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.
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| 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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