[Ham-Computers] RE: Need Help

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Two big questions are:

1.  What operating system?
2.  What logging/keying program?

If the OS is WinXP (and sometimes 2K), then you need to make sure you
have the proper I/O drivers installed to allow the app to access the
Parallel port.  XP does not allow direct access to any port and you need
to go through an API (such as DirectIO).  Often, the app will include an
installer for the API.  Be aware that some logging software (such as
WriteLog) will not support parallel ports at all in NT/2K/XP.

In the BIOS setup, try setting the port to "Standard" or "Output Only"
mode rather than "Bi-directional", "EPP", or "ECP" mode(s).  "Standard"
is the classic parallel port mode and the others are newer
implementations that support bi-directional traffic and higher speeds.
One of my laptops will not work with an HP LaserJet 4M printer unless I
set the port to "Standard" (even though the 4M has a bi-directional
"bi-tronics" port.

In the BIOs setup, make sure the parallel port is set to address 378h.
I remember on the older Thinkpads, the default address was 3BCh (an
older PC standard).  3BCh is a 4-bit interface port and may not allow
the software to access the upper 4-bits of the port.

Another thought is that the parallel port isn't 100% compliant.  Might
not be that uncommon as "legacy" ports are being dropped in favor or
more "modern" ports such as USB or IEEE-1394.  Most "legacy" ports these
days are implemented via a PCI "bridge" and some bridge chips are known
to have compatibility issues.

GL & 73,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O


-----Original Message-----
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 8:00 PM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Need Help


Anyone aware of a trouble shooting "flow chart" for the parallel port?
Have an IBM T-21 laptop, won't key(cw) the rig via the printer port. The
interface cable is good.....Tom N4RS