Parallel cable CCD camera with a computer with no parallel port

[Gem]

Hi

Is it possible to use an old CCD camera with a new laptop? I have three laptops (xp, vista and 7) but none have a parallel port. Can I still find a way to use an older model ccd camera that comes with a parallel cable??

Any help please!
Grant :)

[bojan]

Drivers for those OS will be the problem...
Otherwise, there are USB_parallel adapters on sale on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/USB-25-Pin-Parallel-Printer-Cable-Adapter-Converter-/320562940136?pt=AU_Electronics_Acce ssories_Wires_Cables&hash=item4aa30a48e8

[higginsdj]

Yes, but it depends on the Camera, the laptop and the OS.

SBIG cameras will work with PCMIA/Express style Parallel adapters BUT NOT with USB/Parallel style adapters. SBIG drivers will work in up to Win 7 32 bit BUT WILL NOT be upgraded to support 64bit. (Been down this path with SBIG myself)

Cheers

[sheeny]

I second David. SBIG (I don't know what brand you are looking at, but SBIG is my only experience;)) will work fine on XP with the right PCMCIA parallel port card. USB to parallel adapters won't work.

have a look at these threads. They describe the card I use:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=6897&highlight=LPT+Parallel

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=6421&highlight=LPT+Parallel

Al.

[Terry B]

Its often cheaper with greater success to buy an old lappy with a parallel port and use it exclusively for the camera.

[ZeroID]

Buy the docking port for the lappie. Normally not too dear and also gives a better power supply to the USB ports and lifts the lappie off the desk top for cooling. Normally adds Serial and Para ports but needs mains power.

If in the field you may be able to buy a Legacy Extender, (DELl product name ) which just clips on underneath to the desktop plug. We get them for our engineers for product support which still use para and serial connections.