How To Get Started With PrintCapture

Note: This information is also available as a stand-alone HTM file that you can download and save.

Always keep in mind that PrintCapture is essentially a software printer/plotter that processes Epson (Epson Standard Code) printer data, HPGL (Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language) plotter data, PCL (Hewlett-Packard Printer Control Language) printer data, and pure Text data. Whenever you see the term 'printer' or 'plotter' it refers to PrintCapture.

More and more customers are asking for help assembling and connecting a data cable from their source device (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, spectrum analyzer, etc.) to PrintCapture. This document should provide sufficient information for you to successfully assemble a usable data cable.

Source Device Output Ports

There are four basic printer/plotter output ports on a source device. Your source device may have one or more of these output ports. The output ports should be clearly labeled.

Serial Port. DB9-Pin or DB25-Pin.	Serial port configuration is, by far, the leading item of confusion. The serial port on your source device can be either a Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) or Data Communications Equipment (DCE) port. Most of the time it will be a DTE serial port. It is up to you to determine which type of serial port you have. Generally speaking, a DTE serial port is a male connector and a DCE serial port is a female connector. However, this is not a 100% reliable method of identification. A computer's serial port is ALWAYS configured as a DTE serial port with a male connector. If your source device has a DTE serial port you will need a null-modem serial cable to connect to the computer's DTE serial port. If your source device has a DCE serial port you will need a straight-through serial cable to connect to the computer's DTE serial port. More information can be found at our FAQ What kind of serial cable do I need for my oscilloscope, logic analyzer, or spectrum analyzer? Troubleshooting tips for serial port connections can be found at our FAQ I'm really having problems getting the serial data into my computer. What can I do to troubleshoot the serial interface?
Parallel Port. DB25-Pin Female.	This port has a DB25-Pin connector and may be labeled as either "Printer" or "Centronics". It is a parallel port that connects to a printer.
Parallel Port. Centronics 36-Pin, Male.	This port has a DB25-Pin connector and may be labeled as either "Printer" or "Centronics". It is a parallel port that connects to a printer.
GPIB Port. Centronics 24-Pin	This is a normal GPIB connector that usually connects to a plotter. However, it can also connect to a GPIB-capable printer.

Computer Input Ports

There are three basic input ports available on a computer, one potential new input port, and one output port that cannot be used. Your computer may have one or more of these input ports. Generally speaking these input ports are not labeled, but they are easily identifiable.

Serial Port. DB9-Pin or DB25-Pin, Male.	Serial port configuration is, by far, the leading item of confusion. A computer's serial port is ALWAYS configured as a DTE serial port with a male connector. If your source device has a DTE serial port you will need a null-modem serial cable to connect to the computer's DTE serial port. If your source device has a DCE serial port you will need a straight-through serial cable to connect to the computer's DTE serial port. More information can be found at our FAQ What kind of serial cable do I need for my oscilloscope, logic analyzer, or spectrum analyzer? Troubleshooting tips for serial port connections can be found at our FAQ I'm really having problems getting the serial data into my computer. What can I do to troubleshoot the serial interface?
USB Port.	This port can be used, but only with USB devices whose device driver makes the USB port appear as a serial port in PrintCapture's setup. The exception is the GPIB device drivers from National Instruments. Their device drive makes their GPIB-to-USB converter appear as a National Instruments GPIB interface in PrintCapture's setup.
GPIB Port. Centronics 24-Pin.	At this time the only GPIB hardware port that is recognized by PrintCapture is the GPIB interfaces from National Instruments. We tried to use other manufacturers GPIB interfaces but their device drivers were not compatible with PrintCapture at the level we needed. Please don't ask how another manufacturer's GPIB hardware port can be used! At this time they can't.
Ethernet Port.	This is a potentially new input port for PrintCapture. We are currently working with a Prologix GPIB-Ethernet Controller to develop a software interface for this device.
Parallel Port. DB25-Pin, Female.	This port has a DB25-Pin female connector and CANNOT be used with PrintCapture. Please don't ask how this port can be used!

