Hello all. I have found a solution for the parallel to USB connection of Long Exposure modded WebCams. I have a Philips toucam 840 and now a new SC880 that have the SC Mod. As most people are aware it is difficult now to find a Laptop Computer with a Parallel Port.
I have tried several USB to Parallel converters with poor results or in most cases don't work at all. I have also tried to convert to serial but got lots of noise. I even tried Card Bus to Parallel, and that also did not work.
I have found a Guy in the UK that produces cables and adaptors made just for this job. They are well priced and work. They have been designed by a fellow sky watching person, so he knows whats needed
.
The product required is a kit that converts USB to serial and then Serial to Parallel. You have the best of both worlds in one adaptor kit.
Part Number: Parallel to USB Camera Converter Kit
ASTPaUSB
Kit Price in GBP: 26.95
Shipping to AU GBP: 5.40
Price in Australian Dollars shiped to Australia is $52.00
Here is the link to his Web Site
http://www.astronomiser.co.uk/converters.htm
I hope this is a help to those who have modded Web Cams that have been having the same problems as I have..