Help ! I need a signal amplifier for parallel port

[The Stigenator]

guys, I need something to allow me to boost the signal on a parallel port on a computer so I can add more dongles to it. I tried a second parallel port, the software doesnt see it, it wants it to be on the first parallel port. We are getting a few new softwares and they require the parallel port to .. and since we cant hot swap I need something to boost teh signal by say 4 (to the additional 3)

We plan to run a parallel cable from the port to a table and put then on the end of the cable. the reason the 3 dongles we have right now is pretty long and we dont have space and they are heavy.

Your helps is appreciated.. TGG

 

[The Stigenator]

ttt

 

[The Stigenator]

ttt

 

[Mark R]

Couldn't you just use a parallel port card to provide a 2nd parallel port? That would probably be the easiest solution, as well as the cheapest.

 

[The Stigenator]

tried that.. didnt work.. the software wants to see it on LPT1.. tried several ways.. but it wants things on LPT1.

 

[Mark R]

Sorry, didn't read the first post closely enough.

I have to confess that I've never heard of an amplifier for parallel ports. Have you tried contacting the software publisher(s)? I'd be very surprised to find that they haven't come across this problem before.

 

[The Stigenator]

The software is "Adobe After Effects" but its not the software that is doing it, its the plugins - Ulitmatte, Combustion etc etc.. they need those hardware keys to work.

 

[DaddyG]

What about a parallel port switch with a dongle on each port. A bit messy but it would work as long as you didn't need to see 2 dongles at once.

 

[arthurb1]

So does it not see them if you chain and extend them? Try that first, cause I think that a signal amplifier to fit that is a custom build job. Or try the switch box.

 

[The Stigenator]

Just to update:

I have 3 dongles plugged in to the ATX mobo's parallel port. I cant put any more or it doesnt see anything. It seems I hit a spot where the limitations of adding dongles reach.
Hence the signal amp. I am going to try get a auto switch to see if I can use that. I believe it asks for it when it load after affects up and then again when you use the plugin.

In the mean time I need some sort of soultion.. if you think you got an Idea, spill it I am willing to hear anything.. other than another parallel port on a card.. that wont work.. since I tried that already.

 

[The Stigenator]

TTT

 

[etech]

1) Have you tried the dongels in a different order? I had a set that would only work when one was plugged in first. They would not work when reversed.

2) Call the companies that sell the dongle required software. They may be able to sell/send you a version that does not require one once they understand your problems.

3) You could call the tech-service of BlackBox. I have used their adapters for unusal interface problems. They were very helpfull in interfacing an old and obsolete lab instrument to a computers serial port.
BlackBox

Blackbox Tech Support
note this is 24/7

edit, sorry I thought it was a toll-free call, it isn't.

 

[The Stigenator]

thanks etech.. these guys look promising.

 

[The Stigenator]

just talked to a tech.. I plan to get a switch.. and see if it works.
however I doubt if it will.
Anyway thanks