On May 9, 6:48 am, Michael
frontiernet.net> wrote:> Garlicdude wrote:
>> JBower wrote:
>>> So, my SurfCam uses a paralle dongle, I've had it that long...
>
>>> My latest set of computers ( I am using notebooks for a lot of my
>>> stuff) no longer have parallel ports.
>
>>> SurfCam wants $$ to replace my Parallel dongle to a USB version). I
>>> just can't stomach that. Besides, I KNOW that my parallel dongle has
>>> minimal encryption in it as the mathematics of encryption, let alone
>>> the technology did not even exist when I was issued a dongle.
>
>>> Anyway, I digress, my question is, has anyone found a suitable
>>> parallel port solution for non-parallel port equipped notebooks?
>
>>> Options that I believe are available:
>>> Expresscard to parallel (or PCMCIA to parallel cares) (many makes
>>> available ranging in price from ~$30 to $130)
>>> Docking station (probably an actuall mfgs, version not a aftermarket
>>> one) over $150, not very protable
>>> USB to dongle (this is quite doubtful, found no hardware yet).
>
>>> Anyone have something they've used successfully? (doesn't necessarily
>>> need to be for SurfCAM))
>
>>> John
>
>> John, I went through this with Smurfcam recently. My new computer came
>> without a parallel port. No problem, I bought a parallel card. Smurf
>> doesn't like add on cards for some strange reason, so I had to bit the
>> bullet and bought the USB dongle. Cost me $175 which was a total
>> ripoff, just another way to get some $$ out a poor machine shop.
>
>> Another reason in a long list to not like Smurfcam!
>
>> Best,
>> Steve
>
> we need to be in the parallel usb device biz, cost $9.95 each, maybe
> better in a quantity, sell for $175.00, did they get an install too?
>
> Now you see what they meant when they said they "serviced" you.
>
> hang in there Steve!
>
> --
>
> Michael Gailey
> Artistic CNC Mill, Router and Engraver Programming
> 3D modeling for Product Design and
Developmenthttp://www.microsystemsgeorgia.com/toc.htm
My Mastercam dongle is still parallel, and I've been going through the
process of upgrading the shop computers. I've got a few new Dell's and
an Alienware laptop, and none of them have a serial port.
I bought a USB-parallel port adapter at Fry's electronics for $30-40
bucks, and it doesn't work. I was planning on buying some serial cards
for the new desktops, but it doesn't sound like that will work
either.
I'd prefer to keep the serial dongle, because it's very discreet.
There's no chance of somebody mistaking it for a USB memory stick and
walking off with $15,000.
I really like the new Solidworks security method. When you're going to
use your seat on a different computer, you just de-activate the
license, then re-activate it on the other computer. No worries about
losing the dongle.
