
Connector B: IEEE 1284 Centronics 36-Pin / CN36 (Male)
Data Transfer Rate: Up to 12 Mbps
Hardware Buffer: 512 Bytes
Wire Material: Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) with Transparent PVC Jacket
Cable Outer Diameter (OD): 5.0mm
Operating Voltage: 5V (USB Bus Powered)
Certifications: CE, FCC

Delivery Options

Local delivery within Hong Kong and in-store pickup.
Free shipping for orders of HK$400 or above; HK$35 shipping fee for orders below HK$400.
Shipped by SF Express, usually dispatched the same day for orders confirmed before 6:00 PM (Mon–Sat).
Estimated delivery time: 1–3 business days after dispatch (Hong Kong).
In-store pickup details (location and time) will be confirmed by email or phone message.
Delivery times are estimates and may be affected by weather or unforeseen circumstances.

FAQ Section

Will this cable work with my 25-pin parallel printer?

No, this specific cable (ZE388A) features a 36-pin Centronics (CN36) connector, which is wider and features a snap-lock design. It will not fit a DB25 (25-pin) parallel port. Please check the back of your printer to confirm it has a 36-pin Centronics port before purchasing.

Do I need to install drivers on Windows 10?

No, this cable is completely plug-and-play on Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10, as well as Mac OS 9.1 and higher. Drivers are only required if you are using the obsolete Windows 98 operating system.

How do I configure my printer after plugging this cable in?

Once plugged in, Windows will automatically install the cable and create a "USB Virtual Printer Port" (usually named USB001 or similar). Go to your printer's properties in the Control Panel, select the "Ports" tab, and change the port from LPT1 to the newly created USB port.

Can I use this cable with a USB 3.0 port?

Yes, this cable is fully backward and forward compatible. You can safely plug it into a USB 1.1, USB 2.0, or USB 3.0 port on your computer, and it will function perfectly.

Is this Z-TEK printer cable available at your Sham Shui Po store?

Yes, we stock the Z-TEK ZE388A USB to IEEE 1284 Printer Cable at our Sham Shui Po physical store. You can order it online for delivery or visit us during business hours for immediate pickup.

Target Users / Applications

Office IT Administrators: Connecting legacy, heavy-duty HP LaserJet or Epson dot-matrix printers to modern, USB-only desktop computers.
Industrial Machine Operators: Interfacing older CNC machines or industrial control systems that output data via a CN36 parallel port to modern laptops.
Retail POS Systems: Connecting classic, ultra-reliable receipt printers to modern Point-of-Sale terminals.
Accountants & Logistics: Maintaining the use of high-speed dot-matrix printers for multi-part carbon copy forms and invoices.