What's the difference btw ECP and EPP modes for the parallel port?

ugh

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Feb 6, 2000
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As message title. Is the EPP mode currently supported and if so, it is faster?
 

JW310

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Oct 30, 1999
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EPP is a bi-directional mode for the parallel port, while ECP = Enhanced Capabilities Port, which is similar to the EPP in that it's bi-directional, but ECP also takes advantage of DMA, meaning that anything you send through the port goes directly through memory, rather than having to go through the processor, IIRC.

JW
 

bevancoleman

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Jun 24, 2001
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Many scanners don't like EPP/ECP and will only run under SPP. Really strange since the specs generally say that they require a EPP/ECP port. I think it is mainy a driver issue.

I would use ECP in preferance to EPP, but my preferance would be to use USB
 

ugh

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Feb 6, 2000
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<< EPP is a bi-directional mode for the parallel port, while ECP = Enhanced Capabilities Port, which is similar to the EPP in that it's bi-directional, but ECP also takes advantage of DMA, meaning that anything you send through the port goes directly through memory, rather than having to go through the processor, IIRC. >>


Thanks for the input. Would it be possible for me to change from EPP to ECP and expect all devices (printer and ZIP drive) to work as usual?
 

ugh

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Feb 6, 2000
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<< I would use ECP in preferance to EPP, but my preferance would be to use USB >>


I'm trying to find out why my ZIP drives performs so badly on my system while it copies a whole lot faster with the machine in my friend's comp.
 

ugh

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Feb 6, 2000
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<< No reason why not, it shouldn't be hard to change it back if it dosn't work :) >>


Good point :D
 

Mytv

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May 12, 2000
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I remember the old days, years back learning computers. Reading messages like this would make me wonder what the hell people were talking about.

Trying to decode what ECP, EPP, SPP, USB, ZIP being said in one sentence.

Damn now I know way too much about computers.