Parallel to USB Low level

[Hexureus]

Hello,
I have bought a willem programmer PCB50B that uses a parallel port.
I really like this programmer and I would like to avoid changing to a new true-USB one.
I have been searching for about 3 days for an answer that would fit my need but with no success. Is there any way to make a parallel to USB adapter with IRQ emulation that would work with this programmer?

[ivan747]

The only way to get a real parallel port (not a simulated printer interface) with an IRQ address is to buy a PCI to parallel port card. I have had one of those generic cars and it works for bit-banging the parallel port (I controlled some relays with it and even a parallel LCD).

This one could work:
http://www.amazon.com/Low-Profile-Pci-Parallel-Port/dp/B0007CIV16
I find is is quite expensive, try to find something like this but cheaper.

This one will be great for general electronics tinkering because it has 2 serial ports apart from the parallel port. I assume they do RS-232 levels and not 0V and 5V.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815166006

But really, most microcontroller programmers and much more convenient when compared to a parallel port programmer. The PICkit 3 for example is very versatile and works in any voltage range, debugs, programs from the smallest 6 pin to the largest DSPIC Microchip has to offer and the price is not bad.

[ivan747]

Found these on amazon.es, which should be easy to import to Portugal, I guess:

http://www.amazon.es/StarTech-com-Tarjeta-Express-Nativo-Serie-Paralelo/dp/B0041UEFXI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1383362010&sr=8-4&keywords=paralelo+pci
http://www.amazon.es/Conceptronic-CI3PSERPAR-Tarjeta-puertos-paralelo/dp/B009MCF0J8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1383362010&sr=8-6&keywords=paralelo+pci
http://www.amazon.es/Comdis-I-Tec-Tarjeta-salidas-paralelo/dp/B002J4ZFSW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1383362010&sr=8-5&keywords=paralelo+pci

[Hexureus]

Thank you for your reply.
Unfortunately it does not work for what I want. I want to be able to program from my laptop. which does not even have pcmcia slot otherwise my problem would be solved in an instant.
I was wondering if wouldn't be possible to build a circuit for this job.
I also found those but i have no idea how would i wire them/use them:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FT245-USB-FIFO-Board-type-A-FT245R-Evaluation-Module-Kit-USB-TO-parallel-FIFO-/251042147593?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a73472d09
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FT245-EVAL-Board-FT245R-FT245RL-Evaluation-Development-Kit-USB-TO-parallel-FIFO-/261004965141?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cc51bb515

[lapm]

I'ys always bossible to build a circuit, its just question how much time and money its going to cost you. Maybe you could get cheap secondhand pc that still has parallel port?

[Zbig]

It's pointless. As others already said, just get a proper modern programmer/debugger with native USB, officially supported by uC manufacturer. Why waste your time and energy debugging the tool you're going to use for debugging things? I can't imagine more frustrating scenario than having to wonder whether I've done an actual mistake or is it just my bit-banged ghetto-programmer acting up, upon encountering an obstacle during my project development. You'll come across enough challenges without such kind of problems so do yourself a favor and get this out of the equation.

[ivan747]

And the FT chips won't have an IRQ. I saw a mini-PCIe card on Amazon but that would require installing it inside the laptop (if it has a spare mini PCIe port) and somehoe getting the cable out of it. It's not worth it. Get a USB programmer, it will be easier and maybe cheaper than modding stuff until you can program a chip.