Thread

LPT and COM ports

68kMLA Networking 6 posts Sep 12, 2007 to Sep 13, 2007

#1 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 - 01:43 68kMLA

I just built a cable to network my desktop pc to my powerbook 150. Though my problem is that stargate (the file transfer program) will not work with the parallel port it only shows COM 1 and not LPT 1. Also both computers say "disconnected" as the status. Should I just look around for a db 9 connector or does anybody have a work around to this problem.

#2 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 - 04:30 68kMLA

YOu shouldn't use the parallel port, since the Mac port is also a serial port.

Technically, Mac serial ports are RS-422 Serial ports and PC's have RS-232 serial ports. Some minor differences, but easily connected. That's why it should be serial to serial connection, not Serial to Parallel.

#3 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 - 13:10 68kMLA

Ok. I will have to bike down to the store and see if they sell serial cables cheaply to chop up or if they sell them at all. Then I would have to wait for the next time I go into town to go to (best store in the world) value village (thrift store).

#4 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 - 15:49 68kMLA

you'll need a crossover serial cable.

#5 Thu, 13 Sep 2007 - 07:11 68kMLA

Also known as a null modem cable.

#6 Thu, 13 Sep 2007 - 13:14 68kMLA

I'm building a mini din 8 to db 9 null modem cable from a circuit diagram that came with stargate (Which you people should download now because he is selling the site) and I'm going to test the pins and see what wire they go to then I will wire it up to mac serial cable.