Thread: Kit 74 USB vs Parallel in VSA

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Greetings all,

I purchased a Kit 74 Relay Control Board from electronics123.com

I was able to successfully get the Kit 74 running in VSA switching the relays on and off using the parallel port / cable.

Now the computer I ultimately run my "show" on is newer and doesn't have Parallel ... So I tried a USB to Parallel adaptor and it doesn't work / control the Kit 74 Board anymore.

I read numerous threads on here from people saying they had the same problem, and no one ever gave an answer or commented that this has ACTUALLY been done ... lots of theories, but no luck.

Has anyone successfully done this? If so how ...

Now they have this http://www.electronics123.com/s.nl/it.A/id.2955/.f relay board that runs via USB ... 4x as much money ... and I don't even know if VSA will support it.

And this: http://www.electronics123.com/s.nl/it.A/id.291/.f which is a Serial version ... and I run my SSC-32 card with a USB to Serial adaptor, but once again, I don't know if VSA will support it.

So ... I have 2 Kit 74 boards I was hoping to run via USB, but I can't seem to get it working correctly. Even when I change the USB to Parallel port to LPT1 in Device Settings.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry, but a Kit 74 won't work with a usb to parallel adapter, and the other 2 boards you refer to won't work with VSA. If your laptop has an express card slot, you might be able to use a parallel port card.

Edit: Oops, just looked a little closer - VSA does support the K108.

I have ran into a similar problem. I had to purchase a older computer (laptop) off of ebay so that I could use my Kit74. There may be an answer on doityourselfchristmas but I am pretty sure sure the forum there too said that you could not go usb to parallel.

So VSA does support the K108 (their part #CPA108)?

How do you know? Is there a list or soenthing of supported cards?

My laptop does have a express card slot that I could put in a parallel card if need be. Has anyone got this approach to work successfully?

Hi-rez, check with hooked on scares, I believe he was running the kit board with a USB to parallel adapter of some sort on his helmsman tutorial on youtube. He mentioned that it was not an off the shelf thing but if anyone wanted to they could contact him for details. Hope this helps. Keith

soundmankkc,
you may be thinking of MonkeyBasic? He's the Helmsman guy

hirez00,
AFAIK, there's no way to get a kit74 to work with VSA, if your computer doesn't have a parallel port built in. Maybe if there's some parallel port card? I'm not sure. But I did talk to my IT buddy one time about the concept of using a USB-to-Parallel port dongle to try to get VSA and kit74 to play together, and he said that wouldn't work.

The only constructive input I've got is that you would be able to add some wiring to the kit74 that would let you control the relays with either a Medusa DMX or a Prop-1. If there's interest in this, I'll try to brew up a diagram - but I'll probably need someone's contribution of a high-res photo of both sides of the kit74, since I don't own one. Anyway, I've seen the schematic, and it's absolutely doable, and you would maintain the original functionality too (still be able to connect to an actual parallel port). It would consist of soldering 9 wires to the board. Let me know if there's interest in the how-to.

- Hook

Originally Posted by hirez00

So VSA does support the K108 (their part #CPA108)?

How do you know? Is there a list or soenthing of supported cards?

My laptop does have a express card slot that I could put in a parallel card if need be. Has anyone got this approach to work successfully?

The Kit108A serial relay controller is listed as supported in the "features" link on Brookshire's site.

I've never tried the express card option, so I can't say from experience if it will work or not.

Hook, oops sorry the 70's were hard on me. It was Nelson over at Monkey Basic. In his youtube tutorial on Helmsman he is using a Parallel to USB adapter that he says he makes work through helmsman with VSA. That was what I was trying to communicate. BTW, as soon as I can afford one, I want to buy a medusa board. Do you still have them for sale? (for sometime after this years big day.) Thanks, Keith

No prob Keith Yes, I've got 75 Medusas sitting in a box next to me. I'm working on configuring and testing 20 this weekend. Gotta get you guys animating for the big day - better late than never!

- Hook

Thanks Hook. Am working ot the next couple of weeks, if nothing else around the house breaks, I will be contacting you to purchase. Thanks for all the work on the board.