the new pcamia multiport gizmos works great if u have a usb port
available which many new lap tops etc. do...de ww7or
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eugene Skopal" <AE2F@QSL.NET>
To: <writelog@contesting.com>
Cc: <yccc@yccc.org>
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2001 6:14 PM
Subject: [WriteLog] Creating a Multi-Port Serial/Parallel "Driver" Card
>
> Most of us know that adding serial ports to a PC in an expensive and often
> frustrating experience. Adding serial ports to a Laptop for DXpedition is
> even worse. Also, there are no simple solutions for driving
> DuneStar/ICE/SixPac type switches from a PC.
>
> I am considering creating an external multi-port serial/parallel module,
in
> the $100-$200 range, that would connect to a Windows 98/ME/2000 computer's
> parallel port and provide 4 serial ports (i.e. LPT1 becomes COM1-COM4).
>
> Alternatively, it could be connected to a serial port and provide 4 serial
> ports in its place. (i.e. COM1 becomes COM1-COM4).
>
> Beyond that, a daughter board, would allow you to add a mix of up to 4
more
> serial or parallel ports. The parallel ports would including high (+12v)
OR
> low (ground) drivers (for Dunestar/SixPac switches).
>
> Several questions:
>
> 1) Is this of interest to my fellow WriteLog users?
>
> 2) Would anyone like to help with this?
>
> 3) Would it be important for the LPT version to continue to support a
> printer connected to the port? What if it increased the cost by $20.
What
> if it takes twice as long to create the module?
>
> 4) How useful is the serial version? How useful is the parallel version?
> How about a USB version?
>
> 5) Should it support other operating systems (Windows 95/NT)? Even if it
> doubles the cost?
>
> 6) What kind of connectors should be used. I prefer to use RJ45 (modular
> Ethernet) connectors and RJ45-DB9 adapters for serial connections. Would
> DB9's be better. DINs? Mini-Dins (Mouse/Keyboard connectors)?
>
> 7) How important is shielding? What if it increases the cost by $40?
>
> 8) Should there be more versions of the module. Say 2 serial/2 parallel.
> Should there be fewer -- 4 serial / 4 parallel or 6 serial / 2 parallel.
> Should any combination be available? Even if it increases the cost by $5
a
> port?
>
> 9) Should the serial ports support TTL signaling? This allows you to
talk
> to a number of rigs (Kenwood/Icom) without an adapter.
>
> Please respond to AE2F@QSL.NET
>
> Thanks,
>
> ..Eugene..
> AE2F
>
>
>
>
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>
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