Extending Parallel Port D-25 cable length

[kews84]

Hi all,

I am hoping to connect an old spectrometer machine (1994) which uses the 25pin parallel port to my pc. Because this is an old machine, the software it uses is only DOS and therefore the only port it recognises is the parallel port off the pc.

However, the distance between my pc and the spectrometer is longer than 25meters and I do realise that the limitation of standard parallel cable is 6feet. Can anybody suggest the solution for this? I do know there are adapter off the internet but I am afraid it is not compatible etc2 as I am new to this thing.

I really appreciate your time and suggestions! :D

[RecT]

What adapter are you looking at?

The reason the cables cannot be longer than say 9 feet is generally because of resistance losses. All that would be required is a 'box' to repeat the signal, or to get a parallel to usb converter. What type of PC are you planning to run this on? Obviously an older pc wouldnt accept usb.

[kews84]

Cheers for the info! I have got a solution now though, which is using the KVM switch