Parallel to USB Low level - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Hexureus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 02:02:24 am
content: Hello,I have bought a willem programmer PCB50B that uses a parallel port.I really like this programmer and I would like to avoid changing to a new true-USB one.I have been searching for about 3 days for an answer that would fit my need but with no success. Is there any way to make a parallel to USB adapter with IRQ emulation that would work with this programmer?

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 03:12:54 am
content: The only way to get a real parallel port (not a simulated printer interface) with an IRQ address is to buy a PCI to parallel port card. I have had one of those generic cars and it works for bit-banging the parallel port (I controlled some relays with it and even a parallel LCD).This one could work:http://www.amazon.com/Low-Profile-Pci-Parallel-Port/dp/B0007CIV16I find is is quite expensive, try to find something like this but cheaper.This one will be great for general electronics tinkering because it has 2 serial ports apart from the parallel port. I assume they do RS-232 levels and not 0V and 5V.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815166006But really, most microcontroller programmers and much more convenient when compared to a parallel port programmer. The PICkit 3 for example is very versatile and works in any voltage range, debugs, programs from the smallest 6 pin to the largest DSPIC Microchip has to offer and the price is not bad.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 03:14:57 am
content: Found these on amazon.es, which should be easy to import to Portugal, I guess:http://www.amazon.es/StarTech-com-Tarjeta-Express-Nativo-Serie-Paralelo/dp/B0041UEFXI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1383362010&sr=8-4&keywords=paralelo+pcihttp://www.amazon.es/Conceptronic-CI3PSERPAR-Tarjeta-puertos-paralelo/dp/B009MCF0J8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1383362010&sr=8-6&keywords=paralelo+pcihttp://www.amazon.es/Comdis-I-Tec-Tarjeta-salidas-paralelo/dp/B002J4ZFSW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1383362010&sr=8-5&keywords=paralelo+pci

author: Hexureus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 04:02:42 am
content: Thank you for your reply.Unfortunately it does not work for what I want. I want to be able to program from my laptop. which does not even have pcmcia slot otherwise my problem would be solved in an instant.I was wondering if wouldn't be possible to build a circuit for this job.I also found those but i have no idea how would i wire them/use them:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FT245-USB-FIFO-Board-type-A-FT245R-Evaluation-Module-Kit-USB-TO-parallel-FIFO-/251042147593?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a73472d09http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FT245-EVAL-Board-FT245R-FT245RL-Evaluation-Development-Kit-USB-TO-parallel-FIFO-/261004965141?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cc51bb515

author: lapm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 09:56:21 am
content: I'ys always bossible to build a circuit, its just question how much time and money its going to cost you. Maybe you could get cheap secondhand pc that still has parallel port?

author: Zbig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 11:42:32 am
content: It's pointless. As others already said, just get a proper modern programmer/debugger with native USB, officially supported by uC manufacturer. Why waste your time and energy debugging the tool you're going to use for debugging things? I can't imagine more frustrating scenario than having to wonder whether I've done an actual mistake or is it just my bit-banged ghetto-programmer acting up, upon encountering an obstacle during my project development. You'll come across enough challenges without such kind of problems so do yourself a favor and get this out of the equation.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2013, 01:27:58 pm
content: And the FT chips won't have an IRQ. I saw a mini-PCIe card on Amazon but that would require installing it inside the laptop (if it has a spare mini PCIe port) and somehoe getting the cable out of it. It's not worth it. Get a USB programmer, it will be easier and maybe cheaper than modding stuff until you can program a chip.