Connection to the Base

So, a base connection was needed to enable a proof-of-concept test. A parallel port connector just needed to be connected to the display plug. The result would essentially form an adapter that could be plugged into the existing socket on the base.

Before continuing, I have to point out in my defense that while I've had formal education in electrical theory, I've never had formal training in actually constructing circuitry. This has occasionally lead to less-than-wise decisions, one of which having been how to connect the plug to the connector.

Don't do this...

The obvious connection of lead wires to the connector was straightforward. After that, for some reason, I thought it would be best to attach wires from each of the plug and the connector to an intervening circuit board. Appropriate wires from each were to be soldered in different holes connected by prefab traces on the board. This turned out to be much harder than originally anticipated. The plug wires were so small compared to the hole size so that it took a lot of solder to hold them in place. Also, the hole spacing was such that it was difficult to keep all of that solder from shorting with an adjacent set. I don't think I made it farther than connecting two sets of wires before sitting back to think things through a bit more.

Searching for information on splicing wires, I ran across an excellent illustrated primer on splicing wires by "butt soldering". As it says, "This connection is physically and electrically sound while being cheap as well." I followed this guide and easily made all of the necessary connections to finish the protoadapter.

Having both connections to display and base, it was time for the moment of truth... Would additional circuitry be needed? I hooked up the six-foot cable, plugged the power brick into the base, and turned it on...

Oooo, the suspense is killing ya, isn't it...

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