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Looks like you'd better come and join us at http://www.monad.com/sdg/Journal/cynics.html Marc

Try these http://uk.shopping.com/xFS?RST=PP-&SEO=Printers-&KW=parallel

Although you'll probably find most of them are lasers due to the need to connect to network printer servers.

Anyone had the time and/or inclination to conquer this one yet?

At least we are not alone. For instance, see TechTalk .

Here are a few more ideas (red herrings?). How about making up an interface using one of Micro Solutions BackPack devices? These can be driven from the parallel port, and some have a USB capability as well. For instance, see this one or, perhaps, this .

We’re now getting to the stage where it depends on what’s available in the parent unit (ie, the Ziess IOL Master), and what type and size of files are we looking at. Any more clues, Bill?

How about the HP deskjet 6122?

See http://www.printer-warehouse.com/products/pdfs/hp_deskjet6122.pdf

I saw one today happily running off a Centronics connection. Are these printers still in the shops, I wonder? (I don’t get out much myself – well, not to the shops, anyway).

Geoff
This printer is in the same family as the 6120, which is currently supplied with Vitalograph Gold spirometers. I have tackled the company about future replacements, should the printer fail. They have addressed the problem but, as yet, haven't finalised a solution. Either they will produce software so that a printout can be had via a computer (currently it doesn't need one) or they will buy up the supply of printers. In any case they will only guarantee this for the next five years.

Try this link
http://www.dealtime.co.uk/xGS-epson_c64~NS-1~linkin_id-3060160
This Epson Range comes with Centronics and USB also the inks are cheaper than other printers.
Paul

Problem solved, then, Bill?

The Epson C86 also looks good. Excellent image quality, plus Centronics (and USB) connection. These printers have been available (recently at least) from PC World, Maplin’s and others. It is also recommended for use with the Ziess IOL Master, apparently. I have seen a couple of bits of kit recently which run on “hobbled” Windows operating systems, set up for particularly printers. Neither had any accessible disk drive. Anybody know how the driver gets loaded when installing a new printer to work with medical devices like this (does the IOL Master have a floppy drive, I wonder)? Seems like most drivers come on CD these days, though. Looks like we’ll have to upgrade the spec. of our parallel-to-USB interface device to include a way of loading printer drivers, guys. How about an attachment to enable downloading of drivers from any floppy, CD or the web, and then blow to EPROM for use in our magic interface? Something to be pondering for the rest of the day, then!

Geoff:

I've been a signed up member the last 33 years.

Marc

Sorry Folks been away on my holidays for the last week and a half and the last thing on my mind was work

I had reason to actually purchase an Epson D88 printer last week. Very nice and it has a full parallel port. Only problem now is how to get the drivers into the IOL Master. The printer only came with a CD and the IOL only has a floppy drive and there is no utility to put the driver on floppies which used to be an option on Epson machines. The solution will be to use our trusty old external CD-Rom with a parallel interface assuming I can get the driver for this to load. I will keep you posted.