Configuring Serial Ports

There are a few rules that always apply in order to correctly configure serial ports. Usually your source device, not your computer, dictates the serial port parameters. PrintCapture's serial port settings are set in Setup> Configuration> Serial Port.

COM Port.	PrintCapture setting only. Select the COM port to use.
Baud Rate.	The baud rate has to match EXACTLY between serial ports. The baud rate setting is usually determined by the source device.
Word Size.	Sometimes called the 'data size'. Set the word size to 8 data bits. This setting has to match EXACTLY between serial ports.
Parity.	Set the parity to 'NONE'. This setting has to match EXACTLY between serial ports.
Stopbits.	Set the stopbits to 1. This setting has to match EXACTLY between serial ports.
Flow Control Hardware Handshaking.	Set the flow control to either RTS/CTS or DTR/DSR hardware handshaking. The hardware handshaking flow control is usually determined by the source device. This setting has to match EXACTLY between serial ports. DO NOT use XON/XOFF software flow control. If you do you can experience transfer errors and/or transfer freezes.
End-of-Data Processing Timeout.	PrintCapture setting only. Set to about 5.0 seconds to begin with. This timeout setting is used by PrintCapture to determine when a data transfer has completed.

Assemble Your Data Cable

Now we can begin the process of assembling a data cable between your source device and your computer. Locate your configuration from the list below. All possible configurations are listed even though some combinations are not available.

Always begin by selecting any hardware converters you will need in your particular data cable. After that you can select the cables with the correct gender connectors to connect your converters with your source device and your computer. It is your responsibility to make sure your cables have the correct gender to connect all parts in the data cable.

Source Device With a Serial Port

Source device with a serial port to a computer with a serial port. Click here.
Source device with a serial port to a computer with a USB port. Click here.
Source device with a serial port to a computer with a GPIB port. Click here.
Source device with a serial port to a computer with an Ethernet port. Click here.

Source Device With a DB25 Parallel Port

Source device with a DB25 parallel port to a computer with a serial port. Click here.
Source device with a DB25 parallel port to a computer with a USB port. Click here.
Source device with a DB25 parallel port to a computer with a GPIB port. Click here.
Source device with a DB25 parallel port to a computer with an Ethernet port. Click here.

Source Device With a Centronics Parallel Port

Source device with a Centronics parallel port to a computer with a serial port. Click here.
Source device with a Centronics parallel port to a computer with a USB port. Click here.
Source device with a Centronics parallel port to a computer with a GPIB port. Click here.
Source device with a Centronics parallel port to a computer with an Ethernet port. Click here.

Source Device With a GPIB Port

Source device with a GPIB port to a computer with a serial port. Click here.
Source device with a GPIB port to a computer with a USB port. Click here.
Source device with a GPIB port to a computer with a GPIB port. Click here.
Source device with a GPIB port to a computer with an Ethernet port. Click here.

Source Device Serial Port to Computer Serial Port

PrintCapture setup takes place in Setup> Configuration> Serial Port.
Review ALL the information above about serial ports.
If your source device's serial port is a DTE port you will need a null-modem cable. For DB9 connectors use a Belkin F3B207 or equivalent.
If your source device's serial port is a DCE port you will need a straight-through cable. For DB9 connectors use a Belkin F2N209 or equivalent.
Configure the serial port parameters on both your source device and PrintCapture so they match EXACTLY. Usually the source device dictates the serial parameters.
Connect the serial cable between your source device and the COM port used by PrintCapture.
Try to print or plot from your source device to PrintCapture. If you have data transfer problems or PrintCapture doesn't process the data correctly, go to "What Do I Do If Data Transfers Fail?".

