The purpose of this web page is to outline a procedure you
can use to test your computer's lpt (printer, parallel) port for
compatibility with lap timing software. Most lpt ports can
be used with a 2 lane layout 99% of the time but 4 lane
compatibility can be an issue.
Disclaimer: Failure to follow these instructions exactly
as listed can result in damage to your computer. I will not take
any responsibility for damages that may occur.
Updated April 2005:Please take
note of the picture below, it shows an lpt port from a laptop
and a pin-out for a standard lpt port.
The pins we are interested in are the ones marked in
red, these are the lpt port's
status lines and they are going to be directly connected to the
sensors.
Parts needed for the test: One piece of 18 - 24
gauge wire about 12" long for Method #1 and four pieces of
the same length (18 - 24 gauge, 12" long) for Method #2. You will need to strip about an 1/2
inch of insulation off each end. Solid core wire is preferred
over stranded core but stranded will do if that is all you have.
With stranded wire twist the exposed strands of wire together as
tightly as possible.
Test Procedure Method 1 Normally Open:
This covers dead-strips and LDR type sensors.
1. Computer Setup: Make sure the computer's lpt port is set
to NORMAL, COMPATIBLE or SPP (Standard Parallel Port) this is
done from the computer's BIOS in most cases however I have seen
it done from the Windows "control panel" on one type of Toshiba
laptop. Next download and install
Laptimer
2000, Setup the software to use the lpt port and configure
the # of lanes you have. As well check the box for "Trakmate
sensor compatibility".
2. Insert one end of the wire into pin # 25 of your computers
lpt port.
3. Momentarily stick the other end of the wire into pin #
10, the software should register a lap. Continue on repeating
for the other pins 11, 12, 13. NOTE: If you are using VRS,
please test pins 10, 12, 13, 15. NEVER do this procedure
with the blue pins, doing this will result in damage to the
computer's lpt port.
Test Procedure Method 2 Normally Closed:
This covers optical type sensors, SensorTrak included.
1. Same as step one above.\
2. Take all 4 wires and one by one insert each one into
Pin10/22, Pin11/23, Pin12/24 and Pin 13/25. Leave the wires
inserted in the parallel port holes.
3. Removing one end of each wire momentarily will simulate a car
tripping a sensor. The software should respond by counting a lap
example: momentarily remove one end of the Pin10/22 wire and the
software should respond by counting a lap in lane 1. Conclusions: If the software registers a lap for
each time you touch the pins (Method #1) or breaks the
connection (Method #2) then congratulations, your computer
can be used for lap timing. If it does not register a lap for
each pin then double check your BIOS settings and if they are
set correctly then your computer's lpt port is not compatible. |
