Re: send more than 8 bits with parallel port


"Jonathan Kirwan" <jkirwan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:s88pv1959lndll1d20rveso700qt9jigg6@xxxxxxxxxx
[...]

Yes. But I think the PC-104 is dying. As I understand it, from
talking with a few key manufacturers in that business, the ability to
secure PC-compatible CPUs _with_ the ability to provide PC-104
signaling isn't likely to survive many more years. They are meeting
(or were) to try and see if they could collectively (some of the
bigger ones, anyway) pony up for their own ASIC design to handle the
PC-104 bus, before the remaining suppliers stop making their parts.
But I fear this whole attempt will fail and they will be forced to use
PC-104+ only (PCI.)

[...]

Jon

Having also designed machine controllers based on PC's complete with the
"older" interfaces, I agree wholeheartedly on how a cheap PC, is (was)
capable of massively slashing project times and costs when used within an
industrial environment.
One 486/DOS/ISA/Powerbasic test/measuring system I designed 7 years ago has
been running 24/7/350. Impossible to conceive doing the same using TDM
windows c/w and bloatware.
Looked at PC104s but found them (very) expensive and limiting and agree
that they will die out in time. From a customers POV, a big no-no is the
PC104 has a "Look at me, I'm special equipment" aspect. If the kit fails
then another unit can't just be picked up locally for next to nothing.
I've had enough of busses. I'm out of here.
ISA/EISA/MCA/PCI/Express/AGP/USB/Claphamcommon,
It's just not worth the time and mental effort. Decided I'll only (can
only!) interface with the truly crap RS232, which I suspect will be around
long after the pityfully apalling USB, has been junked in favour of the
apalling Firewire.
Just finishing off on an industrial project which uses a number of these,
http://www.redlion.net/Products/HumanMachineInterface/OperatorInterface.html
Final deciding factor for it's use was direct byte control of the
RS232/RS485 ports (crazy world).
Who now cares about industrial technology?. In UK, focus is on 'supply of
services'. All they want from a PC is email and pretty pictures, yet for a
pittance they are handed a supercomputer.
john





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