Source Device Serial Port to Computer USB Port

PrintCapture setup takes place in Setup> Configuration> Serial Port.
Review ALL the information above about serial ports.
If your source device's serial port is a DTE port you will need a null-modem cable. For DB9 connectors use a Belkin F3B207 or equivalent.
If your source device's serial port is a DCE port you will need a straight-through cable. For DB9 connectors use a Belkin F2N209 or equivalent.
You will need a USB-to-serial converter. However, the device driver for the USB-to-serial converter MUST make the USB port appear as a serial port. See the converter cables available from FTDI at http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables/USBRS232.htm. These USB-to-serial converters are readily available on the Internet.
Install the device driver for the USB-to-serial converter.
Configure the serial port parameters on both your source device and PrintCapture so they match EXACTLY. Usually the source device dictates the serial parameters.
Connect the serial cable between your source device and your USB-to-serial converter.
Connect the USB-to-serial converter to your computer's USB port.
Try to print or plot from your source device to PrintCapture. If you have data transfer problems or PrintCapture doesn't process the data correctly, go to "What Do I Do If Data Transfers Fail?".

Source Device Serial Port to Computer GPIB Port

This is not an inexpensive conversion if you have to buy all the parts.
PrintCapture setup takes place in Setup> Configuration> GPIB Interface.
You will need a GPIB cable.
Review ALL the information above about serial ports.
You will need a National Instruments GPIB Interface card and NI's NI-488.2 device driver. Any other manufacturer will not work.
Important: You cannot use PrintCapture and National Instruments' Measurement & Automation (MAX) software at the same time. Both programs will try to control the GPIB interface at the same time.
You will need a National Instruments GPIB-232CV-A GPIB-RS232 converter.
If your source device's serial port is a DTE port you will need a straight-through cable. For DB9 connectors use a Belkin F2N209 or equivalent. You will also need a female-to-female serial port gender changer.
If your source device's serial port is a DCE port you will need a null-modem cable. For DB9 connectors use a Belkin F3B207 or equivalent.
Configure the serial port parameters on both your source device and NI's GPIB-232CV-A so they match EXACTLY. Usually the source device dictates the serial parameters. These are the GPIB-232CV-A dip switch settings we use:

Dip switch 1 – 3: Baud rate 19200. Dictated by the source device.
Dip switch 4 ON: Even Parity. You can set this switch to ON or OFF. It doesn't matter.
Dip switch 5 OFF: Parity NONE.
Dip switch 6 OFF: Stopbits 1.
Dip switch 7 ON: 8 data bits.
Dip switch 8 OFF: Hardware handshaking enabled. Uses RTS/CTS hardware handshaking.

Configure the GPIB parameters on the GPIB-232CV-A. These are the GPIB-232CV-A dip switch settings we use:

Dip switch 1 – 5: GPIB address 30. This address can be set to any GPIB address, but it is sometimes dictated by other GPIB devices on the bus.
Dip switch 6 OFF, 7 OFF: C Mode Timeout Termination.
Dip switch 8 ON: Operates in C Mode.

Connect the serial cable between your source device and the GPIB-232CV-A.
Connect the GPIB cable between the GPIB-232CV-A and your computer's GPIB interface card.
Configure PrintCapture to use a National Instruments GPIB interface. Make sure the GPIB address matches the address on the GPIB-232CV-A.
Try to print or plot from your source device to PrintCapture. If you have data transfer problems or PrintCapture doesn't process the data correctly, go to "What Do I Do If Data Transfers Fail?".

Source Device Serial Port to Computer Ethernet Port

There is no connection cable from a serial port to an Ethernet port at this time.

Source Device DB25 Parallel Port to Computer Serial Port

PrintCapture setup takes place in Setup> Configuration> Serial Port.
Review ALL the information above about serial ports.
You will need a DB25 parallel-to-serial converter. The 232SPS2 parallel-to-serial converter available from B&B Electronics at http://www.bb-elec.com/product.asp?sku=232SPS2 is a good choice. You will also need the external power supply for your parallel-to-serial converter. (Other parallel-to-serial converters will also work but you will have to determine which additional cables you will need.)
For the 232SPS2 converter you will need a DB25-Male to DB25-Male parallel cable to connect your source device and the 232SPS2's parallel port. Available on the B&B Electronics 232SPS2 web page.
For the 232SPS2 converter you will need a straight-through serial cable to connect the 232SPS2 serial port to your computer's serial port. Available on the B&B Electronics 232SPS2 web page.
For the 232SPS2 configure the dip switches:

