Splitting parallel port output

[danfour]

Dear BioSemi community,

We need to send port codes via parallel port to our USB2 Receiver to mark EEG data at the same time as an electric stimulator (Biopac).

Unfortunately in all of our presentation PCs have only 2 low-profile expansion slots that are taken up with video card + single parallel port.

Our trigger codes for EEG would be designed not to elicit stimulation output. We are concerned that there may be electromagnetic compatibility issues when both devices are connected directly via the same port.

Can anyone comment on using a simple Y-splitter such as the following to duplicate the parallel port output?

http://www.amazon.com/CablesOnline-Para ... B008RAZXN4

Best wishes,

Dan Fitzgerald

[Coen]

The splitter cable will probably work OK. Alternatively, you can consider making a special cable with part of the trigger lines going to the BioSemi USB-receiver, and part of the lines going to the stimulator (the advantage being that each port outputs only has to drive a single input). Make sure that Ground (pin 25 of the parallel port) is routed to both input ports.

Best regards, Coen (BioSemi)

[danfour]

Just a quick update that the y-splitter solution appears to work well, we are getting the proper codes sent to both devices. If you need to send parallel output to biosemi and biopac receivers at the same time, this cable seems to do the trick.

We have not tested it on other devices or for receiving parallel input so YMMV...