Parallel Programmer usage ...?

Other Hardware 3rd Party Boards
1

Hi, I have built a parallel programmer based on http://arduino.cc/en/Hacking/ParallelProgrammer?from=Main.ParallelProgrammerhttp:// design and the driver recommended in the same page (giveio) and then use the Arduino tools in the sketch tools menu.

This arrangement doesn't seem to handle the programmer being unplugged (or even the LPT port missing) - it always
complains about a wrong device ID.

So, I am wondering if this is a problem with my construction or if this is normal ...

So, a couple of questions ...

  1. If the programmer is plugged into a PC that has a real parallel port --- what "mode" should I setup for
    LPT in the PC's bios??? Mine is offering AT, PS2, SPP, EPP or ECP !!!

  2. Given that many modern machines (esp laptops) no longer have "real" printer ports --- can I use a USB<->LPT
    adapter cable ???

TIA
Bob

2

Answering question 2, I would buy a USB programmer, you can find some cheap ones, as the TInyISP. Getting a USB to paralell may be not easy, and the drivers harder.

3
  1. It's a "parallel port progammer", but it isn't a "parallel programmer" (from the AVR perspective.) It still uses SPI/ISP for the programming, which means the AVR needs to have a clock, and it won't recover from some of the mistakes that a "real parallel programmer would."
  2. try AT; that's about the most basic, I think.
  3. No; most USB/Parallel adapters are actually USB/Printer adapters, and don't provide the programmatic per-pin access that programming requires.
4

OK, many thanks guys :slight_smile:

I have a USB programmer on order - I'll probably wait for that.

Dave