MIDster Punch

MIDster Punch
Has anyone come up with away to wire the Punch to a USB port. I bought a new computer in Dec and there are no Parallel ports on the new computers everything uses USB now. Electronics things are a struggle for me so it has to be in simple language for me. LOL :oops: Jay

Re: MIDster Punch
Has anyone come up with away to wire the Punch to a USB port? USB to Parallel connection devices have been made in the past. i do not know how well they run. They may, or may not, work with the la-*test*-('") versions of Windows or other operating systems if they require drivers. There is one listed on eBay at present: http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-to-Parallel-Printer-Convertor-Adaptor-Adapter-Cable_W0QQitemZ220086012071QQihZ012QQcategoryZ11196QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hi Jay, I have strong reasons to believe that using one of these USB-to-Parallel cable will not work with most existing CNC software and hardware packages that has been designed for parallel communication. These leads though often described as ‘plug and play’, are designed solely for printers, and are not present a true LPT port, hence software modifications are sure to be needed, and some form of driver to get around the fact that these no doubt work as ‘virtual ports’ in OS like XP. If you want to go for USB, the more up-to-date technology, then you’ll ideally want that same up-to-date technology at the other end, i.e. make your CNC control board with USB interface, and re-write the software directly for USB. Have a look at the following link for a USB development kit from a popular UK hobby/electronics retailer… http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=42857&doy=27m2 Having said that, at this moment in time, so many PCs still have Printer/Parallel ports that this is still a perfectly viable technology, and with the small processing power actually required to perform music perforations I’m sure even an old 286 would be up to the job! All the best, Nick

Thanks guy for the reply I have been studying Bob Essex booklet for the past few day and it looks like I might be in over my head. My poorest subject in A&P School was electrical theory. I seem to be able to trouble shoot and fix problems, I just don’t understand it. :? Do you know anyone that makes up the electronics parts of Bobs Midster Punch for the USA market? That and a cheap laptop might be my best bet. :lol: Jay

Hi Jay, Have a look at Bob’s post here … forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=717" target="_blank">http://organ.10.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=717 - it gives details of a manufacturer of MIDster PCBs. Hope that helps! Nick

Thanks Nick If I had been able to think last night I would have remembered about that one and also the light came on as I have Rubens CD with that info on it. Hell to get old HUH!! Bob Essex got back to me too and it looks like I am just going to have to get an old computer to run the program to bad I just gave my old ones away last week. Going to look for a cheap laptop and just use it for the punch. Live and learn I guess. :lol: Thanks again everyone. Jay

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