Application: Parallel connection for Dongles to run licensed software
Quatech Products Used: SPP-100 single port EPP parallel PCMCIA card

Many licensed software packages require keys (dongles) in order to operate. However, many of today's laptops do not have built-in parallel ports. A PCMCIA card such as Quatech's SPP-100 that functions exactly like a native bi-directional parallel port solves this problem and enables the software keys to be used.

For example, one Quatech customer uses Quatech's SPP-100 EPP parallel PCMCIA to run embroidery software on a Babylock electronic sewing machine. The software uses a security "dongle" that must be attached to a bi-directional parallel port provided by our card.

Interesting note: USB to parallel adapters often cannot be used for this purpose because they do not provide full bi-directional communication, they are simply printer ports.

Application: CCD camera control and astronomical imaging
Quatech Products Used: SPP-100 single port EPP parallel PCMCIA card

Many astronomers use CCD (Charged-Coupled Device) telescopic cameras to take high-resolution pictures of the heavens. To monitor and control these telescopic cameras Sourthern Stars Systems has developed the SkySight software package. This free, open source application (see http://www.southernstars.com/skysight/index.html for system requirements and download information)

SkySight is intended to be used as a companion to the company's sky simulation and telescope control program, SkyChart III. SkyChart III helps you find your way around the sky. SkySight lets you see what's in it. Together, SkyChart III and SkySight provide a complete solution for sky simulation, telescope control, CCD camera control, and image processing. However, they also require an EPP parallel port to interface with the CCD cameras. Many desktop systems provide such a port, but it is often lacking on laptops-and even if the laptop does still provide a parallel port, it often is not a high-speed EPP port. Southern Stars Systems recommend Quatech's SPP-100 for implementing their solutions on portable systems.