Trying to make use of an old Basic Stamp

fizzabit

I have an old BS1 that I would like to use but I have the original parallel port cable. How can I hook this up to a USB port?

Thanks for any help.
Wayne

MRM100

I think this is what you need - you can get it from parallax store:

http://www.parallax.com/Store/Accessories/CablesConverters/tabid/166/CategoryID/40/List/0/SortField/0/Level/a/ProductID/379/Default.aspx

Ooops - I just noticed you said parallel port - I hope you mean serial port, because that's what the above adaptor adapts to.

erco

Take two, they're small! You need to piggyback two adapters. First, you need this $5 gem to attach to your old BS1's 3-pin header: http://www.parallax.com/StoreSearchResults/tabid/768/List/0/SortField/4/ProductID/44/Default.aspx?txtSearch=bs1+serial+adapter

That makes it a serial connection. NOW you need a USB/serial adapter, such as the one MRM100 referenced.

I have tried two cheap USB-parallel converters to try to use my older Lexmark printer with USB computers, but neither worked, so I recommend the two-converter combination. I have personally tried it and it works using my ATEN USB adapter, so I'm sure the fine Parallax FTDI adapter will work as well.

fizzabit

Thanks erco that's what I need . I knew there had to be a way. I bought a cable adapter from monoprice but it would not work.

fizzabit

Thanks MRM100

erco

Alternatively, you can usually find an old working 286 laptop for $30-40 on Craigslist or at a thrift shop. You can make your own parallel cable for a few $$ of Radioshack parts and run the original DOS editor. I do this occasionally for a BS1/BS2 long-running debug in an offbeat location (pinewood derby timer, etc). A blast from the past!