[PVRCNC] Arduino parallel/USB

[Jim Jordan]

Everyone is facing the demise of the parallel port on modern computers. My trusty old pentium desktop went into "molasses mode" during FD and we had to use Alan's laptop. His laptop does not have a parallel port and my parallel-based SO2R box became immediately useless. 

Don't know how many of you get NCJ but this issue features K1XM's simple and cheap SO2R USB box using the Arduino processor. YCCC also has a similar kit which also has a K1EL keyer. In looking at Paul's diagram, what's interesting is how easy it would be to simply substitute the Arduino for the parallel port connections in all kinds of control circuits to convert parallel to USB with the standard protocol. Some elementary programming could do a lot for antenna switching, even remote operations. Factory and homebrew "DX-doubler" type SO2R boxes are immediate candidates for adapting without spending the kind of bucks that I refuse to pay for overpriced stuff from microHam. 

Full info on www.ncjweb.com or www.k1xm.org 

Arduino:  www.nkcelectronics.com 

I'm planning to order an Arduino and do a "Mark II" USB version of the famous Altoids SO2R box (which will end up in a larger tin). They're cheaper in quantity plus saving on shipping. If anyone's interested, let me know and I'll increase the order. If anyone has a factory parallel DXdoubler and would be interested in it being a guinea pig and working with me on making a plug-n-play USB conversion I think that may be "do-able" with the Arduino feeding the parallel cable of the DXd. Maybe not as slick as purpose built or a full conversion but quick, cheap and dirty results.

73,

Jim, K4QPL