LCD Display - Parallel -> USB

[Xperiment]

I have a 20x4 programmable LCD display that uses the parallel port for communication. Full details are Here (http://www.watercoolinguk.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=45&products_id=186)

Trouble is when I upgraded, my new mobo doesn't have a parallel port so I cant use it.

My question is, is there a way to connect this display via USB without having to make a new controller. I.E, can the wires just be soldered to a USB plug, kind of like the printer adapters you can buy? I think this is abit of a long shot but if anyone knows a) if it can be done, and b) the wire to pin configuration it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

[dgrmkrp]

As much as I have learned in the previous year, nope.. If it is a parallel interface you are looking for, you need an adapter.. more likely a converter: takes the parallel bits and puts them together in a serial form, to be passes to the usb.. which is a high speed serial interface.. so a small chip is needed :)

[Luke122]

I imagine an LPT - USB adaptor exists.. lets see...

Here's one.. (http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cable_details.cfm?sku=USBG-2X1S1P&cats=471&catid=461%2C471%2C101)

Wouldnt a port replicator work for this application?

[Xperiment]

Thanks for the quick reply, +rep

I thought that may be the case :( I have seen a guide on making a converter but TBH it really isnt worth the costs involved. I spose I could just buy a parallel adapter PCI card, they are cheap enough.

[Xperiment]

I imagine an LPT - USB adaptor exists.. lets see...

Here's one.. (http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cable_details.cfm?sku=USBG-2X1S1P&cats=471&catid=461%2C471%2C101)

Wouldnt a port replicator work for this application?

Ahh that looks like it could work, thanks +rep

I may just have to order one of them and give it a go as I dont really want to have to add another PCI card into the system.

[Luke122]

You could likely get a cheap port replicator off ebay or something, and just chop it up to get only the lpt - usb working.

You could even gut it, mount it in your case, and build a small plexi box to cover the internals. :D

[dgrmkrp]

Well, the possibility of making a converter yourself exists.. This was an assignment i had and it isn't that difficult.. The only thing that makes it more complicated is the error correction and signaling mechanisms.. The 50$ cost is hugely overpriced.. at that price you could get a development board, re-programmable.. lol, but you wouldn't need that in your computer neither;) A cheaper version should exist.. I think I've seen some going as low as 10$, but in Europe, at a local shop near the University.. so, if you dig deeper, I bet you will find one that isn't 50$...

[Xperiment]

You could even gut it, mount it in your case, and build a small plexi box to cover the internals. :D

Thats a pretty good idea, I will; see what I can dig up on eBay, cheers

[Xperiment]

I have just found one on eBay for ... wait for it £4.90 (approx $9 US) Good old drop shipping from China. So give it a week or so and we will find out if it works.

Thanks For Your Helps Luke122

[Luke122]

No problem! :D

[xmastree]

Personally I wouldn't use a USB port, I'd go for a PCI card (http://cgi.ebay.com/PCI-RS232-Serial-Port-25-Pin-Printer-Parallel-Port-Card_W0QQitemZ300149949364QQihZ020QQcategoryZ41995 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) instead. One less link in the chain.

Just last week I had to bring my old laptop to work, since the senior engineer's one, with it's USB-serial converter wouldn't work properly.

You can't beat 'proper' ports.

[haha49]

you can get a parrel to usb cable but im not sure if it will work..