centronics/iee1284: which DIO card can interface?

[z crittendon]

Hi,

I am looking for a way to take information transmitted from a standard parallel port (using ieee 1284 in "compatible" mode) on "computer 1" and receive it with an NI DIO card on "computer 2".

Thus far it seems that the PCI-DIO-32HS card would be best suited for this job, but if anyone knows of a cheaper card that can do the same thing, I'd appreciate the tip! I was also looking at the PCI-6503, but I think the lack of strobed IO would be a problem.

My question is this: Is this task possible using this card (and an adapter, of course)? If so, once I have the card, how would parallel-port behavior be achieved? And is there a DIO->D-25 adapter available from NI, or would I have to build one myself?

Thanks,
Za
ch Crittendon

p.s. For more background on my project please click on my name for a list of my previous questions.

[tnewton]

The PCI650x cards, while being described as unstrobed in the catalogue, do have handshaking and strobed modes of operation. You should take a look in the on-line manuals for the 6503 or 6507/6508 for Port C pin assignments as well as the timing diagrams for the different modes of operation. I believe they will show that these digital cards will work for you. Most of these signals are active low; I'm not sure how the different parallel port types work (EPP, ECP, etc.) but you may have to invert some of these signals.
If the handshaking modes described don't work for you, the 32HS definitely will.
You will have to make your own cable.