Need parallel port

Question

I've noticed that you can't get parallel ports anymore. We have several engineering software packages that require a hardware lock device to be connected to a parallel port in order for the software to open. Are there any recommendations to get around this? I've seen some Usb to parallel devices but most of them specify that they're only for printers it seems. The belkin one I saw referenced says it's for printers, to free up your computer's real parallel port for devices like scanners, so I have doubts that it would work.

Any recommended PCI cards?

europa303 · Answer

I bought a no-name $7 card from newegg.com and it works fine with an HP printer.  I don't see why any PCI parallel card wouldn't work with your lock device.

BigBrother · Answer

ifi81u81,

Any LPT card will work fine as long as it supports Bi-Directional, ECP and EPP modes. Here are a few examples of cards which will meet your needs:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815124004

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815104211

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1003991&CatId=512

Steve

obeedee · Answer

Any of the no-names mentioned in this thread should work.

I installed one last night that was purchased from CompUSA for $34.99. Kinda pricey, but I had to have it right then. It has two serial ports and one parallel. It worked great with our ancient thermal printer.

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=271773&pfp=SEARCH

Good luck!

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Need parallel port

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