using paralel port in VB6

[daniel69]

Can anybody explain where to start in order to use parallel port in VB6?
I'm trying to read 12 bits of data from a external board when a enable signal is activated, then depict it on a form.

I read a thread about voltage level in parallel port (2 jul 2003). Hypetia answered a question about logical voltages, but what about the basis of the question? How can you control the parallel port in order to recive or send signals?

Thanks in advice for everyone

 

[johnwm]

Check on thread222-592365. I think I just answered this

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[daniel69]

That's the thread I read before, but there it is not said how to set the voltage for the pins, or how to control the port in a word.

Thanks...

 

[johnwm]

I only posted 5 minutes ago!

________________________________________________________________
If you want to get the best response to a question, please check out FAQ222-2244 first

'People who live in windowed environments shouldn't cast pointers.'

 

[daniel69]

sorrryyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!

Can I explain a little more what I want?, I see you are an expert in these topics.

I'm creating an external board which converts an analog measure( angular sensor) into digital form (12 bits) setting a ready signal when data is available for reading.
I have a register at the end , and I'll add optocouplers, but I don't have any experience in interfacing with the pc, so, as I need to use this measure in VB6, I need help in order to get this information into the VB6 aplication.

I would like also moving a motor, so I have to generate some signals to control the motor drive board.

 

[johnwm]

I wouldn't try to actually build an interface board (as in re-invent the wheel). There are several around quite cheap. I would start with

http://www.x-10.com

________________________________________________________________
If you want to get the best response to a question, please check out FAQ222-2244 first

'People who live in windowed environments shouldn't cast pointers.'

 

[javaguy1]

i have just been researching this for a project. this is what i found. there are two ways to read parallel data. you can try to find a custom activeX control to read the parallel port. or the easier way is to use a parallel to serial converter. then you can just use the MSComm control. i found this one site that sells them.

http://www.iec-usa.com/framepr.html

 

[daniel69]

thanks javaguy,
I'm converting from serial to parallel in my angular sensor board. So as you say, should I use MScomm instead converting to parallel and using lpt?

I suppose, I have to set the serial protocol ( start bit , data, stop...) becouse my board doesn't actually do it. It only give 12 bits once you have set an enable signal. And then, I'll have to create two bytes becouse of the 12 bits.

Which was your research? could you explain me?

Thanks also john