Dip switch 1 – 3: Baud rate 19200. Start with 19200. The baud rate can be increased later.
Dip switch 4 ON: DTR/DSR hardware handshaking. Actually the 232SPS2 will use both RTS/CTS and DTR/DSR hardware handshaking at the same time.
Dip switch 5 OFF: 8 data bits.
Dip switch 6 OFF: Parity NONE.
Dip switch 7 ON: Odd parity. You can set this switch to ON or OFF. It doesn't matter.
Dip switch 8 ON: Convert parallel to serial.

Configure the serial port parameters on both the 232SPS2 and PrintCapture so they match EXACTLY.
Connect the parallel cable from your source device to the 232SPS2.
Connect the serial cable from the 232SPS2 to your computer's serial port.
Try to print or plot from your source device to PrintCapture. If you have data transfer problems or PrintCapture doesn't process the data correctly, go to "What Do I Do If Data Transfers Fail?".

Source Device DB25 Parallel Port to Computer USB Port

There is no direct connection cable from a DB25 parallel port to a USB port. You will have to use a parallel-to-serial converter and a USB-to-serial converter.
PrintCapture setup takes place in Setup> Configuration> Serial Port.
Review ALL the information above about serial ports.
You will need a DB25 parallel-to-serial converter. The 232SPS2 parallel-to-serial converter available from B&B Electronics at http://www.bb-elec.com/product.asp?sku=232SPS2 is a good choice. You will also need the external power supply for your parallel-to-serial converter. (Other parallel-to-serial converters will also work but you will have to determine which additional cables you will need.).
You will need a USB-to-serial converter. However, the device driver for the USB-to-serial converter MUST make the USB port appear as a serial port. See the converter cables available from FTDI at http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables/USBRS232.htm. These USB-to-serial converters are readily available on the Internet.
For the 232SPS2 converter you will need a DB25-Male to DB25-Male parallel cable to connect your source device and the 232SPS2 parallel port. Available on the B&B Electronics 232SPS2 web page.
For the 232SPS2 converter you will need a straight-through serial cable to connect the 232SPS2 serial port to the USB-to-serial converter. Available on the B&B Electronics 232SPS2 web page.
For the 232SPS2 configure the dip switches:

Dip switch 1 – 3: Baud rate 19200. Start with 19200. The baud rate can be increased later.
Dip switch 4 ON: DTR/DSR hardware handshaking. Actually the 232SPS2 will use both RTS/CTS and DTR/DSR hardware handshaking at the same time.
Dip switch 5 OFF: 8 data bits.
Dip switch 6 OFF: Parity NONE.
Dip switch 7 ON: Odd parity. You can set this switch to ON or OFF. It doesn't matter.
Dip switch 8 ON: Convert parallel to serial.

Configure the serial port parameters on both the 232SPS2 and PrintCapture so they match EXACTLY.
Connect the parallel cable from your source device to the 232SPS2.
Connect the serial cable from the 232SPS2 to your USB-to-serial converter.
Connect your USB-to-serial converter to your computer's USB port.
Try to print or plot from your source device to PrintCapture. If you have data transfer problems or PrintCapture doesn't process the data correctly, go to "What Do I Do If Data Transfers Fail?"..

Source Device DB25 Parallel Port to Computer GPIB Port

There is no connection cable from a DB25 parallel port to a GPIB port at this time.

Source Device DB25 Parallel Port to Computer Ethernet Port

There is no connection cable from a DB25 parallel port to an Ethernet port at this time.

