Using PCMCIA Parallel Port Card with Presentation software 

In experiments using Presentation software, parallel ports are used to send triggers to Nspike and the clinical system using the trigger box.  PCMCIA parallel port cards create a parallel port in computers that do not have a parallel port.

  1. After inserting the PCMCIA card into the computer, open up Presentation. In the “Settings” tab, click on the “Port” panel (on the left hand side).
  1. Under the “Output Ports” tab at the bottom of the page, you will see a “Port” tab.  This will contain the different output options automatically found by the computer.
  1. If you click on “Properties” (next to “Output Ports”), this will display the types of Serial Ports and Parallel Ports automatically detected by your computer.

3.1 If you see the parallel port that corresponds to your PCMCIA card, close the “Port Settings” box and continue to #4 (disregarding 3.2 and 3.3).

3.2 If you do not see the PCMCIA parallel port, you can search the computer for other Parallel Ports by clicking the “Reenumerate” button. Click on the appropriate Parallel Port and close the “Port Settings” box.

3.3 If the PCMCIA parallel port still does not show up, click the “Add” button.  Under type, click “Parallel Port”.  Type in the LPT number that corresponds to the PCMCIA card.  Once you click “Add”, the “Address” line will appear.  Type in the Address located on the PCMCIA card and close the “Add Port Device” and “Port Settings” boxes.

  1. Back in the “Port” panel, select the LTP number of the PCMCIA parallel port under “Output Ports”.  You can test this by hitting the “Test” button.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.neurobs.com/pres_docs/html/08_hardware_interfacing/01_ports/01_port_devices.htm