[time-nuts] OT - USB to LPT Adapter - Does it exist?

[Ed Palmer]

Hi Joe,

I just did a quick search and found that the BP-1600 uses EPP (Enhanced 
Parallel Port) protocol on the parallel port rather than using the port 
like a GPIO port.  Since this is a higher-level bidirectional protocol, 
it should be easier to find a USB converter that will work.  Look for 
one that supports EPP and keep your fingers crossed.  :-)

Ed

On 1/13/2013 10:18 PM, J. L. Trantham wrote:
> Sorry to take so long to reply to the many great contributions to the
> issue/question.  Work is really beginning to interfere with my hobbies.
>
> But now, the rest of the story.....
>
> My goal is to connect a BP Micro BP-1600, parallel port connected Universal
> Programmer, to a computer using USB.  BP Micro makes the BP-1610 which does
> just this.  It appears to be the same programmer, uses the same software,
> but connects via a USB port instead of a parallel port.  I have not had a
> chance to see the inside of the BP-1610 and would really appreciate some
> pictures if anyone has one, particularly the corner of the PCB that connects
> to the USB connection.
>
> All I have is an Actel Silicon Sculptor 3, also made by BP Micro, that looks
> like the BP-1710 (with the 'START' button) but connects via a USB port.  On
> the main PCB of the BP-1600 and the SS3 are two, 2 row, 26 pin, connectors,
> one toward the back edge of the PCB toward the back panel and the other just
> inside the first connector.  The inside connector directly connects to the
> parallel port on the back of the BP-1600.  On the SS3, there is a small PCB
> that plugs into the same connector, takes a power input, and also has 6 pin
> connections to the other 26 pin connector.  This small PCB has a USB
> connector that is connected to the back of the SS3 as the USB connection.
>
> These observations lead me to believe that it is possible to do a 'USB to
> parallel' adapter to make the connection.  Of course, I don't have a clue
> about the onboard firmware that might be different to allow the unit to be
> recognized as a USB instead of a parallel port connected device.
>
> So, some 'experimenting' seems in order, after first trying to closely
> inspect the small PCB and try to reverse engineer it a bit.
>
> In the mean time, I have a collection of laptop's and desktop's with
> parallel port connectors so keeping the programmers humming is not a
> problem.  Just would like to make the 'jump' to the 'modern era'.  A project
> that has been in the back of my mind.  I will probably try one of the
> adapters referred to.
>
> Thanks again for all the info.
>
> Joe
>