[nicanor76]

I just got a $2 parallel cable from the thrift store, I've never tested a cable before so am not too sure. All the pins (on the PC side) all tested to be active, but they all don't go chronologically connected on the other end. Most of the top pins are all in order in the other end though. And not all of the flat contact connections (on the printer side) are active, since there's more connections on that end vs the other end.

So I'm guessing as long as all the connections (on the PC side w/pins) are all active I should be ok, right?

[randyf1965]

I think the cable you are looking for is a 25 pin connector serial cable

[blackbeard52]

I think the cable you are looking for is a 25 pin connector serial cable

Yes it is and make sure they are the same pin configuration on bot sides....parallel instead of null modem.

bob

[jalessi]

Most External Parallel Port Devices use Straight-Through Parallel Port Cable with Straight pinouts like 1 to 1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3 and so on up to 25 to 25.

A Straight-Thru Cable is required for BOB Interface and Stepper Drives such as Hobby CNC, Xylotex etc...

If the cable you have has a db-25 on each end and is not wired straight thru in fact could either be a serial cable or a Parallel Port Null Cable
" Laplink Data Transfer Cable"

Do not attempt to connect a cable that is not wired straight thru to a Parallel Port Device.

[nicanor76]

ah ok, I jumped the gun. My drive components in the mail so haven't seen the connections yet and assumed it's a standard printer connection. I'll go back to the thrift store and try find one. But this is what I'll need, right?



Also I'm assuming I shouldn't go too long. Is 25' too long? Will prefer a 15' or shorter but these cables are slim pickings sometimes. ... Thanks again

[jalessi]

nicanor76

A 25 foot cable is pushing the limits of a Parallel Port.

See the attached link for a ten foot cable.

http://tinyurl.com/47xz92

Jeff...

[nicanor76]

Thanks. I searched through eBay but living in Canada, most of the sellers won't ship to me. I found one locally (NCIX.com) for $6ish in case anyone in Canada is looking for one. Posting link here in case for future reference. Will order one soon, test out all the pins, and share the results.

3' cable:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...facture=BELKIN

10' cable:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...facture=BELKIN

[jalessi]

Belkin makes top shelf products, you wont go wrong buying Belkin!

[blackbeard52]

I would wait for the drive first... Sometimes manufacturers put male and sometimes they use female connectors on thier cards. for sure you need a male connector for the computer.