C-MAP NT Reader

[Brian]

I have bought a new PC which runs Windows XP Home edition. Ever since this, my C-MAP NT Card Reader (PPCCR-1) refuses to be recognised via my parallel port, LPT1.
Anybody got any bright ideas that would solve this?
I use my PC to do all my route and cruise planning and it is a severe pain not being able to carry on doing so, with the result that I am now beginning to suffer navigation withdrawal symptoms.

[Splishsplash]

Hi Brian,

The problem you are having is probably caused by a faulty driver.
Every device you attach to a pc needs a proper software-driver.
This driver is system sensitive...the driver that works for Win98 will probably not work on XP.

Try finding the proper driver, you can try on special driver sites like Driver guide .

Log in using member-login and enter "Drivers" for username and "all" for password.

Otherwise try the site from the manufacturer, they usually have tech-support online.

Good luck on your driver hunt (can be a major pain in the butt...)

Eddy

[Splishsplash]

Hi again,

I did some research into your problem and found out a few things that sets my earlier advise on loose screws...
Apparently the card reader for the parralel port doesn't need a driver, just the reader for USB.

I couldn't find a compatiblity list anywhere, so I'm not sure if it should work on XP or not. What I did find is an e-mail address for questions like these: C-Map support

Perhaps Alan Priddy knows more...he is also mentioned on the web site of C-Map with a link to SOC and all!

I hope to have helped you at least a bit...

Cheers,

Eddy

[Alan Priddy]

Although the Spirit of Cardiff has a host of electronic equipment all I do is point the curser and press the big red button and the boat finds it's own way to where ever. Brian, telephone Paul Sumpner at CMap , he will be able to help you.

Alan P

[GraemeCooper]

Brian

This is more likly to be a Windows XP problem than anything else.

Windows 98, both versions, and Windows 2000 are both 'stand alone' operating systems. Windoes ME was a botched upgrade version that had some bugs but was still a stad alone system.

Windows XP is based on the old Windows NT system, ie a Network Version.

Of the several PCs / Laptops we operate only 1 has XP - and this is the oe that causes all of the problems. Wehave had to donload new drivers and 'patches' for just abut everythin - this is because being based on network version it is not fully 'backwards compatible' for older software / hardware.

You could try logging on to the Microsoft Website- they have a special section for problems with P.

Hope this heps

Graeme

[ChrisD]

Hi Brian

I am guessing that your C-MAP NT cards might be "compact flash cards" (also common as a format for some digital cameras).

If that is the case C-MAP undoubtly don't manufacture the readers themselves so I would say that perhaps a good option would be to try and see if they fit a USB Compact flash card reader?

These aren't particulary expensive (Jessops - the chain of camera Shops sell one for about £25.00). Maybe if you speak nicely to the shop they will let you try it.

You may also need to upgrade the version of the PC-Planner software first so it supports using a USB reader (But I believe this is free to download from C-MAP's website to registered users).

A similar route (although probably a bit more expensive) would be availible if the cards are the full PCMCIA type.

Cheers

ChrisD.

P.S. - Sorry , being a techie I am going to have to correct Graeme slightly:

Windows XP Home is a cut down, sorry- optimised (read limited networking) version of Windows XP Professional. Both these are derived from Windows 2000 and then before that Windows NT (i.e. Native 32 Bit)

Windows 95, 98 and then ME were descended from the Windows 3.1 line. (i.e. originally 16 Bit) ME was really just put out so that people with 95 + 98 didn't feel left out when Windows 2000 was released!

Right I can put away my anorak now

[Keith Hart]

[GraemeCooper]

That may be the technically correct version - however in the real world the 2 versions of Windows that cause most problems are the ME Version and the XP Version.

Having spoken extensively with Microsoft even they admitted that there is a whole load of software that does not work with XP - and that some peripherals will not work, especially if they are linked to software - they quoted digital cameras as an example.

Bring back Windows 3.11 !!

[John Hughes]

I've got a similar problem, and have just re installed windows 98
Biggest issue as mentioned, nothing old seems to work on XP
(Including me!)

[Brian]

Wow.
Thanks one and all for your enthuisiastic offers of assistance.
I will try tomorrow:
1. reseating the parallel port card (if there is one)
2. changing the cable
3. reseat all the connections
Will let you know if I suceed.

Alan P.- have been trying Paul for four days now-can't get through to him. Girls say he heaps busy.
Incidently I used to drive a Jag with one of those big red buttons on the dash. Mine read "I am p*****d, take me home"-worked for years till one day the stupid car hit an armoured personnel carrier. £5k worth of damage to the Jag. APC not even scratched. Didn't trust it after that.

[ChrisD]

Graeme,

>>That may be the technically correct version - however in the real world the 2 versions of Windows that cause most problems are the ME Version and the XP Version.

I couldn't agree more - Thats why I still use Win98 SE & Win 2000 Professional.

I promise you I live in the real world - well at least at weekends.

Cheers

Chris (has to work with computers but would rather be ribbing) D.

[Brian]

Thanks for everyones help. Most of which I understood.
However the wonderful Paul at C-Map told me this morning that only the USB version runs under XP. (Don't ask!).
New machine on its way to me. Getting excited already.