Printer data capture

[AlvinTec]

I have seen lots of topics about this but didn't find a solution yet.

Here is my case,
I need to capture the printer text data sent from a test device (not a PC), which equipped with a Centronic parallel port output to the printer. I want to replace the printer with a PC so I can get a soft copy of the data (text data only).

I connected the test device and pc serial port via a parallel to serial port converter. Then I opened the hyper terminal program and tried to capture the printed data. It always showed "printer paper out" messenge in the test device and no data was transmitted.

I think it must be something done to communicate between the pc and the test device.

If someone can give me any suggestion for this task.

 

[fs483]

I haven't touched that part of electronics for about 8 years but I remember there a few things you might need to do. Basically you need to trick the device in thinking the paper is there, the "fake printer (which is your PC)" is ready to accept data. To do so, you must attach certain pins to ground while other pins to +5v. If you don't get any precise answers, I suggest you to find the definition of each pin for a printer port. Find out which signals +5v and which signals need 0v and so some tests. Good luck.

 

[AlvinTec]

Thanks for your reply.
I was hoping that someone already knows of a hardware or software solution. Many people said it's so straight forward, but could not find any solution yet.

 

[JoshuaJADTech]

For a parallel data capture solution, go to

http://www.jadtechcorp.com.

They also have a rental program, if you are interested. Good luck.

 

[trsridhar]

You can checkout the LPTCAP solution at site

http://www.qi.fcen.uba.ar/materias/iqi/paralel1/home.clear.net.nz/pages/kheidens/lptcap/lptcap.htm

I am myself trying to make this circuitry, so mail me back any feedbacks

Sridhar TR
trsridhar@lucent.com