DB25 Male to Centronics 36 Male Printer Cable, 50 ft - Bidirectional

In this review the CableWholesale DB25 Male to Centronics 36 (CN36) Male bidirectional printer cable is evaluated for users who need a reliable parallel link between older computers and legacy printers. The bottom line: this 50 ft cable is a straightforward, well-built option for anyone who must bridge a DB25 bidirectional port to a CN36 Centronics port, offering gold plated contacts and a durable molded design that reduces connection issues over long runs. For environments where a long, UL rated and RoHS compliant parallel cable is required, it performs exactly as expected.

Key Features

• Bidirectional support: Enables two-way communication between a computer or expansion card and a Centronics parallel printer for reliable print jobs and status reporting.
• Gold plated contacts: Gold plating on the connectors resists corrosion and helps maintain a steady electrical connection over the life of the cable.
• Molded connectors: The molded DB25 and CN36 ends reduce strain at the terminations and keep the connectors stable during frequent plug and unplug cycles.
• UL rated and RoHS compliant: Constructed to meet safety and materials standards for peace of mind in professional or home environments.
• 25 conductors, 18 twisted pair: The internal wiring and twisted pairs support signal integrity across the 50 ft length to minimize data errors.
• Long reach: The 50 ft length lets you place printers and computers farther apart without needing extension adapters.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at small offices, print shops, labs, and home users who still operate legacy parallel printers or equipment with a Centronics 36 port and need dependable, long-reach cabling. It is especially useful where bidirectional signaling and status reporting are required between the host and the printer.

Users who need modern USB or network printing solutions should look elsewhere, since this product is designed specifically for 25-pin parallel ports and Centronics 36 connectors rather than contemporary interfaces. It is not a universal adapter for non-parallel printer interfaces.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable molded connectors and gold plated contacts provide a trustworthy long-term connection.
• UL rated and RoHS compliant construction is suitable for professional installations.
• 50 ft length and 25 conductor, 18 twisted pair wiring maintain signal integrity over distance.
• Clear, direct compatibility with DB25 bidirectional ports and CN36 Centronics printer ports.

Cons

• Long 50 ft length may be more than needed for desktop setups and can create cable management needs.
• Limited to legacy parallel connections and not suitable for USB or networked printers without adapters.

Specifications

Connector A	DB25 Male
Connector B	Centronics 36 (CN36) Male
Length	50 ft
Conductors	25 conductor, 18 twisted pair
Compliance	UL rated, RoHS compliant
Contact plating	Gold plated contacts
Color	Beige

Our Verdict

For anyone maintaining legacy printers or specialized equipment with DB25 and Centronics 36 ports, this 50 ft bidirectional cable is a sensible, cost-effective choice that delivers solid construction and compatibility. It is a good value when long reach and reliable parallel communication are needed, though buyers seeking modern interfaces should consider alternative connection methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this cable support bidirectional printer status reporting?
Yes. The cable is specifically described as bidirectional, so it supports two-way signaling for status and control between host and printer.

Is this cable suitable for long runs in an office?
Yes. The 50 ft length and 25 conductor, 18 twisted pair construction are intended to preserve signal integrity for longer distances.

Can I use this to connect USB printers?
No. This cable connects DB25 parallel ports to CN36 Centronics ports and will not work with USB printers without a dedicated converter or adapter.