Source Device Centronics Parallel Port to Computer Serial Port

PrintCapture setup takes place in Setup> Configuration> Serial Port.
Review ALL the information above about serial ports.
You will need a Centronics parallel-to-serial converter. The ATEN SXP-500 parallel-to-serial converter works well. You will also need an external power supply for your parallel-to-serial converter. (Other parallel-to-serial converters will also work but you will have to determine which additional cables you will need.)
Important: There are indications that the ATEN SXP-500 is a discontinued parallel-to-serial converter. If you have difficulty location the SXP-500 on the Internet you may consider getting a Centronics-36Pin Male-to-DB25 Male printer cable and continuing with "Source Device DB25 Parallel Port to Computer Serial Port".
For the ATEN SXP-500 you may also want to consider getting a Centronics-36Pin Male-to-Centronics-36Pin Female cable. The mechanical leverage of this converter may be too much for the connector on your source device.
For the SXP-500 configure the dip switches:

Dip switch 1 – 3: Baud rate 19200. Start with 19200. The baud rate can be increased later.
Dip switch 4 OFF: Hardware handshaking. The SXP-500 will use both RTS/CTS and DTR/DSR hardware handshaking at the same time.
Dip switch 5 OFF: 8 data bits and 1 stopbit.
Dip switch 6 ON: Parity NONE.
Dip switch 7 ON: Odd parity. You can set this switch to ON or OFF. It doesn't matter.
Dip switch 8 ON: Convert parallel to serial.

Configure the serial port parameters on both the SXP-500 and PrintCapture so they match EXACTLY.
Connect the parallel cable from your source device to the SXP-500.
Connect the serial cable from the SXP-500 to your computer's serial port.
Try to print or plot from your source device to PrintCapture. If you have data transfer problems or PrintCapture doesn't process the data correctly, go to "What Do I Do If Data Transfers Fail?".

Source Device Centronics Parallel Port to Computer USB Port

There is no direct connection cable from a Centronics parallel port to a USB port. You will have to use a parallel-to-serial converter and a USB-to-serial converter.
PrintCapture setup takes place in Setup> Configuration> Serial Port.
Review ALL the information above about serial ports.
You will need a Centronics parallel-to-serial converter. The ATEN SXP-500 parallel-to-serial converter works well. You will also need an external power supply for your parallel-to-serial converter. (Other parallel-to-serial converters will also work but you will have to determine which additional cables you will need.)
Important: There are indications that the ATEN SXP-500 is a discontinued parallel-to-serial converter. If you have difficulty location the SXP-500 on the Internet you may consider getting a Centronics-36Pin Male-to-DB25 Male printer cable and continuing with "Source Device DB25 Parallel Port to Computer Serial Port".
For the ATEN SXP-500 you may also want to consider getting a Centronics-36Pin Male-to-Centronics-36Pin Female cable. The mechanical leverage of this converter may be too much for the connector on your source device.
You will need a USB-to-serial converter. However, the device driver for the USB-to-serial converter MUST make the USB port appear as a serial port. See the converter cables available from FTDI at http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables/USBRS232.htm. These USB-to-serial converters are readily available on the Internet.
For the SXP-500 configure the dip switches:

Dip switch 1 – 3: Baud rate 19200. Start with 19200. The baud rate can be increased later.
Dip switch 4 OFF: Hardware handshaking. The SXP-500 will use both RTS/CTS and DTR/DSR hardware handshaking at the same time.
Dip switch 5 OFF: 8 data bits and 1 stopbit.
Dip switch 6 ON: Parity NONE.
Dip switch 7 ON: Odd parity. You can set this switch to ON or OFF. It doesn't matter.
Dip switch 8 ON: Convert parallel to serial.

Configure the serial port parameters on both the SXP-500 and PrintCapture so they match EXACTLY.
Connect the parallel cable from your source device to the SXP-500.
Connect the SXP-500 to your USB-to-serial converter.
Connect your USB-to-serial converter to your computer's USB port.
Try to print or plot from your source device to PrintCapture. If you have data transfer problems or PrintCapture doesn't process the data correctly, go to "What Do I Do If Data Transfers Fail?".

Source Device Centronics Parallel Port to Computer GPIB Port

There is no connection cable from a Centronics parallel port to a GPIB port at this time.

Source Device Centronics Parallel Port to Computer Ethernet Port

There is no connection cable from a Centronics parallel port to an Ethernet port at this time.

