was thinking to split the serial-out of the equipment with a simple "Y" adapter, so that one branch goes directly to the computer and the other branch goes to a serial-to-parallel converter for the printer. Would this work, or will I fry something?
The RS232 spec calls for one TX connected to one RX. So multiple receivers don't meet spec.
In practice, it'll probably work, but maybe not at high speeds.
I doubt anything will fry, as long as no more than one TX is driving.
-j