Graphtec FC2100 60A - Can I make a DB25-to-USB cable?

[fredges]

Hello, Hoping you can offer me advice. I have a Graphtec CuttingProFC-2100 60A plotter that uses a parallel connector (DB25, I believe, I will attach a photo of the cable I’m using).


Since OS 10.11 came out, my adaptor no longer works and there is no hope for a new driver from Tripplite (who now owns the Keyspan line). I need to get rid of the adaptor somehow...


I’m wondering if there is a cable I can buy to go from the parallel port on my plotter to USB on my computer? I’ve been using an iMac with a Keyspan serial-to USB adaptor, but it’s not optimal. The Serial-to-USB cable I created years ago.


I’d like to know the pin-outs so I can make a cable that will work with no adaptors. Is it possible?


Thank you in advance.
-Fred

 

[fredges]

 

[richsweeney]

Is this what you are looking for?
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...79&acd=12309152537461010&ven1=sE1inYhPj&ven2=,

 

[fredges]

Is this what you are looking for?
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...79&acd=12309152537461010&ven1=sE1inYhPj&ven2=,

Hmmm, that might just work! It's worth a $30 gamble. Has anyone else tried this? If I could remove the Keyspan serial-to-USB adaptor (and it's pesky driver) with this cable, I'd be VERY happy! I'll buy this and try it out and report back.

*Thank you!!!! :U Rock:

 

[Chad.]

I question if that dell solution will work ... If i remember correctly from my graphtec, the RS232 cable is custom pinned almost like a cat5 crossover cable. I think you might have to use your original cable and then something like linked below. It's the same overall setup you have (and i had been using) just a different adapter that says it works with OSX.

http://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Adap..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=0WP1Q1SCS6ZGRMBYAA4Y

 

[fredges]

Thanks! But that is a DB9, and my plotter is DB25 (RS232C) or PARALLEL... (see the photo)

 

[Chad.]

I linked the wrong adapter ... doh. I too have a graphtec FC5100 which is RS232 ... i had been using and identical Keyspan Adapter but we recently retired that machine. I can't imagine keyspan being the only option. The one thing i do remember from the day we received the plotter was the headache of finally realizing Graphtec has their own custom cable configurations and an off the shelf won't do the trick. Hopefully the solution rick posted will get you up and running again

 

[Jester1167]

Here's my setup. For some reason I thought the 25 pin to 9 pin adapter came from Graphtec and was a special cable? I have an image with the part #

 

[fredges]

Here's my setup. For some reason I thought the 25 pin to 9 pin adapter came from Graphtec and was a special cable? I have an image with the part #

Wow! "Tandy"! That's old school Radio Shack! Very cool!
If I could just get the pin-out diagram for the Graphtec it would help immensely! Anyone have that? I may be able to mimic what you have here, and make my own cable(s).... Is there anything special about that 9-pin-to-USB cable?

 

[Chad.]

There is some circuit info in the users manual on the graphtec site. Unfortunately it's an old scanned copy so you have to find it manually. (looks to start about page 103 or 6-1 in the manual)

http://www.graphtecamerica.com/docs/User_Manuals/CutPlot_UM/FC2100-50-UM.PDF

additionally graphtec has multiple cables in their "shop" section in the event one of these will work.

http://www.graphtecamericastore.com/cables/

If you can make a cable based on that info than you are a better person than I!

 

[fredges]

There is some circuit info in the users manual on the graphtec site. Unfortunately it's an old scanned copy so you have to find it manually. (looks to start about page 103 or 6-1 in the manual)

http://www.graphtecamerica.com/docs/User_Manuals/CutPlot_UM/FC2100-50-UM.PDF

additionally graphtec has multiple cables in their "shop" section in the event one of these will work.

http://www.graphtecamericastore.com/cables/

If you can make a cable based on that info than you are a better person than I!

Excellent! Thanks Chad, this should help me build a cable. Maybe I can build a single cable? Anyway, here's what I've started:

I will post my findings and results, and I'll fill out the numbers for my diagram. Fingers crossed!

 

[Chad.]

You're Welcome! Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[fredges]

Here's my setup. For some reason I thought the 25 pin to 9 pin adapter came from Graphtec and was a special cable? I have an image with the part #

Hey Jester, the 9-pin cable of yours, are there electronics in it?? I'm wondering if I need a special "translator" of some kind, or something, or can I just create a DB25-to-USB and bypass the 9-pin bits? I'd be surprised if I could, seeing as there are only 4 pins in USB....

UGH!! I really need to figure out the pin-out of the graphic!!

The manual Chad provided had this pin-out, but I fear it may be incorrect, as the manual is for the FC2100 50, and mine is a FC2100-60a.... The images in the manual don't look like mine... here is a photo...

 

[P Wagner]

The Graphtec serial cable is not a straight through cable. It has pins 2 and 3 crossed, as I recall.

 

[Jester1167]

No electronics inside. I took some images to help with the wiring. The 9 pin to usb was a standard cable I bought off of Amazon.