Caretaker Plus

Printer Sharing Switch

Product Picture
Diagram
  • Four or eight ports
  • Serial or parallel
  • Compatible with all serial and parallel devices
  • Up to 2MB buffer

OVERVIEW

Caretaker Plus makes it possible to connect up to eight computers, or terminals to a common printer, plotter, or other serial or parallel device. Designed for adaptability and convenience, Caretaker Plus uses commonly available cables and is compatible with all computers, printers, and plotters, and has up to 2MB of buffer memory. This buffer memory allows computers to simultaneously send data to the unit for fast, efficient printer sharing. Accessing the shared peripheral device is done by sending data to the unit, and all data is sent to the device in the order it was received.

Caretaker Plus comes in 5 different models:

  • 4 serial in, 1 serial out
  • 4 parallel in, 1 parallel out
  • 5 parallel in, 1 parallel out
  • 8 serial in, 1 serial out
  • 8 parallel in, 1 parallel out

Serial models support rates up to 19,200 baud. Parallel models support standard Centronics parallel

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions (W x D x H) 10.5" x 5" x 3.9" (267 x 127 x 99 mm)
Weight 8 lb (3.6 kg)
Power 90-240 VAC 50-60Hz External adapter, 17 VAC CT, 700 ma 10W
Distance RS232: 100 feet (30m)Parallel: 25 feet (7.6m)
Connectors Serial: DB25FParallel: Centronics 36FPower: DIN5
Controls Unit power: Green LEDPort select: Red LED per portStatus: Red LEDs Mode, Data, Busy, ErrorLED control: Advance/select push-buttons
Environment Operating temperature: 32°F–131°F (0°C–55°C)Storage temperature: -13°F–140°F (-25°C–60°C)Relative humidity: 5%–80%, non-condensing

PART NUMBERS

Caretaker Plus
CTP-4SSerial: 4 In to 1 Out, DB25F, RS422 Option available
CTP-4PParallel: 4 In to 1 Out, Centronics 36F
CTP-5P/25Parallel: 5 In to 1 Out, DB25F
CTP-8SSerial: 8 In to 1 Out, DB25F, RS422 Option available
CTP-8PParallel: 8 In to 1 Out, Centronics 36F
Serial cables
CAB-ATRSnnn*Cable, PC to Switch, DB9F to DB25M
CAB-PCRSnnn*Cable, PC to Switch, DB25F to DB25M
CAB-PRSnnn*Cable, Serial Printer to Switch, DB25M to DB25M
Parallel cables
CAB-IBMPnnn*Cable, PC to Switch Parallel Cable, DB25M-Centronics C36M
CAB-PMMnnn*Cable, Switch to Printer Parallel Cable, Centronics C36 (M-M)
CAB-IBMPnnn*/SCSuperCable, PC to Switch Extended Distance Parallel Cable, DB25M-Centronics C36M
CAB-SMMnnn/SCSuperCable, PC to Switch Extended Distance Parallel Cable, DB25 (M-M)
Accessories
RM-MP/xxRack Mount kit, 3U Chassis, (xx = 19", 23", or 24")
nnn = cable length in feet

DOCUMENTS

DOCUMENT LINK
Datasheet • Caretaker Plus PDF
Quick Start • Caretaker PlusPDF
Manual • Caretaker Plus • Installation and Operation PDF