RE: Parallel to HPIB

Eric Martz (emartz@microbio.umass.edu)
Tue, 14 Mar 1995 14:47:41 -0500 (EST)

We have not tested the GPIB->parallel converter for printing from a PC to a
IEEE-488 Paintjet. (see below for source of converter) Since the converter
costs at least $250, one might consider investing that in a GPIB board for
the PC which would also allow file transfer. (If you have an HP 310/Pascal
3.1 then you have no affordable ethernet option. If you have an HP
340/Pascal 3.2 then you may also have an ethernet port so you don't need
file transfer.) Anyway, we use the PC board both to print and to transfer
files, so we don't need an external converter.

This arrangement has the minor nuisance that the PC->paintjet mode
conflicts with the HP, so if both computers are on at once, you must
disconnect the cable between the HP and the PC->Paintjet; then, if you want
to transfer files, you must reconnect the cable and reboot the PC in the
other mode. So it might be worth the $250 to reduce the nuisance if use is
heavy.

Instructions for printing from PC->IEEE-488 paintjet are in my free
software catalog: http://www.bio.umass.edu/mcbfacs/flowhome.html. Also
available by anonymous ftp in /pub/flowcyt/paintjet on marlin.bio.umass.edu.

Here are my notes on the converter:
Intelligent Interfaces sells a "microprint 45H" centronics to GPIB
converter, list $249, in stock, 1994. 800-842-0888, Stone Mtn GA.
This price includes 1 cable. A competitor sells a similar unit
for $500 with a switch lacking on the II unit. The reverse conversion
is available for the same price. You have to buy for the direction
you need -- they go only one way.

BTW: Our FACS came with the GPIB->parallel converter (so the HP could print
on a Laserjet I). We'll never use that converter. Does anyone want to
trade it for the reverse converter?

In message Mon, 13 Mar 1995 22:19:53 -0500, Racox1@aol.com writes:

> There is an interface that can permit the HP computer to talk to the
> LaserJet (HPIB to parallel). Since this is parallel communications I
> assume that a PC (parallel end) could talk to an HPIB printer like the
> PaintJet? Has anyone done this? Can the same interface be used?
>
> Thanks,
> Richard Cox
> FLOW CYTOMETRY SUPPORT
>

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CD-ROM Vol 3 was produced by Monica M. Shively and other staff at the Purdue University Cytometry Laboratories and distributed free of charge as an educational service to the cytometry community. If you have any comments please direct them to Dr. J. Paul Robinson, Professor & Director, PUCL, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907. Phone: (765)-494-0757; FAX(765) 494-0517; Web http://www.cyto.purdue.edu , EMAIL cdrom3@flowcyt.cyto.purdue.edu