I finally decided to build a laptom interface. Being a professional solderer for Lockheed Martin, this should be no problem hardware wise.

After over an hour of searching and reading, I decided to build the resistor interface (parts readiliy available). I have 10k 1/4w resistors and a 2n3904 transistor.

My laptop is a HP 1.6P4, 512 megs, XP Pro.
It has a DB 15 and a DB 25 port.

My problem is that:
1- I have no DB9

2- The DB 25 is an LPT port, and from what Ive gathered, software will not read from an LPT port, only a 1 bit COM port.

Is there any way to configure this port as a standard COM port, or is there another rout I can take? Do you see any other things that Im missing?

Thanks in advance.
-Rob

BTW: If anyone needs soldering help/advice, Email me. Or if ya need some parts soldered, Id be happy to help... Just pay shipping!

 

I guess I should also mention that the car is my 92 Vert, 305 SD TPI, and will also (a few months) be used for my 88 GTA MAF.

 

unfortunately you cant configure a lpt port as a com so i dont know what to tell you. id see if theres a docking station or port replicator available on say ebay or something like that.

 

I forgot to ask about USB... any luck using them?

 

hmm there is a serial to usb adpater with software but i havent heard of anbody getting it to run yet. i think you should get a docking bar or port replicator. also ittl come in handy in the long run.

 

Or just go on E bay and buy a cheap old laptop for $50 and use it strictly as your scanner and chip burner.

Some people claim to have gotten the USB to serial adaptor to work, and others have given up on fighting with getting it to work.

 

I got a line on some old cheap laptops... Gonna pick one up this week.

Kinda sucks though, you wouldnt think technology would ever get TOO advanced to use older equipment.

Oh well, now on to buy the stuff to burn the chips. Me and my friend are gonna split the cost, so itll work out great. Should be a pretty interesting learning experience, beings how I love tinkering with stuff like that.

Wish me luck!