[WriteLog] USB to LPT Converters and the Top Ten DXD

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

 > Does anyone know if Writelog will work with the Top Ten DX Doubler
 > by using a garden variety USB to LPT converter (like the one form
 > Byterunner, for example).  I currently use LPT for A/B switching
 > and CW keying.

Writelog and similar software use the LPT in memory (port) mapped
mode and the garden variety USB to LPT converters do not support
that mode of operation.  They work with printers by installing a
driver that works with the Windows print system - essentially
emulating a serial printer.

 > I see that Top Ten describes a really fancy one Piexx that lists
 > for over $100.  It includes a Band Decoder output as well as a
 > serial port.  I really don't need all that , however.

The Piexx version does not work with WriteLog (at least the original
versions did not) due to the lack of a Winkey device in either the
Piexx or TopTen boxes.  The Piexx unit infringed on (copied) the
microHAM Control Protocol and the WriteLog MK2R implementation expects a 
K1EL Winkey keyer.  I don't know if Piexx have changed their device
to use the public OTRSP protocol or not.

At present there are only three viable serial/USB SO2R solution:
the original microHAM MK2R or MK2R+ (high end/high function products),
the new microHAM micro2R (a "value" product with fewer features) and
the YCCC OTRSP "project."

73,

    ... Joe Subich, W4TV
        microHAM America, LLC.
        http://www.microHAM-USA.com
        http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microHAM


On 4/25/2010 3:23 PM, Aldewey at aol.com wrote:
> I am getting ready go migrate to new computer with no LPT port.  I'll
> probably be using Win 7.
>
> Does anyone know if Writelog will work with the Top Ten DX Doubler by using
>   a garden variety USB to LPT converter (like the one form Byterunner, for
> example).  I currently use LPT for A/B switching and CW keying.
>
> I see that Top Ten describes a really fancy one Piexx that lists for over
> $100.  It includes a Band Decoder output as well as a serial port.  I
> really don't need all that , however.
>
> Would I be better off just investing in a USB SO2R box?
>
> 73,
>
> Al, K0AD
>
>
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