LPT Port Resource Assignment (unable to connect ST7)

[rogerg (Roger)]

I have found a definitive answer to this on the MOSCHIP website:

http://www.asix.com.tw/faq.php?op=faqdetail&PItemID=127

Q0010: Is it possible to remap the I/O addresses of MCS98xx Parallel/Serial ports to Legacy I/O address values?

A0010: In order to be compatible with some legacy software, some users might need to remap the assigned I/O addresses of MCS98xx Parallel/Serial ports to Legacy (ISA type) I/O address (such as 378h, 3F8h, etc.). It is possible on DOS and Windows 95/98/ME operating systems but impossible on Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8 operating systems because the Remap I/O Address feature is only supported on DOS and Windows 95/98/ME operating systems but is not supported on Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8 operating systems. As the newer Windows systems maintain a much tighter control over the I/O devices and prevent any Re-Mapping I/O Address operation at device driver level. When the Re-Mapping I/O Address is not permitted, the device must use the I/O Addresses assigned by the PCI system at Boot-Up. If the software application expects the Parallel/Serial ports to use Legacy I/O address resources, it will not be possible to make it work with the Parallel/Serial ports of PCI based devices on Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8 platforms. On DOS platform, MCS98xx can remap the I/O addresses of the Parallel/Serial ports to desired values by running MCS98xx DOS utility. However, on Windows 95/98/ME platforms, you can only remap the I/O addresses of the Serial ports (but not Parallel port).

So, it seems my ST7-XME is unusable because CCDSoft can't be configured to use the alternate I/O ranges

[AndrewJ]

Gday Roger
Just for info, when i was looking for a motherboard ( or add on card ) with real LPT and COM ports recently, i went through this, as i have some stuff with dongles etc that need the old legacy LPT addresses.
There are certain motherboards that still have native LPT headers, and i ended up buying one, but i also investigated a limited no of LPT "Cards" that had drivers that allowed their Addresses to be remapped.
There were only a few with this capability, but it may be an option to pursue.

Andrew

[rogerg (Roger)]

Interesting Andrew.

In my case I'm not really in the market for a new PC, and the Parallel ST7 is only my old backup camera so a new PC with native LPT not really worth it.

However, a card with configurable I/O range, that is very appealing. I've tried hard to find some with that feature in the past and failed. Can you give me any pointers on brand or such?

Thanks,
Roger.

[rogerg (Roger)]

I have found one:
http://www.startech.com/Cards-Adapte...Address~PCI1PM

Curiously it looks exactly the same as one of the cards I have now, just without the dip switches.

I'm going to try installing the software for this card and then failing that (which I expect) will buy the StarTech one.



Roger.

[AndrewJ]

Gday Roger
The Startech was one brand i had found.
Just for others benefit, if getting a new PC and you want real COM and or LPT ports without needing add in cards, look for motherboards with "B" series Northbridge chipsets ( Intel only IIRC )
The main types would have B75 or B85 in their designations.
Many of these dont advertise it, but if you look at the specs, you will see a lot do have headers on the boards for real LPT and COM ports.
Andrew
PS just found this one
http://us.axiomtek.com/DownLoad/Spec/imb204.pdf
6 onboard "real" COM ports with 2 already fixed in the back panel + 1 LPT header