Source Device GPIB Port to Computer Serial Port

PrintCapture setup takes place in Setup> Configuration> Serial Port.
Review ALL the information above about serial ports.
You will need a GPIB cable.
You will need a National Instruments GPIB-232CV-A GPIB-to-serial converter.
You will need a null-modem serial cable. For DB9 connectors use a Belkin F3B207 or equivalent.
Configure the serial port parameters on both your GPIB-232CV-A and PrintCapture so they match EXACTLY. Usually the GPIB-232CV-A will dictate the serial port parameters. These are the GPIB-232CV-A dip switch settings we use:

Dip switch 1 – 3: Baud rate 19200. Dictated by the source device.
Dip switch 4 ON: Even Parity. You can set this switch to ON or OFF. It doesn't matter.
Dip switch 5 OFF: Parity NONE.
Dip switch 6 OFF: Stopbits 1.
Dip switch 7 ON: 8 data bits.
Dip switch 8 OFF: Hardware handshaking enabled. Uses RTS/CTS hardware handshaking.

Configure the GPIB parameters on the GPIB-232CV-A. You may have to test different settings to get your source device to communicate with the GPIB-232CV-A. These are the GPIB-232CV-A dip switch settings we use:

Dip switch 1 – 5: GPIB address 30. This address can be set to any GPIB address, but it is sometimes dictated by other GPIB devices on the bus.
Dip switch 6 OFF, 7 OFF: C Mode Timeout Termination.
Dip switch 8 ON: Operates in C Mode.

Use a GPIB cable to connect your source device to the GPIB-232CV-A.
Use the null-modem serial cable to connect the GPIB-232CV-A to your computer's serial port.
Try to print or plot from your source device to PrintCapture. If you have data transfer problems or PrintCapture doesn't process the data correctly, go to "What Do I Do If Data Transfers Fail?".

Source Device GPIB Port to Computer USB Port

You will probably need a GPIB cable. The mechanical leverage of these converters may be too much for the connector on your source device.
There are three methods of converting your source device's GPIB port to your computer's USB port. From least expensive to most expensive:

Use a Prologix GPIB-USB Controller (see http://www.prologix.biz):

PrintCapture setup takes place in Setup> Configuration> Serial Port.
Review ALL the information above about serial ports.
You will need a Prologix GPIB-USB Controller.
The Prologix device driver makes the USB port look like a serial port.
Install the Prologix GPIB-USB Controller's device driver.
Connect the Prologix GPIB-USB Controller to your computer's USB port.
You will have to configure the Prologix GPIB-USB Controller to work with PrintCapture. We have created a PDF document that you can download from our website at http://www.printcapture.com/files/PrintCapture_Prologix_GPIB-USB_Setup.pdf. Prologix provides good support in this area.
Use a GPIB cable to connect your source device to the Prologix GPIB-USB Controller.
Setup PrintCapture to use this device.
Try to print or plot from your source device to PrintCapture. If you have data transfer problems or PrintCapture doesn't process the data correctly, go to "What Do I Do If Data Transfers Fail?".

Use a National Instruments GPIB-USB Interface:

PrintCapture setup takes place in Setup> Configuration> GPIB Interface.
You will need a National Instruments GPIB-USB Interface.
You will need NI's NI-488.2 device driver. The NI-488.2 device driver makes the GPIB-USB Interface look like an NI GPIB interface.
Use a GPIB cable to connect your source device to the NI GPIB-USB Interface.
Connect the GPIB-USB Interface to your computer's USB port.
Configure PrintCapture to use a National Instruments GPIB interface.
Important: You cannot use PrintCapture and NI's Measurement & Automation (MAX) software at the same time. Both programs will try to control the interface at the same time.
Try to print or plot from your source device to PrintCapture. If you have data transfer problems or PrintCapture doesn't process the data correctly, go to "What Do I Do If Data Transfers Fail?".

