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Signlab Software

how can i connect my dell with parallel port to signlab?

Posted by Peter Coogan on 2 August 2006 at 08:34

I have just purchased a new Dell computer but there is no Parallel port on it, at the moment I am using Signlab 4.95 with a Parallel Dongle going through my Printer on my old computer ( the printer has a parallel port connector & my Dongle is connected to that) as I am about to upgrade to signlab 7.1 and am also buying a new printer which will have a USB connector on it where will I connect my Dongle Hope that does not sound to confusing
Peter

Gordon Forbes replied 19 years, 2 months ago 8 Members · 10 Replies
10 Replies

Adam McGuire

Member
2 August 2006 at 08:52

I think the dongles are available in USB as well these days. I’m not too sure though!

Can you not use a USB to Parallel cable? For your printer? Admittedly you wouldn’t be able to use your existing dongle….it’d just save you buying a new printer….

Adam
Lynn Normington

Member
2 August 2006 at 09:09

its a usb now but I think cadlink charge extra for the dongle upgrade?

Lynn
Steve Morgan

Member
2 August 2006 at 09:12

Peter,
When I upgraded to 7.1 my old dongle was changed to a USB dongle. No idea what you do with the old parallel port cable, but there are a few people on the boards who are self confessed computer geeks, who will certainly be able to point you in the right direction.

Steve
Peter Coogan

Member
2 August 2006 at 10:22

Thanks folks for your help I believe Cadlink want an extra £75 for a USB dongle that is the reason i would want to use my old one
Peter
Steve Curry

Member
2 August 2006 at 10:56

Yes it is £75.00 for a USB dongle I have just bought one, BUT you can get a parallel port PCI card and install it into your computer then carry on using your parallel dongle, I did this on another computer bought recently, I think the card costs about £20.00 and their quite easy (plug & play) to install, it just depends if you want to open the back of your computer or not, I don’t know what dells warranty issues are if you add extra components.
Peter Coogan

Member
2 August 2006 at 12:12

Thanks Steve thats the answer I have looking for thanks alot
Peter
Paul Franklin

Member
2 August 2006 at 19:24

If you are installing a card to give you extra parallel / serial ports for dongles or printers I’d advise you to get one that supports ECP (Enhanced Capabilities Port). Otherwise you might have problems.
As an Edge II user I had to use this type of card or the Edge wont work, and the old serial dongle (now upgraded to USB) needed to have an ECP port also.
Peter Normington

Member
2 August 2006 at 19:32

From past experience , I would just pay the £75 Trust me it will save you a lot of hastle..

Peter
Peter Coogan

Member
3 August 2006 at 11:44

Think I will take your advise and purchase the USB Dongle
Thanks Pete
Gordon Forbes

Member
5 August 2006 at 03:21

Parallel to USb forget it a lot of them don’t work
Do a google on it I bought one and didn’t find out till later wasta a bloody money

Goop