The question:
Is there a way to be able to use our current parallel port sensor system via a USB port?
Software:
Grand Prix Race Manger
Hardware:
Parallel Port Sensor system
(“Simplified Pinewood Derby Timing Sensor System” as outlined by David Shugarts. http://pinewood.newtownbsa.org/document ... atic01.pdf)
The laptop we want to use does not have a parallel port. (Has USB and serial)
(I see this was somewhat being discussed on the "Start gate help" thread, http://derbytalk.com/viewtopic.php?t=459&start=15 but I thought I should start a new thread since I we do not currently have a start solenoid.)
Parallell Port Sensor to USB? GPRM software
Parallell Port Sensor to USB? GPRM software
Eric Powers
Your Guide To Hybrid Cars -
MHG Organizer - www.MadisonHybridGroup.com
Hybridfest - Hbrid Electric Car Show and More! - www.Hybridfest.com
Your Guide To Hybrid Cars -
MHG Organizer - www.MadisonHybridGroup.com
Hybridfest - Hbrid Electric Car Show and More! - www.Hybridfest.com
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Re: Parallell Port Sensor to USB? GPRM software
So far, with my research, I would have to say No. There are USB to Parallel adapters on the market, but the ones that I know of do not set themselves up as a regular LPT port. Currently, GPRM, can only communicate with a simple sensor system over a LPT port.ericbecky wrote:The question:
Is there a way to be able to use our current parallel port sensor system via a USB port?
Your options are:
- Use a Desktop PC
- PCMCIA Card - like http://sewelldirect.com/ParallelPCMCIACard.asp
- Use a Docking Station for your brand of laptop. It should have at least one parallel port and one serial port on it.
- Build a serial timer instead, like the one at http://derbytimer.com or the Micro Wizard $50 kit at http://www.microwizard.com/k1cheap.html
Randy Lisano
Romans 5:8
Awana Grand Prix and Pinewood Derby racing - Where a child, an adult and a small block of wood combine for a lot of fun and memories.
Romans 5:8
Awana Grand Prix and Pinewood Derby racing - Where a child, an adult and a small block of wood combine for a lot of fun and memories.
Re: Parallell Port Sensor to USB? GPRM software
This is great information!
My initial reason for going with parallell was because of the low cost to build and the assumption that we would be using an older computer to run the derby.
A dad was considering using his newer laptop instead of the old computer, and now I know my options.
I think we'll stick with the "oldie but goodie" for now.
Thanks!
My initial reason for going with parallell was because of the low cost to build and the assumption that we would be using an older computer to run the derby.
A dad was considering using his newer laptop instead of the old computer, and now I know my options.
I think we'll stick with the "oldie but goodie" for now.
Thanks!
Eric Powers
Your Guide To Hybrid Cars -
MHG Organizer - www.MadisonHybridGroup.com
Hybridfest - Hbrid Electric Car Show and More! - www.Hybridfest.com
Your Guide To Hybrid Cars -
MHG Organizer - www.MadisonHybridGroup.com
Hybridfest - Hbrid Electric Car Show and More! - www.Hybridfest.com