You should be able to go buy a parallel-port interface card and plug it into the computer.Hello,
is it possible to use a Shift Register to convert Serial Data to Parallel?
I'd like to control my DB25 Mill (Parallel) via USB. Most PC's don't have Parallel Db25 ports any more, is this possible?
Thanks,
Rob
It would be better if you could describe in detail how the parallel port is transmitting information to the Mill's controller. Is it through the use of 8-bit characters? is it bidirectional? Are you using the port to send individual commands, or an entire program? Can the PC's software be tweaked? Do you have the source code? How about the mill controller's manuals?Hello,
is it possible to use a Shift Register to convert Serial Data to Parallel?
I'd like to control my DB25 Mill (Parallel) via USB. Most PC's don't have Parallel Db25 ports any more, is this possible?
Thanks,
Rob
Most old CNC equipment won't work with those converters, since the USB to PP converters were designed primarily for old printers, and some converters won't even allow bi-directional communication. Some converters can't even be configured as SPP EPP or ECP which might be a requirement for some controllers.The easiest way is to simply go buy a Parallel Port Card and shove it in the PC. There are also various devices like an old Belkin USB to Parallel Port and Serial Port converter I have laying around. While the devices work fine the problem is most of the software written around the parallel port won't run on the newer operating systems. Like trying to find drivers for that old HP Printer that uses a parallel port. Even if you manage to connect the printer to the PC HP quit making drivers with Windows 2K.
Ron
by Jake Hertz
by Jake Hertz
by Jake Hertz