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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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16 years ago

Pldt-2 Trainer Usb Adapter

Hello.

I am using a PLDT-2 trainer made by Electronix with Max Plus software for my class at Ivy Tech. The PLDT-2 uses a parallel port (db-25) connector. My computer does not have a parallel printer port, but instead, it has USB ports. Does anyone know of any adapters that would work. I checked with tech support at Electronix. I was told that adapters give mixed results and may not work. Does anyone know of any good adapters that would work. To me, it seems that in order for any adapter to work, the software needs drivers to support USB interfaces. Would Quartus software work better. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

3 Replies

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    Thank you Kevin and FvM. This is what I expected. The silver lining for me is that I am learning even if things don't work out. I never thought about "low level operation". It makes perfect sense and it is what I was thinking, but I did not know the terminology. I think that I will have to invest either in another dev board or an older computer that does have the parallel printer port.

    Thanks again,

    Rick
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    Most USB-2-LPT adapters don't work with Altera Byte Blaster and similar devices (e.g. parallel key dongles). Bridge chips would basically allow low level printer port emulation, but apparently, the drivers don't utilize the feature. Some adapters have been said to support low level operation, but I won't suggest anything by hearsay.

    There are however cheap PCMCIA-2-LPT adapters available that incorporate a true "legacy" printer port.
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    Personally, I have never seen a USB to parallel adapter that worked with anything but a printer. For things like dev boards, the software tends to access the parallel port at a low level incompatible with USB to parallel adapters.

    I suspect the Altera USB Blaster could be used somehow with the PLDT-2 board. Although if there is not a standard JTAG header, it may require a custom connection or modifications to the PLDT-2.