Use a National Instruments GPIB-232CV-A GPIB-to-serial converter and a USB-to-serial converter:

PrintCapture setup takes place in Setup> Configuration> Serial Port.
Review ALL the information above about serial ports.
You will need a GPIB cable.
You will need a National Instruments GPIB-232CV-A GPIB-to-serial converter.
You will need a USB-to-serial converter. However, the device driver for the USB-to-serial converter MUST make the USB port appear as a serial port. See the converter cables available from FTDI at http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables/USBRS232.htm. These USB-to-serial converters are readily available on the Internet.
You will need a null-modem serial cable. For DB9 connectors use a Belkin F3B207 or equivalent.
Configure the serial port parameters on both your GPIB-232CV-A and PrintCapture so they match EXACTLY. Usually the GPIB-232CV-A will dictate the serial port parameters. These are the GPIB-232CV-A dip switch settings we use:

Dip switch 1 – 3: Baud rate 19200. Dictated by the source device.
Dip switch 4 ON: Even Parity. You can set this switch to ON or OFF. It doesn't matter.
Dip switch 5 OFF: Parity NONE.
Dip switch 6 OFF: Stopbits 1.
Dip switch 7 ON: 8 data bits.
Dip switch 8 OFF: Hardware handshaking enabled. Uses RTS/CTS hardware handshaking.

Configure the GPIB parameters on the GPIB-232CV-A. You may have to test different settings to get your source device to communicate with the GPIB-232CV-A. These are the GPIB-232CV-A dip switch settings we use:

Dip switch 1 – 5: GPIB address 30. This address can be set to any GPIB address, but it is sometimes dictated by other GPIB devices on the bus.
Dip switch 6 OFF, 7 OFF: C Mode Timeout Termination.
Dip switch 8 ON: Operates in C Mode.

Use a GPIB cable to connect your source device to the GPIB-232CV-A.
Use the null-modem serial cable to connect the GPIB-232CV-A to your USB-to-serial converter.
Connect the USB-to-serial converter to your computer's USB port.
Try to print or plot from your source device to PrintCapture. If you have data transfer problems or PrintCapture doesn't process the data correctly, go to "What Do I Do If Data Transfers Fail?".

Source Device GPIB Port to Computer GPIB Port

PrintCapture setup takes place in Setup> Configuration> GPIB Interface.
You will need a GPIB cable.
You will need a National Instruments GPIB Interface card. Any other manufacturer will not work.
You will need NI's NI-488.2 device driver.
Use a GPIB cable to connect your source device to the NI GPIB Interface.
Configure PrintCapture to use a National Instruments GPIB interface.
Important: You cannot use PrintCapture and NI's Measurement & Automation (MAX) software at the same time. Both programs will try to control the interface at the same time.
Try to print or plot from your source device to PrintCapture. If you have data transfer problems or PrintCapture doesn't process the data correctly, go to "What Do I Do If Data Transfers Fail?".

Source Device GPIB Port to Computer Ethernet Port

We are currently working on a software interface to Prologix' GPIB-Ethernet Controller (see http://www.prologix.biz).

What Do I Do If Data Transfers Fail

If you have a problem transferring data from your source device to PrintCapture or PrintCapture does not process the data you should:

Verify that the data cable configuration between your source device and PrintCapture is correct.
If you are havong problems you may find the information at our FAQ What kind of serial cable do I need for my oscilloscope, logic analyzer, or spectrum analyzer? to be useful. Troubleshooting tips for serial port connections can be found at our FAQ I'm really having problems getting the serial data into my computer. What can I do to troubleshoot the serial interface?

If you still have a problem transferring data from your source device to PrintCapture or PrintCapture does not process the data you should:

Go to PrintCapture Setup> Configuration> Image Processing> Image Processing and check "Keep Raw Data".
Try to print or plot from your source device to PrintCapture again.
Note any message boxes that may get displayed and record the message - word-for-word.
Send an email to support@printcapture.com with the following information. If you don't send all the information we will ask for it again.

The manufacturer and model of your source device..
The complete Internet address where we can find information on your source device.
All of the cables and converters you are using to get the data from your source device to PrintCapture. Include manufacturer and model number for each cable and converter.
The raw data file created by PrintCapture.

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