[jeggerleg]

We use an old version of Alphacam (2002 I think) which came with a parallel port dongle. Our CNC machine is currently being upgraded with new NUM controller and attached Windows PC. Needless to say the new PC doesn't come with a parallel port, and although in the short term we can carry on using the PC we have always used the time will come when it goes the way of all things.
Our needs are fairly simple and upgrading to the latest version at enormous cost is something we are reluctant to do. Is there any way round the dongle problem?

[ger21]

Get a PCI parallel port card for $20 and plug the dongle into that.

[jeggerleg]

Thank you for your help but research so far tells me that won't work. Fine for a printer but not for the dongle.

[ger21]

It should work fine. A PCI parallel port is exactly the same as a parallel port on the motherboard. I've used a dongle on one before, but not an AlphaCAM dongle.

A USB to parallel adapter won't work, perhaps you're thinking of that?

[jeggerleg]

Yes, you're right, I have looked at the possibility of using an adaptor but not a PCI Parallel card. I'll give it a try even though your $20 becomes £20 here. Strange rate of exchange when it comes to computer related goods.

[Malgiliath]

Have you looked into updating your software?
We now use keyless security as more and more pc's are being built without parallel ports for the old DK2 keys.

Just a thought

[ger21]

He said he doesn't need the updated features, and $20 is a lot cheaper than $2500 or more for the upgrade.

[Benaiah]

Our hard drive just crashed-old windows xp. We updated through scm, new pc with windows 7. Alphacam 2001 would not open. Even though we have the proper serial port the windows 7 would not work. I contacted the dongle manufacturer they said we can uninstall the driver and reinstall a new driver and all our problems will be solved. I am reluctant to try it. As of right now I am programming on an older p.c and transporting via flash drive. Works for now.

[headscraper]

Alphacam 2001 was developed a full 6 years before W7 was. It is unlikely they will work together. How are you getting on with it??

[andy.s]

Just for anyone with the same question/problem i use the following PCI-E card with an older parallel dongle (DK2)

Parallel 1 Port / Serial 2 Ports PCI Express I/O Controller Card from Maplin. Product Code: A55HH

Parallel 1 Port / Serial 2 Ports PCI Express I/O Controller Card | Maplin

[ronthomp]

Most newer computers still have the parallel port, it just isn't brought out to a plug. Look at your documentation and see if yours has a motherboard plug for the parallel port. If it does, you can buy a plug that is mounted in a card slot and plugs in to that motherboard plug. You may also have to enable it in the bios (setup).